Grit Region Kickoff: Illinois Standouts
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This past weekend in Louisville we covered the Grit Region Kickoff! There were several Illinois teams in the event. Here we dive into the prospects that caught our attention the most in Grit Region Kickoff: Illinois Standouts! Bryce Haar Bryce…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend in Louisville we covered the Grit Region Kickoff! There were several Illinois teams in the event. Here we dive into the prospects that caught our attention the most in Grit Region Kickoff: Illinois Standouts!
Bryce Haar Bryce Haar 6'2" | SG Wesclin | 2027 IL ( Illinois Bears Haar 15U)
This Trenton Wesclin 6’2” guard had a big weekend for the Bears. Combo that has good strength. Can really shoot it from deep as he hit multiple threes in both games we saw including four in one. Uses his strength to get on the glass and can get out a little in transition.
Jagger Mayville Jagger Mayville 6'5" | SF Waltonville | 2027 IL ( Illinois Bears Haar 15U)
Mayville was a revelation in Louisville. The 6’5” Waltonville forward is more of a face up four that has good length and mobility. Lefty hit turnaround jumpers, several threes, and finished well around the hoop with athleticism. Like the projectability here.
Bennett Becker ( Illinois Bears Haar 15U)
Becker is a crafty four man at 6’4” from Breese Central. The low post big man went to work in their second game on Saturday. Used his frame and touch in the paint to score. Hook shots, put backs, scoring off out of bounds plays, and is just overall so efficient with everything he does.
Anthony Spain Anthony Spain 5'10" Maine West | 2027 IL (Spartans Sports Basketball Elite 15U)
Spain is a thick bodied combo guard from Maine West High School. The 5’10” guard was at his best attacking downhill on straight line takes scoring or getting to the line. Flashed as a shooter.
Dusan Jelaca Dusan Jelaca 6'4" | C Ridgewood | 2027 IL (Spartans Sports Basketball Elite 15U)
Jelaca is a mature bodied 6’4” forward from Ridgewood that snatched rebounds and played with physicality on the perimeter. He had a nice sweeping layup and scored in the paint with energy.
Rhett Mclain Rhett Mclain Central A&M | 2027 IL (Illinois Warriors 15U)
Mclain is only in 8th grade, but this central Illinois guard was quite impressive! The 5’10” point guard was a flame thrower from distance hitting three after three. He also mixed in some mid-range pull ups and attacked some off the bounce. Aware on the defensive end and has good strength. Look for him to impact from day 1 in high school.
Ace Spinner Ace Spinner Central A&M | 2027 IL (Illinois Warriors 15U)
Spinner is a 6’0” point guard from Central A&M that played well for the Warriors. Very smooth shooting stroke knocking them in at a high clip when we saw him with a clean release. Solid frame for the guard.
Drew Lundberg Drew Lundberg 6'1" West Aurora | 2026 IL (88 West 17U)
One of the biggest breakout players of the weekend was this West Aurora 2026 shooting guard. Lundberg is a plus plus shot maker that rained them in all weekend. Made five threes in one game and a bunch in another. Also brings athleticism and some projectability to the table.
Kewon Marshall Kewon Marshall 6'3" | SG West Aurora | 2025 IL Marshall (88 West 17U)
Marshall is a dual sport athlete at West Aurora that is also a star football player. Strong and athletic 6’1” two guard that brings ELITE athleticism to the table. For him it starts with what he brings on the defensive end. He locked down on the perimeter in your face and moving his feet. Snatched and swatted shots at the cup. Offensively he loves to slash and play in transition. Flashes as a shooter, but is best using his burst off the bounce.
Gabriel Gonzales Gabriel Gonzales 6'8" | PF West Aurora | 2025 IL (88 West 17U)
This 6’8” center definitely made a name for himself with a big weekend. The five man rebounds very well in his area. Long arms and broad shoulders. Snatches rebounds and is a solid scorer when he gets touches on the interior. West Aurora big is one to watch going forward.
Ewola Ewola 6'3" Benet Academy | 2024 IL ‘ last=”] Moukoulou (88 West 17U)
This unsigned senior from Benet flew under the radar for the Redwings, but we can see him helping out a small college or JUCO with his strength, athleticism, and defense. Plays with intensity and can get to the rim in transition.
Ryheem Tyus Ryheem Tyus 6'5" | SF St. Teresa | 2024 IL (Illinois Warriors 17U)
Another unsigned senior here courtesy of Decatur St. Teresa. Long and rangy wing that got to the line at a high rate. Bouncy around the hoop which he showed on both ends of the floor with his shot blocking and overall defense.
Damonte Phillips (Illinois Warriors 17U)
This Decatur Eisenhower 2027 point guard is a southpaw that impressed playing up two age levels. He pushes the pace with his dynamic speed. Knocks in shots with the flick of his wrist from three. Loves to play in the open floor where he can use his speed and creativity.
Brady Doss Brady Doss 6'0" Maroa Forsyth High School | 2026 IL (Illinois Warriors 17U)
Doss also played up on the 17U level as a 2026 prospect. Keep an eye on this wing that can deck it finishing well around the hoop for and-1s and spinning layups. Also showed he is a capable shot maker from three.