Show Me Showdown: Illinois 2027 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past weekend we were at the Show Me Showdown in St. Louis where we were able to check out quite a few prospects from Illinois with an emphasis on the southern part of the state.&nbsp; Here is a look at some of those prospects in <strong>Show Me Showdown: Illinois 2027 Standouts</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2383971' first='Tyler' last='McConnell'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McConnell was by far and away the best 2027 from Illinois at the event.&nbsp; The Pinckneyville power forward has a ton of helium this spring and is primed for a massive jump in our next rankings update.&nbsp; He is a four man that has big time athletic pop.&nbsp; Plays above the rim with explosive slams out of the dunker spot, rim runs very well, and has really improved his handles being able to deck it from the high and mid post.&nbsp; Can also push in transition for coast to coast slams.&nbsp; Finishes well around the hoop with either hand.&nbsp; Snatches rebounds in bunches and is a quality shot blocker.&nbsp; Lot of upside here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2383925' first='Dariontez' last='Monroe'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe is a long and rangy combo guard that impacts the game on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; He is so slippery getting through traffic and finishes with nifty conversions in the lane.&nbsp; Like what he brings defensively including holding down one of his opponents who went off in the first half during the final 16 minutes.&nbsp; Streaky shooter, but he is definitely capable and has a nice looking shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2831769' first='LaTarus' last='Johnson'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Meridian guard consistently puts pressure on the rim with his ability to get downhill for scores.&nbsp; Does it with his speed in the open floor along with winning on straight line takes in the half court.&nbsp; Scoring lead guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125643' first='Jaxson' last='Hancock'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hancock is a high IQ lead guard from Centralia that runs the show.&nbsp; He makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands as a floor general.&nbsp; Mixes in scoring with turn around jumpers, a three, and floaters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2872550' first='Brody' last='Bible'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bible opened our eyes to his game as the Steward-Strasburg 6'5” power forward is a bouncy athlete in the front court that is quick to the offensive glass, blocks shots, and has the ability to stretch hitting threes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2416443' first='Brayden' last='Petrie'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2956191' first='Slam' last='City Elite'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boylan 2027 6'5” small forward emerged with a strong weekend.&nbsp; Skilled forward tht passes well, hits open shots from beyond the arc, and is fluid running the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2824169' first='Lucas' last='Dillon'] (Southern Illinois Raptors)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dillon put on a show on Saturday in the game we saw.&nbsp; The Staunton point guard was attacking downhill getting to the foul line at a super high rate.&nbsp; Makes tough layups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2822200' first='Lane' last='Eilerman'] (Southern Illinois Raptors)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eilerman made an impression on Sunday as the Calhoun 6'3” shooting guard has good size and strength on the perimeter.&nbsp; He is an explosive athlete that won off the bounce and got to the rim on a regular basis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->