Prospects Shine at High Academic Showcase

Recently I had the pleasure of covering the High Academic Showcase in Waukegan hosted by [program_tooltip program_id='2075481' first='Fundamental' last='U'] founder Mike Weinstein. They invited some talented players from all parts of the country. In this article, I highlighted the Illinois players who made some noise in front of many of the top high academic schools in America.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552440' first='Adam' last='Anwar'] 6'7 McHenry 2027   It's criminally absurd that Adam doesn't have a D1 offer. Legit 6'7 physical presence in the post with college range shooting ability from three. He made 8 in the second game. He has a build that's ready for college and since AAU ended he keeps adding to this game. Nice two-handed dunk and scoring around the basket going through guys. Anwar snatched a defensive rebound and made a two-handed pass down the court that hit his man in stride. He was the best prospect in the gym.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323592' first='Cole' last='DuBois'] East Peoria 2027   Cole has easily become one of my favorite players to cover in the last two months this summer. Either he's scoring a ton or setting guys up with his passes while they are slashing. DuBois is a small guard who plays with great energy and pop to his game. He had the trey ball falling like raindrops during gameplay.    [player_tooltip player_id='2839970' first='Jordan' last='Williams'] Fremd 2026    Williams was another player who showed out at the event. He played with some freedom instead of running sets. He found ways to get to the basket multiple ways off the dribble with hard drives and tight crossover moves. Used some physically around the basket when in one-on-one situations. He made a couple of shots from three but made a living off his turnaround jumper from the high post. When running the break he had a couple of leak out dunks that made some noise in the gym.   Panaytiotis Sotos Maine South 2026    Sotos is very good at getting downhill. Uses a change of pace motion with the ball displaying nice touch on his mid-range shots. He has figured out a good balance of passing and shot attempts in games. He has some toughness to his game and he doesn't back down when in competitive battles. A virtual unknown coming into the summer he's made a case for small school attention.    [player_tooltip player_id='1552444' first='Carter' last='Newsome'] Waukegan 2026   Newsome is a special talent that doesn't get a ton of mention, but he gets a lot done when on the court. Causes havoc on defense and scores from different levels on offense. Carson's feel for the game is next level. His passing and patients on fastbreaks have been textbook decision-making. Should have some scholarships despite his size.    [player_tooltip player_id='2369872' first='Cody' last='Rader'] Geneva 2029    Cody is an exciting incoming freshman who makes plays for himself and others. Shooting the ball with no hesitation. Radar gets downhill with some shift on the handles. He injured his wrists and didn't play the second half.   [player_tooltip player_id='2369873' first='Jared' last='Van Donselaar'] 6'7 Grayslake North 2028   Van Donselaar is a lanky big man who is springy. Looked good scoring with a couple of lefty jump hooks in the lane. Has arms for days. I'm impressed with how well he moves on the court. Seals guys on the top side and presents a big target. Jared looked to shoot it more on the perimeter in the second half and showed some range on the shot.    Owen Foster New Trier 6'7 2027   Foster is athletic and had a terrific moment out in transition and dunks it on the defender's head. Owen is a skilled big man who can run the floor plays smart away from the ball and puts himself in the right area to be effective near the basket.    [player_tooltip player_id='2415527' first='Colin' last='Cimino'] 6'6 Riverside Brookfield 2026    Colin is an active forward who at times had his way in the paint. Played with a good motor and scored off a nice spin move in the lane. Cimino does well at rebounding and has some tools for pushing the break at times if he's in a jam.    [player_tooltip player_id='2125608' first='Dawson' last='Charles'] St. Viator 2027   Athletic forward who had a couple of dunks because of his defense and anticipation of playing the passing lanes. What I wasn't aware of was how well he shot the ball. He has good range on the shot and knows how to get separation to get the shot off. I expect a big year from Charles this season.

Recently I had the pleasure of covering the High Academic Showcase in Waukegan hosted by Fundamental U founder Mike Weinstein. They invited some talented players from all parts of the country. In this article, I highlighted the Illinois players who made some noise in front of many of the top high academic schools in America.