The Platform: The “Play Up”All Stars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The penultimate stop of the Midwest Prep Hoops Circuit commenced in the shadow of Midway Airport Chicago this past weekend. The Platform was a competitive three day event that featured players from multiple states. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was assigned to the 17U division for the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised by how many players made strong marks playing up an age division (sometimes two)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following is a collection of “play up” all stars who did damage by playing up an age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2439344' first='Chas' last='Ontiveros'] 6-3 2027 Morton West (IL) (pictured) </strong>I truly enjoy my job. But every know and then, after a long weekend pushing 100 degree heat. The Sunday afternoon slate can drag a bit. However that is when a scout gets those “aux gyms” stories. The player off the beaten path who just pops. This weekend it was this player. In an Illinois Outwork close victory over the Michigan Jayhawks. The long and lanky wing simply took over down the stretch. Got to the basket at will. Finished through contact at rim despite a very slender frame. Part of this was ability to contort his body into unique finishing positions. Is a good ball handler for his size and got to his spots easily on the perimeter. The length should give him some upside as defender as well. After going scoreless in the first half. Finished with 15 points in the clutch win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2830691' first='Josiah' last='Stokes'] 5-10 2028 Morton (IL) </strong>While Ontiveros was doing work on the wing. Stokes capably manned the point while playing up two grade levels. Handled heavy pressure well as the Michigan squad fouled often to extend the game. Low to ground ball handler who is hard to turnover. The opposite type game from his teammate. Didn't score in the second half. However put up 13 much needed points in the first half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2354009' first='Reymundo' last='Garibay'] 6-0 2028 Kenosha St Joseph's (WI) </strong>Playing with a North Chicago CBG team that went undefeated on the weekend. Garibay showed why he is getting some early attention in Wisconsin's 2028 class. Ran the point like a seasoned veteran and got his squad into their sets efficiently and quickly. Was also dynamic in transition as well. Pushed the ball hard and was excellent look ahead passer. While he has plenty of speed to burn. This is not some tiny spark plug point guard. Has good size for the position already and has a well developed physical frame. Wasn't in the program for the weekend. Frankly I was shocked when I found out he was only 2028 prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532315' first='Cameron' last='Bryant'] 5-9 2027 Lindlom </strong>Shifty guard had a nice weekend playing up for Infinity Sports 17U. Not very big, but has plenty of quickness to make up for it. Doesn't play “too fast” though. Plays under control and within the flow of the offense. I was impressed by his play in a Saturday victory over one of the many All in Athletics squads. Also put up 21 points in handing Wisconsin's iHoops4Peace their only loss of the weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deuce Johnson 6-0 2029 Marist </strong>I didn't see Johnson playing with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 2029 in the weekend prior. That changed this weekend in a major way. A dynamic lead guard who still appears to be growing into his body. Without getting too technical or just odd. His arm and legs are much longer than his torso. Think Karl-Anthony Towns. Consequently he isn't the most fluid athlete — right now. That can change quickly. But he is skilled and has no fear going to the basket. The aforementioned length allows him to get his shot off easily and cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court. Put up 26 points in a loss to a solid team out of Michigan. I fully expect him to grow into his body and he has a solid chance to be one of the top players in Illinois' still developing 2029 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->