Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook

The Prep Hoops Circuit was back in full swing in Illinois this weekend as the Chi-Town Tip Off began a full slate of events through July in the state.  Here we dive into the first day of action in Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!   [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 15U 3SSB Opens Up Strong in Win over [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYBL   We opened up the day with a game that featured a ton of watch list 2029 prospects from the state of Illinois as [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 15U 3SSB scored a 64-54 win against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYBL.  Walter Payton shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2947403' first='Orlando' last='Bohlen'] was a monster in the victory as the lengthy and skilled wing poured in the threes in bunches off the catch along with getting to the line for 18 points.  Waubonsie Valley point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2404896' first='TJ' last='Adams'] emerged with his speed off the bounce for stop and pop jumpers, floaters, and getting to the line netting 11 points.  Benet wing [player_tooltip player_id='2839940' first='Tanner' last='Telford'] also put his name on the map in 2029 was a plus spot up shooter with quality size mixing in some slashing.  Inside big man [player_tooltip player_id='2536509' first='Declan' last='Wilson'] is one of the more intriguing upside plays in 2029 as a post that can protect the paint, rebounds well in traffic at high point, and brings athleticism.  Wheaton St. Francis 2030 shooting guard Donovan Humphrey is a name to know in the incoming freshman class.  Long and rangy two guard that is smooth with the ball and can defend multiple positions.   For [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] it was Gary Westside big man [player_tooltip player_id='3033269' first='Prentiss' last='Gates'] who was the star.  He has high-major written all over him as a long and lanky four that seals down low, array of hook shots, and is quick off the floor for second chance points as he had 14 points.  Whitney Young 2029 duo TJ Jamison and [player_tooltip player_id='2986698' first='Mason' last='Spicer'] each notched 9 points .    Jakstys and Van Tholen Spark [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 16U Comeback vs [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']   Next up was the same matchup as at 8 AM except the 16U version.  It was a similar result, but in different fashion as [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] had to storm back after trailing by double digits to win 54-51 against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''].  It was really ignited by Riverside Brookfield combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2839941' first='Noah' last='VanTholen'] and Yorkville wing [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'].  Van Tholen got after it defensively with his long arms and tenacity.  He finished with reverse layups, euro steps, and showcased his high IQ notching 13 points.  Jakstys in a game of high level perimeter prospects was the best player on the floor in the second half scoring 11 of his 16 points in the last stanza.  Plus size and was so smooth getting downhill on slashes along with hitting a couple of threes.   [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] played very well in the first half as their backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] (St. Ignatius) and [player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] (Oswego).  Two of the premier guards in the class shared the wealth  with Tucker finishing with 10 points and Vahl had 14 points.  Vahl showcased his ability to play both on and off the ball with his smooth handle and passing.   Lockport Twins Lead Charge and 2027 Post Emerges for [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Gold 17U over M14 Gold   [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Gold 17U topped M14 Gold 66-46 in the third game of the day.  This team is built around Lockport twins [player_tooltip player_id='2125671' first='Nojus' last='Venckus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'].  The duo play so well off each other as they each bring good burst with the rock, capable shot making, and sound passing off live dribbles finding each other along with their teammates.  Nojus had 13 points while Nedas notched 17 points.  They are going to have Lockport as one of the teams to watch seriously to make a run next year!  Very intrigued with [player_tooltip player_id='3575083' first='Enoch' last='Olukolade'] of Oak Forest.  The 6'5” four man has a strong build and superb athleticism.  Snatched rebounds, slams out of dunker spot, and is quick around hoop as he had 6 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2389793' first='Dovydas' last='Zuperka'] is a long and thin stretch big man to continue to monitor from Stagg as he had 8 points flashing potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='2125672' first='Patrick' last='Magan'] of Burlington Central had a strong first half for M14 as he went for 15 points in the contest. The 6'6” four man looked very comfortable shooting it from three, worked in the mid-range, and ran the floor hard. Marmion Academy 6'0” shooting guard Joey Kramer and [player_tooltip player_id='2255121' first='David' last='Showman'] (Wheaton Warrenville South) brought toughness and plenty of perimeter shooting to the table as Kramer had 14 points while Showman dropped 15 points.   