Prep Hoops Live: Friday Night Lights Illinois and Michigan

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first live event of the Prep Hopps Circuit commenced just off of historic Route 66 on Friday night. Following are six pack of prospects from the Land of Lincoln and the Mitten. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Illinois </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2829138' first='Grayson' last='Lee'] 6-2 2027 Lyons Township (pictured) </strong>Lee kicked off the festivities red hot from beyond the arc in the opening game Friday night. Showed a smooth and confident release from beyond the arc. Obvious well schooled mechanics that he might need to speed up as he ages. Much more than just a standstill shooter. Got to the basket and showed the ability to finish through contact. After his Lockdown squad squandered a large early lead. Seemed to step up his intensity late to help his team seal the win. Finished with an impressive 27 points in the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2824392' first='Evan' last='Kataoka'] 5-8 2025 Niles Northridge Prep </strong>I'll shoot straight. I'm not normally a fan of post grads playing AAU. However if you are going to do it, you should play how Kataoka played on Friday. Controlled his team's triple OT sudden death loss to a squad from Michigan. Game never would have made it to the first OT without his heroics. An absolutely ridiculous deep three at the buzzer to send the contest into the first extra period. Not very big, but was fearless and got wherever he wanted with a super tight handle. Finished with an eye opening 38 points in the marathon. To the handful coaches present, he made it clear that he wants to keep playing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carmen Meccia 6-5 2026 Niles Notre Dame Prep </strong>While Kotaoka was providing the perimeter fireworks. Meccia was holding it down in the paint. Has a lengthy frame that helps him play taller than his listed height. Easily extended his offensive game out to the three with fundamentally sound shot. Light on his feet. Ran the court well and showed the lateral quickness to defend out on the perimeter. Finished with 16 points on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michigan </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2444561' first='Gavin' last='Stockwell'] 5-11 2027 Grandville </strong>The [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers'] Midwest 16U squad is loaded with similar lead guard prospects. Stockwell stood out with his perimeter shooting. Was in constant motion off the ball and caught the ball in the shooting motion. Hit three from beyond the arc. Sparking a second half comeback after getting off to a slow start. With the presence of fellow 2027 standout [player_tooltip player_id='2270810' first='Carter' last='Wade']. Open looks should not be a problem in the regular season. Accordingly, if Stockwell continues his hot shooting he could have a big junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399749' first='Will' last='Fisher'] 5-11 2026 Lapeer </strong>I'll be honest, I caught Lapeer early in the regular season and did not come away overly impressed. That's why I enjoy grassroots basketball. You get watch development happen rapidly and seemingly in real time. Fisher was very impressive in the aforementioned triple OT victory. Not very big but was shifty enough to find creative ways to get his shot off. The trigger quick release coupled with being left handed, made his shot hard to block. More than a pump. Good live dribble passer and played with his head up looking for teammates. Finished with 22 points and has some good momentum heading into the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2270813' first='Evan' last='Trudeau'] 6-1 2026 St Clair </strong>Trudeau continues to show rapid physical development. Has transformed into a physical guard as he approaches his senior season. Was quiet at times on Friday. However when he decided to put his head down and attack the basket. He was simply too strong for most defenders. Especially evident on the game clinching drive where he drew a foul. Still not the tallest prospect, but makes up for it with long arms and broad shoulders. Finished with 12 points and won the game at the line with a sudden death free throw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->