Highland Shootout: 2025 Illinois Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Highland Shootout took place over the weekend in an event that featured high profile talent from all over the country.&nbsp; In this story we break down prospects from Illinois in <strong>Highland Shootout: 2025 Illinois Top Performers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545138' first='Braden' last='Freeman'] (Moline)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freeman is headed to Cal-Poly next season.&nbsp; The small forward brings a good combination of size and skill on the perimeter.&nbsp; He wins on straight line takes, spin moves, and plays above the rim catching lobs along with finishing on the offensive glass.&nbsp; He had 13 points (6-13 FG) and 2 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545132' first='Treyvon' last='Taylor'] (Moline)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is a prospect that deserves more looks at the D2 level.&nbsp; He is a strong bodied post that allows him to carve out space on the interior especially on the catch when he seals for scores on the block.&nbsp; Light on his feet with nimble footwork.&nbsp; Also was active getting in passing lanes defensively as he had a pair of steals he took the other way for dunks.&nbsp; Good defender that positions himself well and rebounds very well in his area. Finished with 12 points (6-15 FG), 11 rebounds, 3 dimes, 3 blocks, and 5 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321410' first='Alanas' last='Castillo'] (Lemont)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Castillo was lights out from beyond the arc in their victory over Vianney!&nbsp; The shooting specialist went 6-13 from beyond the arc for 20 points.&nbsp; Quick and consistent release that he poured in at a high rate.&nbsp; Pure stroke where you think the shot is going in each time.&nbsp; Big time small college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105174' first='Matas' last='Gaidukevicius'] (Lemont)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other Lemont guard is a long and wiry athlete on the perimeter that plays with bounce and shot making.&nbsp; He was only 2-7 from deep in this game, but we know he can really knock down shots.&nbsp; The athleticism really pops in the open floor, crashing the glass, and defending on the perimeter.&nbsp; Moves well off the ball as he had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385298' first='Bradley' last='Longcor'] (Quincy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Longcor was at his best as a distributor in their game against Vashon.&nbsp; The combo is a skilled guard that is known for his shooting which he did hit 3-10 from deep, but it was his ability to get others involved with passes off live dribbles that really impressed us in his 11 point and 5 dime outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545125' first='Dominique' last='Clay'] (Quincy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clay had a big game for Quincy.&nbsp; The Austin Peay commit is a long and lanky wing that can flat out shoot the rock as he was 4-6 from distance against Vashon.&nbsp; Plus three point shooter with a consistent release.&nbsp; Feathery touch from three with elevation off the floor.&nbsp; Showed he could deck it as well with a sweeping layup along with and explosive slash for 20 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385308' first='Keshaun' last='Thomas'] (Quincy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas didn't have his biggest scoring game, but he was still effective on the interior.&nbsp; Broad shouldered five man that anchors down low.&nbsp; Most impressive move was a power drop step for a finish inside.&nbsp; He cleaned up on the defensive glass and passed it pretty well.&nbsp; He had 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 dimes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2304110' first='Mark' last='Louthan'] (Quincy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Louthan is a mobile stretch four that should find a home at the small college level because of his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter as he hit 3-5 in this game.&nbsp; Skilled forward that is a plus shot maker who had 13 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->