The Tune Up: Gilbert’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the holiday falling on a Friday. The Prep Hoops Circuit resumed in the greater Chicago area in a quick two day format coined “The Tune Up”. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follwing are some players and story lines that stood out from Saturday action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bigs on Parade </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the small ball era I was surprised at the volume of size and skill level displayed by a group of big men. You simply have to start with the biggest. [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 7-footer [player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] played how a 7-footer is supposed to play. No frills rim protection and a bevy of emphatic finishes that showed off his ever improving athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However as someone who first saw him in an auxiliary gym outside of Kansas City as a middle schooler. I've come to expect this through the years. Some new names (at least in my book) stepped up as well on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll start by just going to the other sideline of the [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] opener. While it might not have showed up on the scoreboard. Basketball Paradise big [player_tooltip player_id='2779481' first='Warren' last='Schweitzer'] made Stack work for his points. The 6-7 Rochelle Township product has a stocky but athletic frame. Runs the court fluidly and doesn't appear to mind contact. Offensively showed the ability to stretch the floor at times. I should note, did this all while playing up an age group. The 2027 prospect has some things to smooth out. But plenty of time to do it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2027 that caught my eye was McHeny 6-5 post [player_tooltip player_id='2831286' first='Nathan' last='Ottaway']. While not as tall as the other players mentioned, Otttaway made up for it with a wide lower body and broad shoulders. Belied the strength with a soft touch that extended out to the three point line. Exemplified by the game winning three pointer hit in the opening contest of the day. Scored 13 points to help [program_tooltip program_id='2075267' first='All' last='in Athletics'] defeat a good [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] Hill squad</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Spring Stars Stay Hot </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Late in the spring I was impressed with Lemont wing [player_tooltip player_id='2749990' first='Zane' last='Schneider']. A moth later and sporting a distinctive hue on his head. The outstanding play has continued. The 6-4 prospect is skilled enough to get to the basket off the dribble. However he is also physical enough to bully his way to the basket if he gets cut off. With his frame and penchant for contact. Gets to line often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I wasn't around for it. I was told by a local source that Stevenson's [player_tooltip player_id='1964163' first='Donovan' last='Williams'] (pictured) had a huge June during the team camp season. After getting off to a bit of a slow start, I began to see what he was talking about. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams was electric with the ball in his hands in a clutch win against a good Basketball Paradise unit (see above) Applied pressure on both ends of the court. Attacked the basket on penetration with a quick first step. Defensively disrupted his opponents early actions with his long and active arms. Listed at 6-0, appears to be taller due to this length. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emerging Duos </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While grassroots season has kicked back up. Perhaps I'm stuck in team camp mode. As I found myself intrigued with how regular season teammates were playing and gelling together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One might even be at the junior varsity level. As an out of state scout. I'm not sure of the depth in the Burlington Central program. I am fairly certain they have two keepers on the 2029 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing with an [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] squad that was playing up age group. [player_tooltip player_id='2536509' first='Declan' last='Wilson'] and <strong>Markus Hansen</strong> showed a lot of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is a versatile 6-5 prospect who could go either way in his development. Already shows the ball handling and shooting to easily play out on the wing. However as the tallest player on his team. Wasn't adverse to going down into the post. Has the footwork and toughness to succeed down there. Depending on how he develops. Could be a plus sized wing or a post. Nice problem to have. With a more physically advanced frame. Hansen is probably going to be a post. He attacked the basket with purpose and finished through contact. That does not mean he lacks perimeter skills. Was a good shooter and passer. At 6-3, like Wilson, he could go inside or out in his development as well. These are only 2029 prospects with a long way to go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I ended my day by heading over to the West Suburban Sports Complex. I went to see a Michigan team. What I saw was a dramatic comeback by an Illinois Mavericks Black squad that fell just short. It was keyed by 2026 Casey-Westfield guard [player_tooltip player_id='2881972' first='Leighton' last='Jones']. At 6-3 Jones showed the ability to get to the basket with ease. Has the size the elevate over most defenders. He has a regular season running mate 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='2890793' first='Jackson' last='High']. High put up 15 points while playing up a grade level as a 2027 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>About that Michigan team? H2 Elite went 2-0 on the day behind the strong play of a Temperance-Bedford duo. In the far Southeastern corner of the Mitten. The Kicking Mules (great mascot) are sometimes overlooked. The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1588184' first='Ish' last='Hakki'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2886049' first='Payton' last='Sheaves'] will look to change that. Hakki is a 6-3 inside/out prospect who might have been the best pure shooter I saw on the day. He gets his shoulders squared quickly and has a smooth and effortless release. Sheaves is a 6-0 high energy prospect. Was explosive athletically while sporting a pretty heavy knee brace. I have to think he will show some more upside the healthier he gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->