Retrospective: Prep Hoops Freshman Camp Alums to Senior Season

With the high school season now complete, it's always a good time to reflect. Going back four years, I took a look at a talented group of freshmen who attended the Prep Hoops Freshman Camp and followed their journeys through to the end of their senior seasons.  This group brought intrigue, upside, and production early on—and many of them turned that potential into decorated high school careers. Below is a look at the in-state prospects and how their games evolved from camp standouts to finished products.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552475' first='Marquis' last='Clark'] | 6'2” G | Whitney Young   Started:   Clark immediately stood out as a strong, controlled point guard who handled the ball like a yo-yo. With a solid frame and advanced feel, he consistently got into the lane with ease, finishing through contact as if defenders weren't there. His ability to read mismatches and control tempo made him an early candidate for one of the top players in the state.   Finished:   Clark more than lived up to the hype. He closed his career as one of the top scoring guards in Illinois, earning two All-State selections along with multiple All-Area and All-City honors. He etched his name in history at Whitney Young, becoming the program's all-time leading scorer (1,983 points), surpassing former NBA veteran Quentin Richardson. Clark is set to continue his career at Tennessee next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552445' first='Charles' last='Barnes Jr']. | 6'3” F | De La Salle / Marist   Started:   Barnes showcased versatility early as a skilled forward who impacted both ends. He displayed strong footwork in the post, finishing with touch on hook shots, while also showing the ability to handle and attack off the dribble. Defensively, he was a reliable shot blocker who moved well enough to stay in front of guards.   Finished:   After three years at De La Salle, Barnes transferred to Marist and elevated his game to another level. He became a 1,000-point scorer, earned First Team All-State and All-City honors, and was a three-time All-Conference selection. He also set the Marist single-season scoring record and led the RedHawks to their first-ever state championship—a senior season most players only dream of. Still uncommitted, Barnes remains a strong late D1 option.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552444' first='Carter' last='Newsome'] | 5'6” G | Waukegan   Started:   Newsome was a shifty, dynamic ball handler who could beat defenders one-on-one with ease. A natural scorer, he showed three-level ability and the potential to become dangerous as he adjusted to the speed of the high school game.   Finished:   A two-year varsity starter, Newsome played a key role in Waukegan's success. He earned two All-Conference selections and developed into a true floor general—an excellent passer who elevated the play of those around him while still being able to score when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552476' first='Nasir' last='Rankin'] | 6'1” G | Whitney Young / Morgan Park   Started:   Rankin impressed with his physical maturity and athleticism. He attacked the rim with strength, absorbing contact and finishing through it. His underrated mid-range game also stood out, as he could get to his spots and elevate over defenders.   Finished:   Rankin transferred to Morgan Park and became a two-sport standout. On the basketball side, he led the team in scoring during his junior season with multiple big performances. Ultimately, he shifted his focus to football as a senior, where he blossomed into an All-American wide receiver and earned a commitment to Illinois.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552441' first='Josh' last='Abushanab'] | 6'5” W | Glenbard North / Glenbard West   Started:   Abushanab showed promise as a long, athletic wing with a quick first step. He attacked the rim effectively and had the tools to finish over defenders, while also showing flashes of perimeter shot-making. His bounce and athleticism were clear early indicators of upside.   Finished:   After transferring to Glenbard West, Abushanab continued to develop. He became a 1,000-point scorer, won two district championships, and earned two All-Conference selections along with All-State Honorable Mention recognition. With improved shooting and physical growth, he profiles as a potential sleeper at the D2 or small college level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552481' first='Rocco' last='Pagliocca'] | 6'1” G | Stevenson   Started:   Pagliocca stood out as a skilled guard with size who could attack using either hand. His shooting ability was his calling card, particularly from three-point range, where he projected to be a consistent threat.   Finished:   He delivered on that projection. Pagliocca finished as a 1,000-point scorer, a three-time All-Conference selection, and ranked 6th all-time in scoring at Stevenson. A high-IQ guard, he impacted the game as a scorer, passer, and playmaker, earning All-State Honorable Mention honors.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552436' first='Karson' last='Thomas'] | 6'3” F | Lincoln-Way East / Marist   Started:   Thomas was one of the first players to pop at camp, bringing athleticism, aggression, and energy. A slashing forward, he thrived in transition, rebounded well, and turned defense into offense—highlighted by an eye-catching dunk that turned heads.   Finished:   After a strong run at Lincoln-Way East, Thomas transferred to Marist. Despite battling injury, he showed his value with his strength, athleticism, and defensive intensity. At his best, he plays well above the rim. He returned late in the season to provide a boost off the bench, helping Marist secure its first state championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='2391336' first='Ian' last='Flowers'] | 6'5” W | Julian / Perspectives Leadership   Started:   Flowers was an active, downhill player who could score through contact and occasionally step out to hit perimeter shots. He also showed the ability to facilitate when needed.   Finished:   Now standing at 6'5”, Flowers developed into a three-year starter and 1,000-point scorer. After beginning his career at Julian, he finished at Perspectives Leadership, earning All-Conference honors. A plus shooter with the ability to attack off the dribble, he remains uncommitted but has drawn interest from multiple junior college programs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552397' first='Remi' last='Edwards'] | 6'4” F | De La Salle   Started:   Edwards made his presence felt early as a strong interior player who finished everything around the rim. He showed natural instincts on the glass, consistently converting second-chance opportunities.   Finished:   Edwards stayed loyal to De La Salle all four years and carved out a productive career. An undersized but physical forward, he excelled with his energy, rebounding, and defensive activity—adding steals and blocks while battling inside. He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention in the Catholic League to close out his career.   Closing Thoughts   This group is a perfect example of how early exposure and development can translate over time. From future college athletes to multi-sport standouts and championship contributors, these former camp attendees took different paths—but all found ways to leave their mark on their programs.   Four years later, the flashes seen at camp turned into production, leadership, and, in some cases, history.

With the high school season now complete, it's always a good time to reflect. Going back four years, I took a look at a talented group of freshmen who attended the Prep Hoops Freshman Camp and followed their journeys through to the end of their senior seasons. This group brought intrigue, upside, and production early on—and many of them turned that potential into decorated high school careers. Below is a look at the in-state prospects and how their games evolved from camp standouts to finished products.