Romeoville Live: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Romeoville Live Event kicked off on Friday with 10 courts running all day long with teams from Illinois and Missouri.&nbsp; Here I examine the games I caught, what teams shined, and which prospects elevated their stock in <strong>Romeoville Live Shootout: Scotty B's Friday Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Normal U-High Starts Day Off with Win Behind Balanced Effort vs Riverside Brookfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We began the event with a matchup between Normal U-High and Riverside Brookfield.&nbsp; Pretty competitive contest throughout with Normal U-High extending and winning 59-48.&nbsp; Their top prospect 2027 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2532349' first='Owen' last='Kirby'] took a bit to get going, but he did get rolling from distance in the second half nailing three off them along with a crisp pull up in the mid-range.&nbsp; Plus shooter with size that flashed quality rebounding and improving passing.&nbsp; Continue to be intrigued with big bodied guard [player_tooltip player_id='2388638' first='Cameron' last='Johnson'] who knows how to use his physicality for scores on crafty takes and is a high level distributor with an advanced feel at 6'1”.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2891631' first='Dallas' last='Smith'] is a wiry guard that brings shot making and a scrappy defender.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2877367' first='Devin' last='Fitzgerald'] is a solid shooter that has good handles at the point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2105396' first='Cameron' last='Mercer'] led the way for RB with his shooting opening up with a trio from deep.  Then he started to attack where he got to the foul line and the 2026 guard had acrobatic conversions.  Noah Van Tholen is a name we had heard some buzz about coming in and the 2028 6'3” combo is definitely one to monitor.  Capable shooter with good size and can win off the bounce in one on one situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marist Puts on Show vs Talented Webster Groves Lineup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game never quite materialized into what we thought it would be when Webster Groves star Scottie Adkinson took a charge and was injured.&nbsp; He came back, but wasn't his usual self.&nbsp; Marist capitalized in a dominant showing continuing to look like one of the best teams in Illinois winning 55-42.&nbsp; Up front 2026 power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1845350' first='Stephen' last='Brown'] continues to elevate his stock with a strong June.&nbsp; The athletic post snatched rebounds, pushed it off the defensive glass, played above the rim, and even hit a corner three.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1552436' first='Karson' last='Thomas'] is also having a big couple of live periods.&nbsp; Strong and athletic two guard that attacks with force.&nbsp; He got to the line and scored around the cup with athleticism.&nbsp; Such a burst with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; Charles Barnes is a long and rangy forward that operates best from 10 feet and in.&nbsp; Did that in this game for seals, put backs, tough finishes in traffic, and short jumpers.&nbsp; All three defended at a high level as well.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1845365' first='Adoni' last='Vassilakis'] did a nice job running the show getting others involved and picking his spots to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Ranked 2026 Williams Showcases Complete Game for Kankakee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the best player in the senior class plays like he did on Saturday the ceiling for Kankakee is super high as [player_tooltip player_id='2105360' first='Lincoln' last='Williams'] led them to a 63-46 victory over Oswego.&nbsp; He took over the top spot about a year ago and this was without a doubt the most dominant two way showing we have seen from him.&nbsp; Let's start with his defense.&nbsp; He was phenomenal blocking shots all over including multiple jump shots with his length and anticipation.&nbsp; Also got steals taking them the other way for steals.&nbsp; He was a force in transition throwing down dunks on the regular.&nbsp; Played above the rim on the offensive glass including a nasty tip dunk.&nbsp; Also nailed a pair of threes.&nbsp; High-majors bring the offers!&nbsp; His new running mate up front [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='EJ' last='Hazelett'] is a lefty four man that rebounded in bulk throughout the game, ran the floor, impacted defensively, and did drain one three.&nbsp; Fellow 2026s point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1874852' first='Myair' last='Thompson'] and wing Kenaz Jackson are key contributors to this squad with their athleticism on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top scorer for Oswego in this game was [player_tooltip player_id='2890100' first='Brayden' last='Borrowman'].&nbsp; The 2026 6'3” wing shoots almost a set shot, but it goes in as he connected on five threes in the loss.&nbsp; Their top prospect 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] struggled scoring in this one, but we did see some growth in his passing especially in the half court making sound decisions including finding his sharp shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elite 2027 PG Davis Shows Out in Front of High-Major Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'] is the best high school basketball player in Illinois.&nbsp; That discussion is pretty much over.&nbsp; He will probably be that for the next two years.&nbsp; The lefty floor general led his team to a 66-42 victory against Metea Valley.&nbsp; He makes it look so easy out there running his team with his passing and effortless scoring.&nbsp; He bombed in five from beyond the arc in the win.&nbsp; Does it pulling up, off movement, and spotting up.&nbsp; Creativity with the ball in his hands and loves spinning layups.&nbsp; Also defended at a high level in this game holding down Metea's star to well below his average.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2437519' first='Braylon' last='Walker'] continued his helium from last weekend as the 2026 well built wing shot it in the mid-range and from three.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2403693' first='Avonn' last='King'] continues to bring the rebounding as the 2026 big man is an undersized five in the 2026 class that will find a home at the small college level because of how well he gobbles up offensive rebounds and puts them in.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2437525' first='Joel' last='Paasch'] is a 6'4” wing that emerged with his shot making from three along with his defense in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metea Valley star 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2334404' first='Tre' last='Watkins'] had coaches out of their seat in the opening minutes of the game with a massive dunk going down the lane before taking flight.