Steve’s July Illinois 17U PHC Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we end July I put together the top performances from our Prep Hoop events this month. In this article are the best 17U performances!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] 7'0 [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 2026 (Tune Up)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stack dominated both sides of the ball. He's an amazing shot blocker and did a great job at rebounding out of his area using long arms and good instincts. On offense Colin has a much improved skillset and is a good passer when facing up at the rim. He can also hit a top-of-the-key jump shot. For a 7 footer he runs the court well and finishes two-handed dunks easily. He was the best big man on the circuit in the Midwest in July.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2617411' first='Kaleb' last='Istvanik'] 6'4 IL Stars 2026 (The Platform)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Istvanik had a consistent showing in our second weekend but it was the 31-point performance that earned him all first team according to Prep Hoops scout Jonathan Gilbert. Kaleb made 9 threes as an upright catch and shoot player. His awareness on the court was good and he doesn't play at a crazy pace. When the ball touched his hands he either dribbled to the line or came off a ball screen. Istvanik is in the conversation for the top state shooter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323261' first='Pablo' last='Rodriguez'] 6'8 SBT 2026 (The Platform)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodriguez had a good weekend at the Platform and his 35 points on Sunday morning were the game that landed him on this list. A smooth shooting 6'8 forward who likes to play in the post but occasionally will get a touch in the post. He has a high skillset for a big as he's able to rebound the ball on one end and push it on the break to the basket. Pablo made shots from three, but I was more impressed with his mobility in traffic and how he scored through contact. Rodriguez is leaving the state for prep school in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1964163' first='Donovan' last='Williams'] 6'2 All In 2026 (Tune UP)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donovan was still on a run from a very successful June period and continued the helium into The Tune Up. He showed that it didn't matter what role you put him in on the court Williams excelled in it. He plays with the ball on a string and can create off-ball screens or a solo defensive stance. Moved the ball well as a passer but is more suited as a scorer when he heats up. Donovan can score from three levels and has a chance to be a low D1 gem.&nbsp; Big boost in next rankings update!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2334404' first='Tre' last='Watkins'] 6'3 Paradise 2026 (Tune Up)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If we had a poll for most consistent player on our circuit I would easily vote Watkins. From Spring to Summer his progress as a scorer and defender hasn't dropped. Tre uses his athleticism well when scoring in the lane. From mid-range he easily hit pull-up jumpers and on the perimeter he made shots as well. As a defender he challenges shots at the basket and is very active in passing lanes. His play against All IN and [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] was just another day in the park for Watkins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->