Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Delaware
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • Prep Hoops Prep Hoops
    • Prep Hoops Next Prep Hoops Next
    Showcases
    • Freshman Showcase Freshman Showcase
    • Sophomore ID Camp Sophomore ID Camp
    • The Expo The Expo
    About Our Events
  • Prep Hoops for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Hoops database.
    • Coverage Access Prep Hoops articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process.
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Hoops showcases.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • Reviews
    • About Us
  • Illinois
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

  • Club Programs
  • Player Database
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Delaware
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • Prep Hoops Prep Hoops
      • Prep Hoops Next Prep Hoops Next
      Showcases
      • Freshman Showcase Freshman Showcase
      • Sophomore ID Camp Sophomore ID Camp
      • The Expo The Expo
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Hoops for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Hoops database.
      • Coverage Access Prep Hoops articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process.
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Hoops showcases.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • Reviews
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations

Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Joshua Burish
Joshua Burish September 2, 2025 @ 09:21 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Emran Alispahic
Emran Alispahic 6'4" | 2029
IL
Johann Metschies
Johann Metschies 6'0" | SF | 2029
IL
Noah Lawrence
Noah Lawrence 5'10" | PG | 2029
IL
Ibrahim Aziz
Ibrahim Aziz 6'3" | SF | 2029
IL
Ayden Kim
Ayden Kim 5'10" | PG/SG | 2029
IL
James McCullum
James McCullum 5'6" | PG/SG | 2029
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Freshman Showcase gave the 2029 class a chance to make an early impression. Team 9 showed a mix of skill and potential throughout the event. Here's a breakdown of the players from Team 9.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2403382"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f48f31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brings energy as a rebounder, chasing down boards and turning defense into offense. Shows quickness with a strong shot fake to beat defenders and pushes the ball up the sideline in transition. Defensively, he slides well and stays active in help rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2813967"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f48fae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shows effort on the glass and consistently follow up misses with urgency to rebound. Uses his strength to absorb contact and thrives on hustle plays that can swing momentum. Defensively, keeps his head on a swivel to create turnovers and disrupt possessions. With continued growth, he has the tools to become a true X-factor in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2352659"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f48ff6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brought consistent defensive energy with strong ball pressure, often pick-pocketing defenders and getting his hands on steals. Offensively, shows a clean shooting form from three and a quick rip-through that allows him to control the ball and slice through gaps. Drives with poise, making smart drop-offs to the post, and maintains an active presence on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2797812"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f49038"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shows tight, controlled ball-handling that stands out for a freshman. Uses a quick spin move to create space and score, while mixing speed and change of pace to keep defenders off balance. Consistently gets into the lane, with a foundation of pull-up scoring and solid passing IQ. A prospect who will be fun to watch develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2948540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f4907a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A versatile player who makes an impact in multiple ways. High-volume rebounder, creates second-chance opportunities, and can put the ball on the floor to get to the rim. Puts defenders out of position to draw fouls. Shows touch around the basket with hop-steps and step-throughs, plus IQ to flash into the high-post area. On defense, brings grit with strong contests and the ability to block shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Matthew Barnes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South Elgin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f49156"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moves well along the perimeter, creating open looks as a spot-up three-point shooter. Displays defensive awareness by sliding into gaps to slow down drives and provide help. Active hands allow him to interrupt passing lanes and generate deflections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2408574"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b51b1f491a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Uses his length and frame to snag rebounds. Shows a smooth arc and release on spot-up three-pointers. Confident with the ball, capable of going coast-to-coast and handling pressure around defenders. Defensively, closes out with high hands to contest shots effectively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2957423,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elon Henderson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77243","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Leo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b7a62d985ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Uses his 6'8” frame to his advantage, aggressively attacking and securing high-point rebounds. Shows a strong effort on the offensive glass, fighting for quick put-backs. Eager to protect the rim with good timing on blocks, and demonstrates solid ball-handling for his size. Moves well in the lane, cutting in front of defenders for quick post entries. One can envision a bright future for Henderson. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Freshman Showcase gave the 2029 class a chance to make an early impression. Team 9 showed a mix of skill and potential throughout the event. Here's a breakdown of the players from Team 9.