&nbsp; Overall a pretty quiet game after that.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2842584' first='Sincere' last='Williams'] is a strong 2028 post with good length.&nbsp; Seals on the interior, grabs rebounds in his area at a high rate, , and plays tough defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benet Opens Up 25-0 And Never Looks Back Winning in Dominant Fashion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benet left absolutely no doubt against Oswego East beginning the game on a 25-0 run going on to win 78-38.&nbsp; Their starting five all excelled in the win.&nbsp; Starting with he 2026 prospects point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] passed it as well as we have ever seen him in this game making great reads in the half court, transition, and throwing lobs while still finding his own buckets.&nbsp; Their 7-footer [player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] is so under recruited right now.&nbsp; The premier shot blocker in the state swatted multiple shots in this game, caught lobs, and hit a three.&nbsp; He is the modern day five man!&nbsp; New rising senior emerging is Ethan MacDermott who is a sharp shooter that also is a tenacious defender.&nbsp; The best player on the floor was 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Ed' last='Stasys'] as the power forward scored 21 points in a dominant performance.&nbsp; Mobile post that rim runs, catches lobs, cuts off the ball, and is a dominant rebounder on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; One of the best performances we saw all day.&nbsp; Also liked what 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2425956' first='Perry' last='Tchiegne'] brought to the table.&nbsp; Long and rangy wing that can really defend at a high level, play in the open floor, and has a float game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason Lockett IV and Dshaun Bolden each had their moments in the game for Oswego East, but could never fully get going after the early onslaught.&nbsp; Lockett had a runner, sweeping and-1, and a three.&nbsp; Bolden is a big wing who is a crisp shooter in the 15-18 foot range pouring them in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirkpatrick Returns and Houlihan Shoots Lights Out in Narrow New Trier Victory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Trier had their 1-2 punch back with the return of star 2026 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1554516' first='Christopher' last='Kirkpatrick'] as they won 46-43 over Glenbard North.&nbsp; Kirkpatrick is coming back for the first time in several months.&nbsp; He wasn't all the way back, but you can see some of the qualities that make him a big time prospect.&nbsp; Corner three, multiple crafty drives that he got fouled, and solid decision making.&nbsp; His running mate is [player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] who is the best pure catch and shoot 2026 guy in the state.&nbsp; He lit it up as usual draining four threes en route to 18 points.&nbsp; Quick and consistent release!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glenbard North 2026 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2404186' first='Matt' last='Welch'] impressed us in the spring and did so again on Friday.&nbsp; Small college wing that is crafty with post moves, runners, and can hit n open three.&nbsp; Really likes the hook shot when posting up.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2455373' first='Oturo' last='Redento'] is a long and rangy wing that is explosive on baseline takes, acrobatic finisher, and makes quick moves with the rock in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Belleville West 2027 Wing Biggest Stock Riser of Day</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We caught parts of two wins for Belleville West 50-34 over Bloom and then 57-51 vs De La Salle.&nbsp; J'Dyn Lloyd was outstanding in both contests.&nbsp; The 2027 wing has gotten stronger and grown.&nbsp; He was assertive and hunting his shot.&nbsp; Explosive takes off the bounce where he finished with multiple grown man conversions in the paint.&nbsp; Euro steps and slick finishes at the cup.&nbsp; Also shot it well from deep against De La Salle especially in the first half.&nbsp; With the production, growth physically, and overall improvement he was definitely a major stock riser!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Yorkville 2028 Duo Have Considerable Upside in Loss</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yorkville 2028 tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='2194655' first='Braydon' last='Porter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] fell narrowly to Crete by a final of 40-38.&nbsp; There is a lot to like with this sophomore tandem.&nbsp; Porter is a physical wing that shot it well from three and brings major power/athleticism on the wing.&nbsp; Jakstys is a skilled forward that can stretch with his shooting, get on the glass, and is fluid with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East St. Louis Guard Depth and Big Man Too Much for Waubonsie Valley in Finale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We closed out the evening with an East St. Louis win against Waubonsie Valley 65-55.&nbsp; Their transfer big man [player_tooltip player_id='1873523' first='Jamison' last='White'] displayed a complete game as the four man shot it from three, mid-range, and threw down a ton of massive dunks.&nbsp; Best play was when he literally ripped the ball from an opponent on the floor then took it the other way for a big slam.&nbsp; Major factor in transition and rebounded well.&nbsp; Really like the depth of the Flyers backcourt.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2822953' first='Alex' last='Johnson'] is the top prospect as the 2026 wing is silky smooth with his jumper and can impact as a defender.&nbsp; Phillip Jones is a 6'1” two guard that got to the rim on the regular for an array of finishes.&nbsp; Tervion Webster is intriguing with his size and length at 6'4” along with his three point shot making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Waubonsie Valley in the first half it was all about [player_tooltip player_id='1874669' first='Aidan' last='Lee'].&nbsp; The 6'1” guard poured in an array of threes.&nbsp; Good small college prospect.&nbsp; Their star 2027 top 10 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2125659' first='Kristopher' last='Mporokoso'] had a slow first half, but was scorching hot from three in the second draining four threes trying to bring his team back.&nbsp; Versatile wing that is crafty with the ball and can score from multiple levels.&nbsp; Going to have to take on a much larger role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->