PH Windy City War: Cleaning out the Notebook

A marquee event of the Prep Hoops Circuit, the Windy City War produced three days of high-level grassroots basketball. As I prepare to turn the page toward the premier independent event in the Midwest. I am first going to go back through my notes and give you some players who might have slipped through the cracks of my previous coverage of the event.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='3037102' first='Cashius' last='Collins'] 6-4 2027 Warren-Gurnee (IL) Impressed me on Friday night and was still playing well on Sunday. I would call him a power wing. Has good vertical size and a frame that absorbs contact on penetration. Had excellent footwork. Created space with creative power jump stops. Good ball handler for his size and got to his spots easily with the dribble. Standout contest for this scout was the Friday opener. Put up 17 points in a loss to a strong D1 Illinois Jets squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='2389793' first='Dovydas' last='Zuperka'] 6-6 2027 Stagg (IL) Lengthy combo forward had a strong weekend for [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Gold. Moved well off the ball. Evidenced by a nice backdoor cut and emphatic dunk early in a Saturday contest against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL. Also shot the ball well on the weekend. Has a unique release on his outside shot. But it is high, hard to block, and repeatable. If he add weight to his frame. This could be a late blooming and athletic stretch four for the right college coach at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2386798' first='Bo' last='Grabner'] 6-10 Kimberly (WI) Biggest player in field. Both in terms of vertical height and girth. When you see a player of this size who seems somewhat unknown as a senior. In my experience you usually are looking at a major project. While Grebner still has development to go, I wouldn't classify him as a major project. He moves well for size. Is a little heavy footed and not an explosive vertical athlete. However at 6-10 and at probably about 250 pounds that might not be much of issue. Much of the mass comes from a wide base. Has thick hips and broad shoulders. Has a soft touch the basket with both hands. Bigs always develop later than guards and wings. For a patient developmentally minded coach, there could be something here.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2442240' first='Jacob' last='Ayers'] 6-1 Spring Lake (MI) (pictured) Ayers' squad drew perhaps the most difficult schedule of the weekend. Playing more than EYBL and EYCL squads. Accordingly the team got off to a rough start on Saturday. Bounced back to win their opener on Sunday. Ayers saved his best for last. Erupting for 25 points in a close high scoring defeat. A jack of all trades combo guard. Fundamentally sound and seemingly always makes the right play or pass. Is a very good outside shooter. When it is falling it opens driving lanes that he exploits. The skill set is more than there. Will need to get a little stronger and more explosive athletically to take the next in his development. But the future is bright for this lakeshore region prospect.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='3252526' first='Jayden' last='Alford'] 6-0 Yorkville Christian (IL) Alfred's perimeter scoring touch led his 15U Young & Reckless squad to undefeated record while playing up an age group. Not the biggest backcourt prospect but attacked the basket without fear. Got the rim often with an explosive first step. I watched him put up 18 points against a Rockford Elite unit that featured a strong backcourt. Plays in two strong developmental programs. Consequently, a bright future for the Chicago area guard.   Kellen Blasko 6-5 Berrien Springs A lot upside for this player from the far Southwestern corner of Michigan. Legitimate 6-5 with an athletic and projectable frame. Coaches son, and already plays a game loaded with winning intangibles. Good athlete who is light on his feet with fluid lateral movements. A young player who could either way as a prospect, Could increase the perimeter skill set and become a matchup problem on the wing. Or he could increase his strength and be a fleet footed option in the post. If he can do the double and pull them both off, we could be looking at a special prospect.

A marquee event of the Prep Hoops Circuit, the Windy City War produced three days of high-level grassroots basketball. As I prepare to turn the page toward the premier independent event in the Midwest. I am first going to go back through my notes and give you some players who might have slipped through the cracks of my previous coverage of the event.