New Year’s Extravaganza: Steve’s Saturday Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday in Chicago the <strong>New Year's Extravaganza</strong> tipped off at Hope Academy, featuring a five-game slate filled with competitive matchups and individual performances that stood out across multiple levels. Several prospects made strong impressions, whether through scoring punch, physicality, or late-game poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='EJ' last='Hazelett'] | Kankakee | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hazelett put together a strong all-around performance using his physical 6-7 frame to consistently impact the game around the rim. He was a constant threat in the paint scoring on baseline drives, finishing through contact, and throwing down a pair of emphatic dunks. Hazelett's strength and touch were on full display as he finished with 24 points and six rebounds controlling stretches of the game with his interior presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] | Curie | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oliver once again delivered when it mattered most showcasing his ability to rise in high-leverage moments. He opened the game on fire knocking down three deep triples from NBA range against St. Patrick's 1-3-1 zone. As the defense adjusted in the second half Oliver shifted gears attacking the basket and earning trips to the free-throw line. He finished with 19 points including key buckets down the stretch in a tight overtime victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105360' first='Lincoln' last='Williams'] | Kankakee | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite battling flu-like symptoms entering the game the state's No. 1 prospect still found ways to impact the outcome. Kankakee pulled away early limiting Williams' workload, but he flashed his elite tools when opportunities presented themselves. Williams capitalized on steals, finished multiple fast-break dunks, and showed his usual two-way presence. He wrapped up the night with 23 points and eight rebounds in a decisive win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552408' first='TJ' last='Williams'] | Bolingbrook | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams had one of the most productive scoring performances of the day pouring in 30 points in a fast-paced contest. He excelled off sharp slicing cuts to the basket, using his length and athleticism to finish in traffic. Williams continues to fly under the radar despite his ability to score in bunches. An uncommitted senior, he remains one of the more intriguing offensive options in the state and could be a late steal for a college program this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2823605' first='RJ' last='McPartlin'] | St. Patrick | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPartlin brought toughness and composure in the paint for the Shamrocks holding his own against Curie's aggressive guard play. He consistently scored through double teams and didn't shy away from contact using patience and strength to finish inside. McPartlin finished with 13 points and eight rebounds providing a steady interior presence throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552444' first='Carter' last='Newsome'] | Waukegan | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In an otherwise sluggish outing for Waukegan Newsome was a bright spot. He showed confidence as a shot-maker scoring over defenders with contested jumpers and tough finishes. Newsome also flashed a crafty handle using deceptive crossovers to create driving lanes. He scored 17 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter leaving a clear mark on the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notables</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rashad Davis | Nicolet (WI)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis exploded for 33 points, showcasing his quickness and three-level scoring ability. The speedy guard knocked down shots from deep and consistently put pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyjuan Hunter | Hope Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunter finished with 25 points in a blowout win over Payton. Still regarded as one of the top point guards in the state he controlled the tempo and took advantage of Payton's younger backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brandon Clemens | MICDS (MO)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clemens scored 23 points in a double-digit victory over Crane. A fundamentally sound guard, he excelled attacking the lane and scoring efficiently around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->