Grit Region Finals: Illinois 17U Standouts Pt 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past weekend the Prep Hoops Grit Region Finals took place in Chicago featuring prospects from around the Midwest.&nbsp; Here we focus on the players that made an impression at the 17U level from the state of Illinois in <strong>Grit Region Finals: Illinois 17U Standouts Pt 2</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kenaz Jackson Jr ([program_tooltip program_id='2219307' first='1' last='Dream Basketball'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Kankakee small forward is consistent game in and game out.&nbsp; Jackson is an athletic three man that plays above the rim and in the open floor.&nbsp; He also has a really nice mid-range game especially with his turnaround jumper.&nbsp; Rebounds well for his position and is a solid defender.&nbsp; Showed some secondary connective passing as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2437681' first='Richie' last='Darr'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2219307' first='1' last='Dream Basketball'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darr had a big weekend for 1 Dream.&nbsp; The Bishop McNamara power forward is a skilled and athletic four that converted an array of and-1s, had a poster dunk, ran the floor well, finished out of the dunker spot, and was a force on the defensive end as a rim protector.&nbsp; Continues to have a strong spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2411845' first='Karter' last='Krutsinger'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2219307' first='1' last='Dream Basketball'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tough and hard nosed two guard that impacts the game on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Liked what he brought to the table as a passer finding Darr and his other teammates for scores.&nbsp; Finished inside out of the dunker spot and was a tough perimeter defender.</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>This Charleston 6'4” small forward caught our attention last summer and it was good to see him for the first time this spring.&nbsp; He made some clutch shots when they were needed.&nbsp; Plus shooter that can hit threes off the catch along with creating in the mid-range for pull up jumpers.&nbsp; Can use his strength playing bully ball when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408504' first='Cole' last='Bero'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bero brought a spark for his team early in their Saturday contest we caught.&nbsp; Competes on the defensive end of the floor turning defense into offense.&nbsp; Also is a skilled offensive player that is primed to take on a larger role this high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552473' first='Alijah' last='Little'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little transferred to Plainfield East for his senior season where he will be the guy.&nbsp; On Sunday for [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] he was their primary scoring threat and showcased he can carry that type of load for a team.&nbsp; Poured in mid-range jumpers left and right along with euro steps in the paint and spinning finishes at the cup for 22 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531979' first='CJ' last='Pittman'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075957' first='The' last='Work Foundation'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pittman is a 2028 scoring point guard from Walter Payton.&nbsp; He got after it on the defensive end in the first half of the game we caught.&nbsp; Created turnovers for points on the other end.&nbsp; Strong frame with good athleticism plays well in the open court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323326' first='Jordan' last='Shaw'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075957' first='The' last='Work Foundation'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shaw is an intimidating presence in the paint.&nbsp; He mauls on the offensive glass for second chance points with his physical body and athleticism.&nbsp; Flashed a right handed hook shot as well.&nbsp; Good post defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2864928' first='Jesse' last='House'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075957' first='The' last='Work Foundation'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>House was on fire from beyond the arc making five shots beyond the line.&nbsp; Off the catch and creating on his own.&nbsp; This Simeon guard is going to play a role for the [program_tooltip program_id='2076046' first='Wolverines' last=''] this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->