Depth Shines for [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] in 16U W Against [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears']   We got our second look at [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last='']'s 16U 3SSB squad as they rolled against [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] 61-41.  In this game Walter Payton 2028 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2531979' first='CJ' last='Pittman'] pushed the issue as the strong and stocky guard got downhill scoring in the paint netting 17 points.  Barrington point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2532017' first='Luke' last='Loughlin'] caught our attention with his crisp passing and always making the right play at the key time.   [player_tooltip player_id='2832377' first='Max' last='Lustenberger'] had a big game for the Bears as the Carterville product got them going early on several strong takes, working well around ball screens, and knocking in a three scoring 10 points.  Carbondale 2028 wing Destin Spears emerged with his strong frame and plus athleticism on the perimeter notching 9 points.  Herrin sharp shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2832405' first='JJ' last='Gwaltney'] connected on three of them in a 14 point outing.   Greater Purpose Athletic Flashes Talent in Variety of Classes   This one wasn't close from the beginning as [program_tooltip program_id='2828653' first='Greater' last='Purpose Athletics'] won 63-18 over Illinois Mavericks.  They had a variety of grades represented in the standouts.  Class of 2027 wing [player_tooltip player_id='3430130' first='Michael' last='Hampton'] from St. Rita is a big bodied two guard that can play bully ball downhill with his physicality and in transition as he scored 18 points.  Pair of 2028 Marshall prospects in bouncy Tyrese Matthews at about 6'4” had 10 points and compact lead guard Demere Wyatt notched 11 points.  Their highest ceiling prospect is probably 2030 incoming Kenwood guard Elijah McKinnie who brings a ton of speed and burst to the table as he dropped 11 points.   Billingsley Leaves Crowd Buzzing While [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] Win Narrowly against Drake Elite 15U   Simeon 2029 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2922280' first='Jalonny' last='Billingsley'] has been one of the prospects we have been looking forward to see this spring.  Highly touted out of middle school as a hooper and has a case for the top 2029 spot in football state wide.  The athleticism was jaw dropping especially on the defensive end as he covered so much ground laterally and vertically with steals along with blocks in [program_tooltip program_id='3575254' first='Drako' last='Elite']'s 58-55 loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'].  Broad shouldered wing threw down massive dunks, stopped and popped in the mid-range, and lived in transition scoring 19 points.  Nathaniel Owel from Rich Township is another prospect to watch in 2029 with a well built frame, long arms, and an elite second jump netting 12 points.   The victors [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] won with a well balanced attack.  They shared the ball and won the 50/50 balls constantly throughout the game.  Flora 2029 duo [player_tooltip player_id='3582939' first='Dane' last='Conklin'] (9 points) and Rayce Mccroy (12 points) give the Wolves a great young tandem to build around.  Timothy Hodge out of Waltonville had a big second half scoring all 10 of his points in the last 16 minutes.  NCOE small guard Jalen Healy is a scrappy and creative finishing guard who had 7 points.    St. Viator 2028 Wing Elevates Stock in Midwest Bobcats Victory   For the Midwest Bobcats 16U it was [player_tooltip player_id='3454823' first='Landon' last='Ray'] who was head and shoulders above everyone on the floor.  Seems to have grown and gotten stronger since we last saw him in person.  At about 6'5” now with broad shoulders and length he was a monster!  Cut passing lanes multiple times for dunks, high level playmaker with the ball making on the money reads, and is a capable shooter.  Won consistently on straight line takes and has nifty footwork in the post as he dropped 23 points.  Guards Gus Tashima (Palatine) and [player_tooltip player_id='3517465' first='Zach' last='Czaja'] (Prospect) had 8 points and 10 points respectively.  Tough wing [player_tooltip player_id='2951744' first='Halil' last='Pekovic'] is a high-motor player that notched 12 points.   Standout for [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] in the loss was Marion 2028 bouncy 6'5” forward [player_tooltip player_id='2832417' first='Sincere' last='Curry'].  Plus athlete that rebounds well, explosive finisher, and flashed in the mid-range scoring 13 points.   [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] Backcourt Goes Off in 17U Cameron Win   Next up we saw the [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] Cameron guards [player_tooltip player_id='2125643' first='Jaxson' last='Hancock'] (Centralia) and [player_tooltip player_id='2978085' first='Cameron' last='Curry'] (Marion) lead the way in their 17U W against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] National.  Hancock had maybe the biggest scoring half of his life as he went off for 18 in the first half and 31 points for the game.  The three ball was flowing, but it was really his quickness off the bounce, soft touch finishing game, and ability to get to the line that racked up the points for the Centralia lead guard.  More known for his passing this was a great sign!  Curry is a plus athlete that has wiggle off the dribble getting downhill for slick scores in the paint showcasing plus athleticism and burst netting 19 points.  Both southern Illinois guards need to be garnering looks in 2027!  