Arch Madness: Illinois Wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last event of the Prep Hoops Circuit for the summer was in St. Louis at Arch Madness. &nbsp;We were in the house to cover the entire event and examine the prospects that made an impact in <strong>Arch Madness: Illinois Wings</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1766471' first='Arlandis' last='Brown'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown was one of the higher ceiling prospects at the event.&nbsp; The East St. Louis wing can play both the two and three.&nbsp; He shot it pretty well from distance throughout the event.&nbsp; Best as a spot up guy that has a quick release making shots at a high rate throughout the event.&nbsp; Also brings athleticism being a major factor scoring in transition along with being able to blow past defenders in one on one situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1548328' first='Chandler' last='Mueller'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trenton Wesclin guard continued his three point shooting barrage in St. Louis as Mueller is among the best shooters in the 618!&nbsp; Strong built two guard that can really fire from three as a shooting specialist off the catch.&nbsp; Like the toughness overall and did flash some ability to play on the ball in a pinch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389565' first='Riley' last=''] Bauersachs ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bauersachs went from unknown to probable ranked prospect by the end of the weekend as the Pinckneyville 6'5” combo forward was the perfect complimentary piece for the Bears.&nbsp; Plus three point shooter off the catch with a smooth release.&nbsp; Rebounded well on both ends, sound passer, and his overall skill set really stood out.&nbsp; Good posting up weaker defenders, cuts off the ball, and has a sweet mid-range jumper.&nbsp; Good rebounder on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2407868' first='Tyler' last='Oakley'] (Illinois Mavericks)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakley is a wing that definitely made an impression over the course of the summer as the Charleston 2026 strong bodied wing is a sound shooter from beyond the arc.&nbsp; Plus shot maker that is primed for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552407' first='Luke' last='Blackford'] (Frontline)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackford was easily the most prolific scorer at the event averaging over 30 points a game in the games we saw including 39 points in one.&nbsp; The Calvary Academy product was an absolute star over the weekend and will get a much deserved rankings bump in our next update.&nbsp; He is a plus shooter from three that gets open off movement and can shoot it off the catch.&nbsp; Quick release and shoots it at a high percentage from beyond the arc.&nbsp; What we liked most though was how well he scored inside the arc.&nbsp; Not the most explosive athlete he knows how to use his strength, handles, and position his body to get advantages on defenders scoring in the lane.&nbsp; Nifty finishes on a consistent basis at the rim and made a lot of trips to the foul line.&nbsp; Solid passer that made some great reads on the move along with simple passes like feeding the post.&nbsp; Gritty on the glass for a wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2492520' first='Elijah' last='Wade'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2492529' first='Noah' last='Wade'] (Frontline)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These brothers from Springfield were the perfect compliments next to Blackford for Frontline over the weekend.  They each stand at 6'3” with good frames.  Elijah (2026) was more aggressive on Saturday with his ability to get downhill for sweeping layups and scoring in the paint.  Noah (2027) had a solid effort on Sunday in both games rebounding and hitting shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2507312' first='Dominic' last='Boyd'] (Illinois Orange 16U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd is a 2026 wing that moved to Illinois from Texas and will be attending Edwardsville High School next season.&nbsp; A lot to like here as a two way wing at about 6'3”.&nbsp; Does most of his offensive damage scoring in the paint whether it be on drives, in transition, or posting up weaker wings.&nbsp; Physical player that can also hit a crisp mid-range jumper and flashed as a spot up shooter from the corner.&nbsp; Really liked what he brought on the defensive end with his instincts as a shot blocker and getting steals.&nbsp; In their semi final win he had 18 points.&nbsp; Look for a big debut in the fall rankings update!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2507555' first='Kaleb' last='Turney'] (Illinois Orange 16U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turney brings solid size at 6'3”, strength, and athleticism on the wing.&nbsp; Liked what he showed as a skilled offensive player that can play on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Offensively he had some nice passing, euro steps, and toughness on the offensive glass.&nbsp; Defensively he was excellent defending his opponents along with blocking shots from his wing spot.&nbsp; He is a 2026 to watch this year at Metro East Lutheran.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->