The Expo: Illinois Team 6 Top Performers

Prep Hoops Illinois hosted its annual Top 250 Expo at the wonderful Community Sports Plex in Plainfield. The event drew players from across the state, all eager to make their mark and catch the eye of viewers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some standout performers from Team 6!    The 6'3" wing Jackson showcased his athleticism across multiple facets of the game. Offensively, he found lanes to attack, showing a knack for slicing through gaps on his way to the rim, where his impressive vertical allowed him to finish above the defense. Defensively, Jackson was a pest. Hounding ball handlers, disrupting passing lanes, and providing strong help-side support. His leaping ability also made him a capable rim protector. Beyond his skill set, his hustle stood out, as he made the effort plays that often go unnoticed.     Shooting guard Johnson demonstrated his ability to hit shots from deep, displaying a smooth release and fluid stroke, particularly off the catch. He also mixed in pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc, adding versatility to his perimeter game. Inside the arc, Johnson showed his ability to penetrate the defense with strong drives, collapsing defenders and finishing with a soft touch. When the defense converged, he made smart reads, finding the right kick-out pass to open teammates.     The Niles West point guard, Nguyen, caught my eye initially with his consistent defensive stance where he maintained a low position and used his quickness to slide with ball-handlers. Additionally, he showed great hustle and effort following up on missed shots in transition.     Love, out of Waukegan, was a constant presence on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he made his mark by relentlessly battling on the boards, pulling them down in bunches. His high motor was evident, as he not only locked down his individual matchup but also provided help-side support, filled gaps, and sprinted into traps when opportunities arose. On offense, Love showcased an aggressive, attack-first mentality with the ball, often using his strength to power through defenders and finish at the rim. He also completed a highlight-worthy alley-oop and proved he can knock down the three when given space.     As a smaller guard, Cooper displayed key skills that form a strong foundation, though there's room for refinement. Off the dribble, he slipped through driving lanes, collapsing the defense into the paint. One standout moment in the 5v5's saw him execute a smooth jump stop and finish with a well-timed floater. Defensively, Cooper's active hands were a key asset, leading to deflections and creating a jump ball opportunity.     Salkauskas, the young big man from Stagg, held his own against upperclassmen and made a strong impression. He had several standout moments attacking the basket with authority, finishing through contact. His quickness allowed him to exploit slower bigs, taking them off the dribble. Salkauskas also excelled in the pick-and-roll, running the floor at a solid pace and using his length to provide rim protection.     The point guard from Herrin, Staple, displayed impressive quickness off the dribble, often speeding past his defender to gain inside position. When given the opportunity, he showed the ability to take it all the way to the rim, avoiding shot contests and finishing with a soft touch. A standout moment came when he executed a sharp pass fake, creating space before calmly stepping into a three-point make.     Daniel, the younger brother of Kevinas and the youngest participant at the event, did not shy away from competing against older, more experienced players. He demonstrated smart cutting in the halfcourt, reaping the rewards of his movement. One standout moment was his fantastic up-and-under move from the post, which definitely caught the attention of viewers. Additionally, Daniel showcased his ability to put the ball on the floor, employing a go-to spin move that created separation when defenders closed in.

Prep Hoops Illinois hosted its annual Top 250 Expo at the wonderful Community Sports Plex in Plainfield. The event drew players from across the state, all eager to make their mark and catch the eye of viewers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some standout performers from Team 6!