Murphysboro combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2385164' first='Cash' last='Brooks'] cashed out from three like usual hitting three from distance for 13 points.   Hillcrest 2027 power wing [player_tooltip player_id='2499153' first='Jaylen' last='West'] was the best player for [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] National.  Kid plays so hard on the glass, defensively, and wills himself through the defense on slashes with his strength for 14 points.   [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 17U 3SSB Shows Depth and Star Power in Pair of Night Victories   In the evening session we saw [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last='']'s loaded 17U 3SSB group led by two of the elite prospects in the state in 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] and Illini 2027 commit [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'].  Kelly is a jumbo wing and the southpaw showcased why he is one of the most coveted rising juniors in the country.  High skill level, plus shooter, excellent basketball IQ, and brings the hammer when he needs to going downhill.  Such a well rounded player at a young age which is really impressive.  In the first game he had 14 points following it up with a 11 point game pouring in the triples early.  In the first game it was really [player_tooltip player_id='2323618' first='Alex' last='Sirbu'] of Buffalo Grove who went to work as one of the state's best big men was unstoppable against a smaller We Different squad out of Indiana.  He utilized spin moves, sweeping shots, hooks, and massive dunks.  Also ran the floor really hard for 19 points.  Pecatonica 2027 power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2796681' first='Zion' last='Braimah'] also feasted on the smaller opponent as the uber bouncy and well built four man showcased his elite second jump getting on the offensive glass and throwing down dunks as in the first game he had 13 points.  What makes this group one to watch on the Adidas circuit is they are so balanced with ranked prospects up  and down the roster that can beat you.  [player_tooltip player_id='2406554' first='KJ' last='Miller'] from Plainfield East showcased his defensive upside blocking jumpers and jumping passing lanes while also draining several jumpers notching 12 points in their last game.  Mt. Carmel wing [player_tooltip player_id='2403910' first='Logan' last='Wessel'] had a nice second half with 10 of his 12 points coming late.   Big 3 2027 Duo Boost Stock in Win against [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics']   In the Big 3 17U win against [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] a pair of prospects caught our attention.  Andrew point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125664' first='Malik' last='Mahmoud'] is a quick guard that lived in the lane all game for soft touch finishes, mid-range shots, and pull up threes.  Good passing feel as well.  He dropped an easy 22 points in the win.  [player_tooltip player_id='2125600' first='Collin' last='Tierney'] is a skilled wing that had his defenders on skates at times with his ball skills in the open floor.  Super quick release from three off the catch as it didn't even seem to be in his hands at times before it was gone.  Efficient with his touches and has a solid passing feel.  Went for 25 points in [program_tooltip program_id='2075314' first='Big' last='3 Basketball']'s victory.   Metea Valley 2027 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2409318' first='Josiah' last='Perez'] was the top player for [program_tooltip program_id='2622592' first='Flight' last='Athletics'] as the broad shouldered rising senior played so hard.  Active on the glass, intense defender, and was excellent on the glass as he had 17 points.  Hinsdale South point guard Maurice Ogelsby Jr flashed shot making from deep and the strong and stocky guard was competitive all game scoring 13 points.   Quick Hitters   M14 North 1 has a trio of 2027 prospect to keep tabs on at the small college level.  Plainfield North guard [player_tooltip player_id='2390275' first='Carson' last='Miller'] can really shoot the rock from distance and on the baseline.  Kaneland's [player_tooltip player_id='3443543' first='Bryce' last='Goss'] also showed he can knock down a corner three.  Andrew point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2371812' first='Justin' last='Freeman'] is a quick twitched athlete at the lead guard spot that can drive and kick along with popping from 15 feet.   Illinois Prestige 17U has a pair of 2027s to track.  Braden Pettigrew is a 6'6” power forward who has a nice frame and hit a spot up three.  Demarion Clark out of Fenger is a big bodied bowling ball wing.   Illinois Mavericks were overmatched by [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''], but a couple of 2027s are worth keeping tabs on.  Robinson wide bodied five man [player_tooltip player_id='2847793' first='Cruz' last='Dunlap'] is a dual sport standout in southern Illinois that has size and touch around the hoop.  Brownstown 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='3569761' first='Benji' last='Lowe'] dropped in a couple of jumpers for 10 points.   For We Different 17U out of Indiana [player_tooltip player_id='2408663' first='Elijah' last='Chinn'] led the way with 18 points against [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] including five from beyond the arc.  [player_tooltip player_id='3278417' first='Michael' last='Ragland'] also chipped in 10 points.

The Prep Hoops Circuit was back in full swing in Illinois this weekend as the Chi-Town Tip Off began a full slate of events through July in the state. Here we dive into the first day of action in Chi-Town Tip Off: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!