Ridgewood Live: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook

The second day of the Ridgewood Live Event was a full day of hoops from 8 AM until 10 PM.  We were there from start to finish!  Here were my impressions of the day in Ridgewood Shootout: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!   Hillcrest Frontline and Backcourt Play Well Off Each Other in Opener   We started the day with Hillcrest scoring a 54-46 win over Crystal Lake South despite their star point guard's effort.  Hillcrest's top two prospects are 2025 big man [player_tooltip player_id='1541235' first='Jaylen' last='Ingram'] and 2026 five man [player_tooltip player_id='2323269' first='Max' last='Carmicle'].  They each bring athleticism, size, length, and rebounding as twin towers that few can match.  Finish on the offensive glass and out of the dunker spot.  Their backcourt of 2025 Jovi Ratliff and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2540107' first='Jamir' last='Ratliff'] shined in this one scoring 12 points and 13 points respectively.  Mixed in threes, floaters, and used athleticism off the bounce.   [player_tooltip player_id='1433337' first='AJ' last='Demirov'] has emerged as one of the premier lead guards in the senior class.  The 2025 floor general was zipping passing all around the floor for dimes while still getting his own buckets with crisp pull ups and acrobatic layups.  Burst with the ball in his hands.  Finished with 14 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='1598678' first='Cooper' last='Buelna'] is a small college wing to track.  Physical forward that scored on put backs and using his strong frame getting downhill.   Homewood Flossmoor Scratches Past DGN in Low Scoring Contest   The second game featured two of the best teams in the state from last season.  Homewood Flossmoor recorded a super low scoring 31-21 win against DGN.  Shots just were not falling for either team.  Top ranked 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1385293' first='Bryce' last='Heard'] of HF led the way as he was able to knock in several pull ups in the mid-range along with a three notching 14 points.   DGN post [player_tooltip player_id='2217947' first='Bobby' last='Grganto'] is a senior tough post that plays with physicality and can score on the block sealing and had a nice right handed hook shot.   Wright Claims 2OT Benet Victory in Sudden Death vs Lake Zurich   Benet recorded a pair of wins at the buzzer on Saturday.  The first game in a sudden death 51-49 contest against Lake Zurich.  Early on it was the sharp shooting of [player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] that had it rolling hitting several like he usually does, but his last two he got two feet in the paint and floated it in for the win.  The 2026 guard had 8 points.  It was a quiet first half for [player_tooltip player_id='1598682' first='Daniel' last='Pauliukonis'] who has a lot of buzz among coaches right now.  He turned it up in the second half as the face up big hit a pair of threes and rim ran showing his athleticism on the way to 12 points.  Lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1598658' first='Blake' last='Fagbemi'] has such an advanced understanding of the game.  High level passer that can score around the hoop despite his lack of height recording 11 points.   Lake Zurich big man [player_tooltip player_id='1766464' first='Anton' last='Strelnikov'] has also created some helium after a strong day.  He isn't the most athletic or tallest, but he just gets the job done EVERY SINGLE GAME!  In this one against a big Benet front line he poured in 17 points.  Such a skilled five that can score around the hoop with positioning and touch along with stretching out to beyond the arc draining a corner three.  Skilled passer as well and rebounds in his area.   Mt. Carmel Guard Trio Too Much for Peoria Star   The Caravan lost a high-major recruit, but they return a trio of guards with state title game experience in [player_tooltip player_id='1385307' first='Cameron' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='2105179' first='Grant' last='Best'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1845357' first='Noah' last='Mister'].  That was enough in a 48-37 win against Peoria High.  The senior trio play well off each other.  Thomas is a broad shouldered combo that loves to attack downhill just as he did in this one finishing in the lane for 13 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2105179' first='Grant' last='Best'] is a plus shot maker from beyond the arc that can also mix in soft touch finishes as he had 10 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='1845357' first='Noah' last='Mister'] is a quick lead guard that is active on both ends and makes those around him better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1766506' first='Leshawn' last='Stowers'] looked the part of a legit mid-major player and someone that will certainly get a bump in our next update as we were not able to see him all spring.  Big and physical wing that plays on the ball as their primary ball handler.  He took it right at the defense over and over again.  Plays with good pace and change of speed on his drives.  Crisp handle and finishes extremely well in the lane through and around defenders.  Hit a pull up three early in the 19 point outing.   Simeon Starting Five Strong Performance   In Tim Flowers second season he has a starting five that should be able to make some noise in the CPL especially if they play like they did Saturday in a 46-25 win vs Stevenson.  It was a balanced effort.  Their top prospect 2026 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552394' first='Andre' last='Tyler'] played with a lot more intensity than we had seen previously.  The freaky athlete played above the rim on several big dunks, but also showed improved passing feel as well and willingness on the defensive end in a 10 point outing.  