PH Windy City War: Saturday's Standouts From Romeoville

Saturday marked Day 2 of the Prep Hoops Windy City War. I was in attendance at Romeoville all day catching teams in the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions. Tons of great programs were in attendance showcasing their talents. Let's take a look at some of the top players from today's competitions.    Lavonte has matured size and feel for game at the point or in a combo guard role. His high-level athleticism brings physicality to the floor. In afternoon game today he showed above the rim ability in multiple scenarios. During ½ court phase he can attack baseline from wing in a quick manner. Created and1 opportunities and can thread the needle on passes. Works efficiently in transition to speed game up at an uncomfortable rate for opponent. A 2 way impact prospect that will get plenty of attention during next 3 years.     Watson is a competitive guard that thrives on an opportunity to compete. Defensively has a nose for the ball with a high motor. One of the most dynamic guards I saw today with the rock in his hands. Showed ability to split defenders after PnR scenario, draws contact once in lane, hesitates, provides low quick crossovers to get defender off balance, and overall changes speeds to win his location. Has a reliable mid-range game from 15 feet. Will share it on drive and kick reads or pitch aheads in transition. Generates positive plays as a selfless playmaker that battles to win.     Caught him in action in late morning game on Saturday and impacted on both ends with versatility. Would fit into a small forward role at the next level with his length and activity. Runs the floor well filling sideline to knock down catch and shoot 3's. Converted on multiple breakaway finishes in traffic. Drew fouls consistently on his way up. Makes proper flashes or cuts to open up the floor within system. Overall brings awareness with energy that provides value.     John is a man among boys when he gets into the open floor. Had a couple power dunks in transition with one being for a lob that he stuffed home. Possesses plus bounce at the rim. He's all of 6'7 that brings along true wing span as well. His hands and feet are still coming along a bit but athletically the versatility and dynamic ability are there already. Possesses good verticality on long defensive stances to keep battling to win the play. Came up with multiple clean blocks and continued to change shot shapes on driver finishes. Brings these skills playing against similar size.     Watched in team's 1st game of evening and what stood out first was his motor and instincts. Played against a little more size and continued to crash the glass on both ends. Secured some tough rebounds in traffic while also creating a couple extra possessions on the offensive end. Showed good positional awareness to challenge drivers at the cup. Spaces the floor at times with spot up catch and shoot 3's within flow. Battled beneath throughout and is a reliable asset that understands the game with smart IQ feel.

Saturday marked Day 2 of the Prep Hoops Windy City War. I was in attendance at Romeoville all day catching teams in the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions. Tons of great programs were in attendance showcasing their talents. Let's take a look at some of the top players from today's competitions.