Ayden Kim

Ayden Kim

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Ayden
Kim PG/SG
Class
2029
Height
5'10"
HS
Glenbrook South
|
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Brings energy as a rebounder, chasing down boards and turning defense into offense. Shows quickness with a strong...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Ayden Kim

State: Illinois
School: Glenbrook South
Club: All in Athletics
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Johann Metschies

Johann Metschies

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SF
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Johann
Metschies SF
Class
2029
Height
6'0"
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Shows effort on the glass and consistently follow up misses with urgency to rebound. Uses his strength to...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Johann Metschies

Instagram
State: Illinois
Club: Illinois Attack
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

James McCullum

James McCullum

HEIGHT 5'6"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
James
McCullum PG/SG
Class
2029
Height
5'6"
HS
Lockport
|
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Brought consistent defensive energy with strong ball pressure, often pick-pocketing defenders and getting his hands on steals. Offensively,...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

James McCullum

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Lockport
Club: Hoops 4 Health
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Noah Lawrence

Noah Lawrence

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Noah
Lawrence PG
Class
2029
Height
5'10"
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Shows tight, controlled ball-handling that stands out for a freshman. Uses a quick spin move to create space...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Noah Lawrence

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
Club: Illinois Bears
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Emran Alispahic

Emran Alispahic

HEIGHT 6'4"
POS N/A
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Emran
Alispahic
Class
2029
Height
6'4"
HS
Notre Dame College Prep
|
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
A versatile player who makes an impact in multiple ways. High-volume rebounder, creates second-chance opportunities, and can put...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Emran Alispahic

State: Illinois
School: Notre Dame College Prep
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Matthew Barnes

Matthew Barnes

HEIGHT 5'8"
POS PG
CLASS 2029

Matthew Barnes

School: South Elgin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Ibrahim Aziz

Ibrahim Aziz

HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SF
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Ibrahim
Aziz SF
Class
2029
Height
6'3"
HS
Islamic Foundation School
|
IL
Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations
Uses his length and frame to snag rebounds. Shows a smooth arc and release on spot-up three-pointers. Confident...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Ibrahim Aziz

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Islamic Foundation School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Elon Henderson

Elon Henderson

HEIGHT 6'8"
POS C
CLASS 2029

Elon Henderson

School: Leo
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Hoops

Access all of Prep Hoops

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

294 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Lincoln Williams

    Lincoln Williams

    Kankakee

  • 2
    Marquis Clark

    Marquis Clark

    Whitney Young

  • 3
    Bryce Wegrzyn

    Bryce Wegrzyn

    Libertyvillle

  • 4
    EJ Hazelett

    EJ Hazelett

    Kankakee

    Indiana State
  • 5
    Semaj Stampley

    Semaj Stampley

    Alton

    South Dakota State
View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Freshman Showcase: Team 10 Evaluations

    Freshman Showcase: Team 10 Evaluations

    Joshua Burish • September 4

  • Freshman Showcase: Team 11 Standouts

    Freshman Showcase: Team 11 Standouts

    Scott Burgess • September 4

  • The EXPO Illinois: Intriguing Post Names to Track This Season

    The EXPO Illinois: Intriguing Post Names to Track This Season

    Scott Burgess • September 3

  • Illinois’ Sophomore ID Camp: Mike’s Top Positional Standouts

    Illinois’ Sophomore ID Camp: Mike’s Top Positional Standouts

    Michael Schneiderman • September 3

  • Freshman Showcase: Team 5 and 6 Standouts

    Freshman Showcase: Team 5 and 6 Standouts

    Scott Burgess • September 3

Loading...
Home Illinois Freshman Showcase: Team 9 Evaluations

Prep Network

  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Hoops. All rights reserved.