His fellow 2026s [player_tooltip player_id='2323264' first='Kassidy' last='Nelson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323288' first='Isaiah' last='Coleman'] each showed continued progression since last season.  Nelson is a wing that brings strength and athleticism putting pressure on the rim.  He had 8 points as did Coleman who is an athletic post that rebounds well in his area and is a solid post defender.  Senior lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1385305' first='Lorenzo' last='Shields'] runs the show continuing to progress as a lead ball handler.  Creative with the rock in his hands.  Class of 2025 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1439013' first='Julien' last='Doyle'] has made strides growing, shooting it much better, and being able to play with the ball in his hands in addition to the elite athleticism he has always had.  Went for 9 points.   DePaul Prep Looks Like Machine on Both Ends   The two time defending state champs DePaul Prep looked like they were capable of beating all comers once again in a 50-30 win vs OPRF.  DePaul Prep features essentially four point/combos that can all handle, pass, and shoot.  It makes it so hard for teams to defend.  [player_tooltip player_id='1545133' first='Makai' last='Kvamme'] is a proven winner that makes shots and plays with so much poise.  Finished with 12 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] is a Whitney Young transfer that is a slick ball handler creating for himself and others off the bounce, is a capable shooter, and really defends.  [player_tooltip player_id='1385311' first='Robert' last='Walls'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323334' first='AJ' last='Chambers'] were both rock solid in the win.  Class of 2026 big man [player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] sets inside the top 10 because of his frame, rebounding, and how he can score with strength at the rim.  That is exactly what he did in a 10 point performance on Saturday.  Their defense was off the charts!  The quickness and guards flying all over the floor with active hands was suffocating!   Despite the loss OPRF 2026 duo [player_tooltip player_id='1766470' first='Alex' last='Gossett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1385310' first='Alexander' last='Vincent'] had flashes.  Gossett actually played pretty well as he has always been known as an elite level athlete and now has added some skill to that recording 14 points.  Big man Vincent is a legit five with size that has touch around the hoop and high points rebounds.   Joliet West Wings Have Big Outing vs Lake Forest   This game featured two of the breakout prospects of the event as Joliet West won over Lake Forest 42-31.  Joliet West 2026 wing Ethan Hillsman has emerged as a potential top 10 junior after transferring in from Tennessee.  He is a strong and athletic wing that can also play some small ball four at times.  Good transition player, bullies his way to the hoop, and finishes out of the dunker spot.  Their top 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1766497' first='Zion' last='Gross'] impressed coaches on hand to see him recording 13 points including an early triple.  His athleticism is his calling card as he was able to deck it getting to the rim.   Lake Forest power forward Hudson Scroggins is causing quite a bit of buzz with coaches from how he has played.  The lefty 6'7” four man can stretch with a crisp shot off both the catch and one dribble.  Comfortable putting it on the ground from the mid-post and scores with quickness inside as he had 13 in this game.  Trending toward a potential D1 guy and a massive bump up the rankings.   State's Top Shot Maker Drains Three to Finish 2OT New Trier Win   New Trier and St. Patrick featured a pair of top 2026 point guard squaring off in [player_tooltip player_id='1554516' first='Christopher' last='Kirkpatrick'] vs [player_tooltip player_id='1385287' first='EJ' last='Breland'].  It was a great game that came down to a corner three from the state's top sniper [player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] as the elite spot up shooter in 2026 was nothing but net in a 47-44 double OT victory over St. Pat's.  Houlihan is as good as it comes as a pure catch and shoot guy as he had at least four in this game alone along with plus size.  [player_tooltip player_id='1385306' first='Colby' last='Smith'] also shot it at a high level which he has all weekend draining five triples for 15 points.  Kirkpatrick was the one getting them the ball with his crisp passing and dynamic ball handling.  Also recorded 10 points including a pair of threes of his own.   Breland started off very strong in this one for St. Pat's.  He is a rangy point guard that is at his best shooting the rock which he did from both mid-range and three in this game getting his team rolling early.   Dekalb Dynamic Duo Continue to Make Noise   Last season one of my favorite teams to watch was Dekalb with their dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1545123' first='Sean' last='Reynolds'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2105355' first='Davon' last='Grant'].  They were at it again in a 55-39 win vs Crane.  Reynolds is one of the top snipers in the state a the two guard spot as he was raining in threes while mixing in soft touch finishes.  Grant will most likely end up going the football route at the next level but the athleticism is out of this world on the hardwood which was shown on massive dunks, elite rebounding, and great defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2454169' first='Brad' last='Blackmon'] made a name on the PHC during the spring and back with his high school team it was more of the same.  The lefty guard is a rangy wing that can really shoot it along with being a plus athlete.   Coulter and Brooks Carry Rich Past Marist in Highly Athletic Game   Rich Township recorded a 50-38 win against Marist in a game with high level athletes all over the floor.  [player_tooltip player_id='1845352' first='Jamson' last='Coulter'] is a 2026 shooting guard that is among the top 10 prospects in the state.  