The Expo: Illinois Team 5 Top Performers

As we journey further into the talent showcased at The Expo: Illinois, our focus shifts to a new squad. Up next is Team 5, where we'll break down the impressive performances from their standout players!    Carter stood out as the most impressive prospect on this team, excelling in multiple areas. With the ball in his hands, his strength and body control allowed him to create angles and finish at the rim, frequently turning one-on-one matchups into mismatches. In transition, Carter showcased leadership, either finishing at the rim with power or delivering precision passes to teammates in stride. Defensively, his length and athleticism were disruptive, tipping passes and creating steals, while his strong vertical made him a factor on both ends of the court. Carter's combination of size, skill, and athleticism make him a standout prospect.     Baird demonstrated control as a guard, showing poise when attacking off the dribble and using a sharp shot fake to keep defenders off balance. He avoided forcing low-percentage shots or making risky passes, displaying good decision-making. His clean shooting form from long range adds to his offensive versatility. Defensively, Baird's relentless hustle and on-ball pressure were standout traits.     Despite his smaller frame for a forward, Yaqub made his presence felt on the defensive end, using active hands to disrupt passing lanes and hustle for steals. Offensively, the Hinsdale South lefty displayed a smooth release from mid-range and beyond the arc, showing range off the catch. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute defensively made him a key contributor on both ends.     Horton is a dynamic guard whose quickness makes him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he uses his speed to penetrate the defense, finishing inside with a mix of creativity and control. He also showed a reliable three-point shot and mid-range pull-up, both with a confident release. Defensively, Horton uses his lateral quickness to stay in front of opponents, provide timely gap help, and close out on shooters with control. Despite being undersized, his agility and tenacity allow him to make a significant impact.     Szafoni, a junior poised to get significant minutes for a strong Lane Tech team, impressed with his shooting and basketball IQ. He showcased a pure shooting form from distance, confidently knocking down several threes, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. As a reliable option in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop actions, Szafoni reads the defense well. His off-ball movement was equally sharp, with timely and intelligent cuts that consistently put him in scoring positions, even if he wasn't always rewarded with the pass. Szafoni used his height and length effectively on the boards, contributing solidly to his team's rebounding efforts.     The 6'6" big man Babic made a strong impression on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass where his positioning and effort provided second-chance opportunities. In the halfcourt, Babic showed a solid post presence, using his size and footwork to occupy defenders. He was also effective in setting strong, well-timed ball screens for his guards, either rolling hard to the basket or creating space for his teammates.

As we journey further into the talent showcased at The Expo: Illinois, our focus shifts to a new squad. Up next is Team 5, where we'll break down the impressive performances from their standout players!