Show Me Showdown: Illinois 2028 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 2028 Standouts</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JJ Gwaltney ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gwaitney absolutely put on a show over the weekend at Show Me Showdown.&nbsp; The Herrin 6'3” small forward is a southpaw that can really shoot it at a high level from deep.&nbsp; He went for 25 points in a Saturday game including five from beyond the arc.&nbsp; Excellent spot up threat with a clean release.&nbsp; More than just a shooter he showed some slow mo moves off the bounce for scores at the cup along with solid secondary passing.&nbsp; Active hands on the defensive end recording steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Sparta guard closed out their Friday night game in epic fashion draining a three to tie it then racing down the floor to bank in a triple at the buzzer for the win.&nbsp; The southpaw is a wiry guard that is slick with the rock in his hands slithering through the defense for scores in the paint and pushes in the open floor with his speed and passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832712' first='William' last='Lehman'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'3” shooting guard from Carbondale has a strong frame and knows how to use it.&nbsp; He takes it off the bounce for slashes to the rim.&nbsp; Reverse layup finishes in the paint, goes coast to coast, and is so crafty converting in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832359' first='Harper' last='Lustenberger'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lustenberger is a 6'2” point guard that has quality size.&nbsp; Brings a ton of intangibles to the table.&nbsp; He consistently puts pressure on the rim getting downhill for finishes.&nbsp; Converted multiple and-1s in their Saturday win.&nbsp; Does all the little things like saving a pass out of bounds for an assist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832797' first='Max' last='Lustenberger'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max is the smaller brother at 5'10”, but he is a sharp shooter!&nbsp; Big time shot maker from beyond the arc that poured in threes all over in both games we saw.&nbsp; Plus shot maker that hit important ones in key moments.&nbsp; Like his brother he is a heady guard that makes high IQ basketball plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2766519' first='Ryder' last='Wettig'] (Gateway Basketball)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wettig is running with a super talented Gateway 15U squad that has a number of future D1 prospects on it.&nbsp; The Trico wing brings quality size and skill on the wing.&nbsp; He is a perfect glue for that squad as he brings everything together with his passing, rebounding, and shot making from the perimeter.&nbsp; High level utility wing that can stuff the stat sheet!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389804' first='Lucas' last='Thompson'] (Knights Elite)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson is a combo forward that played well in both outings on Sunday we saw him.&nbsp; The Triad forward pushes off the defensive glass, is a crafty driver, and can pop in a three ball.&nbsp; Spinning layups off the dribble, right handed hook shots in the lane, and crashes the offensive glass.&nbsp; Strong outing from Thompson!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wyatt Schrage (Southern Illinois Raptors)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We came away very intrigued with the long term potential of this 2028 power forward from Breese Central.&nbsp; Schrage is a skilled face up four that handles it, can knock in a spot up three, and keeps the ball high on his quick post moves.&nbsp; Definitely one to watch!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2874753' first='Bradey' last='Diehl'] (Southern Illinois Raptors)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Christ Our Rock small forward looked like Eminem on Friday with yellow hair then went with the purple look on Saturday to match his team colors.&nbsp; Either way he was productive.&nbsp; High-motor forward that plays off his athleticism blocking shots like volleyballs!&nbsp; Plus athlete that is super bouncy and quick to the glass.&nbsp; Flashed as a shooter a little too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryder Burgmeier (Southern Illinois Raptors)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breese Central two guard that won on straight line takes, made plays in the open floor, and was a capable shot maker from beyond the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Durant Stokes (Slam City Elite)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Came away super impressed with Stokes after watching him a couple times.&nbsp; The 6'3” Rockford Jefferson wing has a high ceiling with his strength, athleticism, and skill.&nbsp; Poured in three balls in their Saturday morning contest long with crisp pull ups in the mid-range.&nbsp; Showed some connective passing especially in the open floor.&nbsp; Like the potential here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2381650' first='Josiah' last='Vargas'] (Slam City Elite)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vargas is a smaller guard that plays off his defense.&nbsp; Active defender that gets steals and pushes the tempo in the open floor.&nbsp; Plays with a high-motor!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->