Show Me Showdown: Illinois Wings
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This past weekend the Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown took place in St. Louis. This is annually one of the best PHC stops for Midwest teams. We dive into a look at the wings from Illinois that made an impression…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend the Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown took place in St. Louis. This is annually one of the best PHC stops for Midwest teams. We dive into a look at the wings from Illinois that made an impression on us.
Arlandis Brown Arlandis Brown 6'4" | SF East St. Louis | 2025 State IL ( Illinois Bears 17U)
Brown got off to a bit of a slow start in their first game on Saturday, but then lit it up later that night ripping off 19 points against Team Ramey. The East St. Louis wing is a plus shot maker from beyond the arc with a feathery stroke especially off the catch, but also made a sick step back three in that game as well. The athleticism shines on both ends as he had a stretch where he took over defensively blocking shots and locking down. Can post up wings and score in the open floor above the rim. Has low-major potential!
Sam Donald Sam Donald 6'8" | PF Columbia | 2025 State IL (Gateway 17U)
Donald was one of the top prospects from the state of Illinois at the event over the weekend. We saw all three of their games. It was his first outing that was most impressive as the skilled three man notched 16 points showing off his versatile offensive skill set. He has a clean looking shooting stroke from both beyond the arc and was especially effective pulling up in the 15-18 feet range. Showed improved handles winning off the bounce including a fantastic right handed rip for a straight line take. Rebounds well from his wing spot and we saw a lot of improvement as a secondary passer with crisp dishes and outlets throughout the weekend.
Lyncoln Koester Lyncoln Koester 6'3" | SG Mt. Zion | 2025 State IL (Team Ramey 17U)
This Mt. Zion shooting guard is coming off a big season helping lead his team to the state final four. Known mostly as a shooter, for the first game and a half we caught it was his crafty finishing game that was on display. He is a strong guard that has solid handles and can finish through contact at the rim with solid burst. Then in the second half against Gateway he unleashed his shot making which blew the game open. He made three after three including several from really deep. Gave his team the momentum to record the big win.
Kenaz Jackson Jr. Kenaz Jackson Jr. 6'3" | SG Kankakee | 2026 State IL (1 Dream 17U)
This Kankakee 6’3” 2026 was playing up on the 17U level for 1 Dream. He has the prospect look with a long and lanky frame that should allow him to grow another inch or two. This skill that carried him was his feathery jumper which was flowing over and over against in the mid-range. Hit them one after another including four in a short time span. Definitely will see his name in our 2026 rankings update in June!
Nathaniel Smith Nathaniel Smith 6'5" | SF O'Fallon | 2025 State IL (Illinois Orange 17U)
Smith had a bit of an up and down weekend. The Belleville East wing has the physical tools and athleticism to be a really good player at the small college or JUCO level. The jumper was not falling over the weekend for him. Still managed to get points in the paint with his athleticism scoring on floaters, runners, and cuts off the ball. Would like to see him be more aggressive as he is the best prospect on his team.
Chandler Mueller Chandler Mueller 6'1" | SG Trenton Wesclin | 2025 State IL ( Illinois Bears Waters 17U)
Mueller is a tough as nails shooting guard from Trenton Wesclin that is an under the radar small school gem from the 618! Plus shot maker from beyond the arc that can create his own shot or hit off the catch. Plays with a high-motor and also is a scrappy defender.
Riley Riley IL Wallace (Illinois Mavericks 17U)
This unsigned senior from Marshall is a shooting guard with strength who is a solid shot maker from three and has some passing feel with potential as a combo guard at the small school level.
Cayden Nichols (Illinois Mavericks 17U)
Nichols opened our eyes with a strong performance for the Mavericks. The unsigned senior wing from Newton has size and strength on the perimeter. Burst off the bounce finishing well in traffic on drives and out of the dunker spot. Flashed as a shooter. Good D3 player.
Noah Taylor Noah Taylor 6'2" | SG Dunlap | 2025 IL (Illinois Mavericks 17U)
Taylor is a two guard that caught our attention with how hard he played. Runs the floor hard, scores in transition, and was crafty around the rim as a finisher. Got on the offensive glass from his guard spot and was efficient with his touches.
Braden Phillips Braden Phillips 6'3" | PF Arcola | 2025 IL (Illinois Mavericks 17U)
This Arcola 2025 wing is a good scorer around the hoop with nifty layups, rim running, and finishing out of the dunker spot on quick passes inside.
Lawson Bynum (Team Ramey 16U)
Bynum was a new name that popped on our radar this weekend. The East St. Louis wing is the latest Bynum from the Flyers that looks the part! He is a physically gifted thick bodied 6’6” wing that is a very good rebounder. Shoots it pretty well from the perimeter as a shot maker, but does seem to settle for it as he has the strength to finish through contact at the rim. Chance to be an above average defender.
Colton Hawkins Colton Hawkins 6'2" | PG Carterville | 2026 State IL ( Illinois Bears 16U)
Hawkins is having a nice spring as the Carterville shooting guard is a plus shooter that can hit them off the catch, move, and even creating on his own from distance. Over the weekend he also showed improved handles and athleticism scoring off the bounce along with getting to the free throw line.
Devin Meier Devin Meier 6'0" | SG Centralia | 2026 State IL ( Illinois Bears 16U)
Meier emerged at the Pure Sweat Camp and has been on fire ever since! The Centralia shooting guard is a plus shot maker from three that lights up the nets from distance. In their Sunday morning contest he made four of them with an effortless stroke letting it fly with ease. He is also an underrated passer that can move without the ball scoring on cuts and in transition.
William Liddell (Illinois Orange 15U)
Liddell is a physical wing at Belleville West that is the cousin of former Maroons star EJ Liddell. He was the most productive player for the Illinois Orange squad in the game we caught. High-motor and physical presence especially on the interior getting to the line and scoring in the paint.