Sophomore ID Camp: Teddy’s First Takes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's some of my first takes from the sophomore ID camp in Batavia today. It was an exciting afternoon of action featuring some of the states top 2028 players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3v3 Standouts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like with the freshman, this showcase started with 3v3 action. One of the first names to stand out was East Peoria's [player_tooltip player_id='2632017' first='Kaylen' last='Hardy']. He's got an outstanding build at 6'4" and showed plenty of confidence with his outside shot. His physicality on the floor was also very notable. I also saw a great effort from Leo's [player_tooltip player_id='2532000' first='Jakobe' last='Bell'], who was very active with his long strides attacking the rim. Oswego's [player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'], one of the states best in his class, also looked solid. Showing an ability to score from all three levels. I was also impressed with his confidence attacking the rim. But his best play from the segment was burying a deep 3-pointer from the top of the key while heavily contested. Marian Catholic guard Derrick Brown stepped up later on with some great hustle and a pair of tough finishes inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Explosive Day for [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ASH is a guy I've loved covering over the past six months. The explosiveness was on full display this afternoon. Flying down the lane for several athletic finishes. Even a windmill-style dunk at one point (according to Scotty). Pulled up for a pair of threes while watching the end of his final game. He also showed an excellent ability to step-back. His defensive play is starting to improve, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2915818' first='Ezenwa' last='Nwagwu'] Changes Games</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nwagwu'sa 5'10 point guard out of St. Rita who has a massive second game of the sophomore ID camp. From the jump, he was utilizing terrific ball play to break off opponents and drop dimes. He also buried two long-range shots shortly after. He later scooped him a layup off a screen to keep the scoring going. Then drew a foul and knocked down some free throws in a tight matchup. He should definitely grow a bit more, and that should really excite a lot of people.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First look at [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I ended the weekend watching [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] and his team play. Jakstys was super effective from the jump of his last game. Blowing by opponents with ease and finishing through tight spaces with both hands. He also showed great hustle on defense to poke balls free and force turnovers. Even making plays as a passer in the middle stages and defending well on-the-ball towards the end of the game. Knocked down a spot-up three ball in the games closing minutes. He's starting to show us that he's more of a small forward with his skillset at 6'7". That should surely boost his stock in the 2028 class. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->