Summer Spotlight: Illinois 2026 & 2027 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reflecting on the early part of summer, several emerging young players have captured my attention during the grassroots season. These promising prospects have either gone largely unnoticed or have received minimal recognition thus far. I invite you to explore these rising talents in the <strong><em>Summer Spotlight: Illinois 2026 &amp; 2027 Prospects!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2410850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6671ee058b6f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perez, a guard from Proviso West, brings a solid presence to the [program_tooltip program_id='2075830' first='Sharks' last='Basketball Academy']. Despite his modest size, Perez excels in rebounding, consistently attacking the boards on both ends of the court. His defensive skills are noteworthy; he demonstrates an ability to block shots at the rim and offers reliable help defense when needed. While Perez may not be the type of offensive playmaker who can take over a game, his hustle and work ethic are invaluable to his team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2405863"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2465771,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6671ee058b77b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harley, a point guard from Buffalo Grove, showcases his talents with the All In Athletics program. One of Harley's skills is his handling of pick-and-roll situations. He exhibits patience with his screener, finding the roller or capitalizing on slip opportunities to feed the screen man effectively. Additionally, Harley excels at identifying open areas on the court to release his confident three-point shot. He has demonstrated to defenders that if they leave their hands down, he will make them pay from behind the arc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395221"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6671ee058b7cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Faulstich is an energetic and fun player who brings a dynamic presence to the court for his [program_tooltip program_id='2075622' first='M14' last='Hoops'] squad. Offensively, he can ignite the team when the offense is stalling or disorganized. He excels at turning sharp corners while keeping his eyes up, delivering crisp bounce passes, and even zipping one-handed passes past the defense like a quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Faulstich is the piece that completes the puzzle for his team. He creates jump balls, stays on his toes, and excels in a press defense by jumping passing lanes like a safety. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2437111"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6671ee058b81b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quach, the slippery point guard out of St. Patrick, is an electric player for the [program_tooltip program_id='2416064' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite-ICE'] program, even competing at the 2026 level. He is fundamentally sound with his dribble, keeping it low and tight to his hip, making it difficult for defenders to steal the ball. When receiving ball screens, Quach can turn the corner on a dime and employs a well-rounded spin move to create space from defenders. His quick burst when attacking the rim puts significant pressure on defenders, forcing them to respect his speed and agility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2425702"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6671ee058b861"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson, from the respected DePaul Prep program, showcases his development and skills during grassroots play for LVL Basketball. He leverages his size to dominate the defensive boards, exhibiting excellent box-out form and the ability to elevate and secure the ball. Johnson also possesses the skill to grab rebounds and take the ball coast-to-coast, scoring in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Around the rim, Johnson is a notable lob threat, demonstrating his ability to highpoint the ball and finish gracefully. Keep an eye on Johnson throughout the summer and into the regular season, as he has the potential to make significant contributions for the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Devin Shah","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hinsdale South ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6676366ad36d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shah stands out in this article as a new name to me and our scouts in Illinois, but he made a significant impact when I watched him play. He is a three-point machine! Shah understands his role on the court as a long-range shooter and executes it well. During his performance at PH Live, Shah was laser-focused on finding open spaces along the arc, receiving the pass, and confidently letting it fly. When he's on, he can make threes in bunches. I'm glad I had the opportunity to watch him compete and am excited to see his continued development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->