Rockford East Summer League: Stock Risers

PHI was in Rockford, IL on Monday catching some Northwest Illinois and Southcentral Wisconsin Basketball at the always competitive Rockford East High School Summer League. The League hosts 16 teams from the NIC10, Big Northern, NUIC, and couple of Wisconsin conferences. Each team plays 2 games per night on Mondays during the month of June. I caught glimpses of 4 games worth of action. Let's breakdown a handful of players who will be on the rise this coming season.    Had the strongest frame I saw tonight with a lot of mobility. Rebounded it well off misses and was able to convert on those opportunities. Was a bull dozer down low. While playing a post position, still likes to push the ball if given the chance. Made a couple big plays to give squad the upper hand at different times throughout the game. Made an And1 3 off an O board spray out, cut hard through the lane to retrieve it and finish, and picked off the inbounds pass with a minute left to seal the deal.     An active 2 way player that gets into the action consistently in different facets of the game. Defensively had a take-a-way and pass ahead for an assist in transition. Made a clean block on a drive as well. Fills the wing spot offensively and will keep pace with his ball handlers when the game speeds up. Plays hard nosed and runs the court at a good rate. Can spot up off the pass from 3 ball land. Had a couple good takes to the rim to convert.     Possesses a strong frame at the 1 or 2 slot and deceptively has a solid first step. Converted on a couple dribble drive takes to the rim with one being an and 1 finish through contact. Can spot up from 3 ball land on catch and shoot opportunities. Was active off misses on both ends. Made an O board tip back then retrieved it back for a lay in. Stays with the play and likes to remain in the action of the game.     Fills the 1 spot when need be but otherwise played an off-guard role. Had a lot of strong takes to the cup against quicker defenders. Started converting on dribble drives in the 2nd half. Possesses solid IQ and has a toughness demeanor. Will run offense accordingly in the half court setting getting teammates involved. Team runs a lot of sets with plenty of ball movement and he fits into that scheme nicely.     An incoming freshman that will make some noise on varsity this season. Possesses quickness running a bit of the 1 or 2 slots. Eyes are ahead of the game on the outlet looking for opportunities. Made a tough pocket bounce pass in transition between traffic for an assist. Offensively in the ½ court converted on a dribble hand off take to the cup off the deck. A speedy guard who will present a challenge on both ends in years to come.

PHI was in Rockford, IL on Monday catching some Northwest Illinois and Southcentral Wisconsin Basketball at the always competitive Rockford East High School Summer League. The League hosts 16 teams from the NIC10, Big Northern, NUIC, and couple of Wisconsin conferences. Each team plays 2 games per night on Mondays during the month of June. I caught glimpses of 4 games worth of action. Let's breakdown a handful of players who will be on the rise this coming season.