He showed why in this one knocking in threes, finishing with power inside, making the extra pass, and locking down defensively in a big performance.  His new running mate [player_tooltip player_id='1766460' first='Al' last='Brooks'] Jr brings plus athleticism and was electric in the open floor wither it was dunks, euro steps, and-1s, or bullet passes he was slicing up the defense.  He is a top 10 player in his class of 2025.   Class of 2025 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552436' first='Karson' last='Thomas'] didn't shoot it particularly well yesterday, but was better in this one hitting a pair from deep along with using his hops getting on the offensive glass for several put backs for Marist.   Northwestern Commit Drops 31 Points in Front of Wildcats Celeb Superfan   In maybe the most entertaining game of the day St. Ignatius topped Niles North 62-53. Top 5 rising senior and Northwestern commit [player_tooltip player_id='1385292' first='Phoenix' last='Gill'] had the single best game I have ever seen him. He was dominant in a 31 point outing doing it in front of St. Ignatius and Northwestern alum Michael Wilbon of Pardon the Interruption. Gill was aggressive from the jump, but in control at the same time. He was getting to the rack on slippery takes through traffic for scores at the rim recording numerous layups. He pushed the issue scoring and getting to the line not relying on the jumper too much which he occasionally does. Did hit a couple of triples in this game. [player_tooltip player_id='2323283' first='Chris' last='Bolte'] has an arrow point up on his stock as the lefty face up four has gotten stronger since the end of the season and is playing with a ton of confidence. He is fluid finishing around the hoop, rebounds well in traffic, and can stretch with his shooting draining 3 from beyond the arc in a 15 point outing.   Niles North 2025 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2105209' first='Reid' last='Olson'] is a straight bucket! Such a crafty scorer hitting deep threes and off balance shots on his way to 18 points. Guard him when cones across hslf court because its going up! [player_tooltip player_id='2105191' first='Hunter' last='Gawron'] is a face up four with athleticism thst played well around the rin recording 14 points with efficiency.   Gonzales Shows Complete Game in Brother Rice Rout   [player_tooltip player_id='1545120' first='Marcos' last='Gonzales'] led the way for Brother Rice in a blowout win against Marist.  He was assertive early on hitting a three from the top of the key, but then it was all downhill.  He had multiple and-1s using his size and fluid handles making him a tough cover off the bounce all game long scoring 16 points in addition to a nice passing feel.  [player_tooltip player_id='2538898' first='Jack' last='Weigus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2538949' first='KJ' last='Morris'] are a pair of two guards at 6'3” that each made some noise in this one racking up their fair share of points.   Hyde Park Guards Shot Making Impresses against LWE   Last week Hyde Park 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2540031' first='Kyle' last='Ward-Owens'] scored an offer from NIU and was looking for more in their 48-38 victory against Lincoln Way East.  Ward-Owens is a southpaw with a beautiful lefty shot which he hit four of in the first half.  Free and easy shot with deep range.  Also showed he could get to the rim off the bounce for and-1s and reverse layups in a 17 point outing.  His 2025 running mate Kameron King is a strong bodied wing that also shot it well from both two and three pouring in 14 points.   Saw some flashes from [player_tooltip player_id='1766467' first='Brendan' last='Sanders'] in this one.  The talented wing looked comfortable shooting the ball from mid-range and three along with using his athleticism in a 9 point outing.   Schaumburg Big Man Dominates Inside vs Talented West Aurora Squad   Big man [player_tooltip player_id='1766477' first='Zion' last='Young'] was excellent for Schaumburg closing out the night with a 50-43 win against West Aurora.  The big man has slimmed down and is mobile as ever.  Used his footwork, spin move, and touch to score in the paint.  Very nimble athlete for his size that also rebounded in his area and was active on the defensive end.   Freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] had a run of his own in this one hitting three consecutive shots from deep with a ton of arc.  Finished with 13 in the loss, but the smooth guard looks to be among the best of the best in 2028.  Highly ranked hooper [player_tooltip player_id='1545116' first='Terrence' last='Smith'] will be going the football route in college, but that doesn't mean he can't throw down the dunk of the day on a massive poster.  That got him going hitting a pull up and scoring in the open floor.  [player_tooltip player_id='2125687' first='Travis' last='Brown'] is a wiry and rangy 2027 point guard that is slick with the rock in his hands being able to score off the bounce and push it ahead to his running mates.    Quick Hitters   [player_tooltip player_id='1552479' first='Rico' last='D'Alessandro'] is now with Maine South after transferring over there from Whitney Young.  He is the go to option and the skilled 2026 four man is excelling.  Plays with a high-motor and was able to display his skill level.  Crafty around the hoop, scored in the open floor, and had a nice hook shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Jake' last='Pollack'] is a big man from Deerfield who continues to get stronger.  Good frame and athletic pop in the limited viewing we had of him.  Definitely a 2026 low-majors and mid-majors should be keeping tabs on.

The second day of the Ridgewood Live Event was a full day of hoops from 8 AM until 10 PM. We were there from start to finish! Here were my impressions of the day in Ridgewood Shootout: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!