Windy City War: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windy City War was back at it on Saturday with a full day of action from Romeoville with a ton of big time prospects in the gym!&nbsp; Let's dive right into it with <strong>Windy City War: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Gold Records 8 AM Win vs M14 Gold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of Adidas Gold programs with a consistent history of producing college talent squared off in a 16U game to start the morning as [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] won over M14 67-36.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2819731' first='Solomon' last='Morrison'] out of Metea Valley continues to be a name that peaks our interest every time we see him play with how he defends all over the court, runs the floor, is quick to the glass, and hits multiple threes.&nbsp; We had him for 12 points.&nbsp; Stevenson point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2403357' first='Andrey' last='Markov'] made a name as the 5'10” 2028 was super crafty with the rock finishing in the paint along with being a solid passer and shooter for 14 points.&nbsp; Hinsdale Central point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2839928' first='Jack' last='Kastner'] can really let it fly from deep knocking in multiple threes along with being a scrappy defender.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2439092' first='William' last='Greetis'] out of York is a strong bodied forward that was efficient around the hoop on dump off passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A trio caught our attention for M14.&nbsp; Sandburg 5'11” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2819777' first='Ethan' last='Lee'] was lethal with his shot making from beyond the arc poiuring in five of them for 21 points in the game.&nbsp; Quick and consistent release.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2465625' first='Temi' last='Lukula'] brings athleticism at the point along with being able to dish off the bounce.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2819759' first='Hunter' last='Rheaume'] from Neuqua Valley is a tough rebounding four man that can also stretch the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wellere Puts On Show in [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL 17U Victory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up was [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL's 17U win against Big 3 UA Rise 77-46.&nbsp; King 6'1” scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='2814861' first='Corey' last='Wellere Jr'] was the story.&nbsp; He put on an absolute show!&nbsp; The lefty bucket getter poured in three after three totaling six of them in the victory.&nbsp; Also was active defensively causing havoc all over the floor as he scored 28 points in the victory and will definitely get a boost in our next 2027 rankings update.&nbsp; Rich Township guard [player_tooltip player_id='2416198' first='TJ' last='Eaton'] is a long and rangy combo that can shoot it off the catch, pull up from 15 feet, along with pushing off his defense as he had 13 points.&nbsp; His high school teammate Ty'Ron Holcomb emerged as a 6'4” strong bodied forward that was an elite glue guy with his activity around the hoop as he notched 10 points.&nbsp; Guards [player_tooltip player_id='2455378' first='Ed' last='Williams'] (8 points), [player_tooltip player_id='2532321' first='Elijah' last='Bell'] (7 points), and Cooper Kopp (8 points) also were key contributors in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheaton North 6'5” power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2125586' first='Ben' last='Gillmar'] was effective around the basket with crafty moves, solid footwork, and hitting the offensive glass.&nbsp; Also got to the line for 17 points.&nbsp; Andrew point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125664' first='Malik' last='Mahmoud'] continues to show flashes as a shot making lead guard as he notched 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 15U Goes 2-0 on Day Behind a Ton of Ranked 2029 Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the things I was most looking forward to this weekend was evaluating the top 2029 prospects in the state and seeing who is separating themselves.&nbsp; A lot of those prospects we wanted to see were on the [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 15U.&nbsp; That group is led by the Mt. Carmel duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2915584' first='DK' last='Heard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2767906' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'].&nbsp; Heard had a big day with his athleticism, motor, footwork from 15 feet in, and passing.&nbsp; Also defended at a high level throughout the day.&nbsp; Johnson is a power lead guard that was in more of a facilitating mode on Saturday.&nbsp; His passing was on point as he consistently made great decisions off live dribbles in the half court and finding guys in transition.&nbsp; Also got after it defensively with his consistent on ball pressure defense.&nbsp; Bloom point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2918205' first='Keiwon' last='Gulley'] played off his speed blowing by defenders, was on the money as a passer, and even through down some dunks.&nbsp; Simeon's [player_tooltip player_id='2922280' first='Jalonny' last='Billingsley'] played above the rim per usual with an air show!&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3472215' first='Zahari' last='Threatt'] out of De La Salle had a big day.&nbsp; Projectable combo forward jumps off the floor athletically and physically.&nbsp; Quick to the glass and plays above the rim.&nbsp; Fenwick wing Donovyn Rodgers put his name on the map in 2029 as a three and D wing.&nbsp; Phillips big man [player_tooltip player_id='3472220' first='Ryan' last='Whitt'] had a productive freshman campaign.&nbsp; He is a high-motor undersized post that is a junk yard dog on the glass and finishes out of the dunker spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2075324' first='Brad' last='Beal Elite'] Rolls to a 2-0 Day at the 16U Level</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BBE scored a pair of wins against Indiana Game and Big 3 who are both on the UA Rise Circuits.&nbsp; They were coached by their namesake NBA All-Star Bradley Beal.&nbsp; The Chicago guys did their work as hometown hero Bolingbrook's [player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] went to work with his jumper hitting turnarounds, crisp threes off movement, and playing off his size/skill combination as he scored 13 points and 19 points in the two contests.&nbsp; In the first game Homewood Flossmoor's [player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] put on a clinic.&nbsp; The 2028 point guard is so quick and shifty with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; Electric passer that was diming teammates up all game long.&nbsp; Also scored with slick takes, pushing off his defense, and making contested jumpers.&nbsp; He had 18 points in the first game and 8 in the second.&nbsp; Benton (AR) highly ranked wing Anthony Spratt showcased his elite athleticism and explosiveness off the bounce winning consistently all day long as he notched 15 points and 9 points.&nbsp; Austin Sears put together a couple impressive back to back games as the scrappy shot maker poured them in front deep and got out in transition for 10 points and 14 points.&nbsp; St. Louis wing Miles Simpson is a long and lanky forward who has an explosive second jump to the glass and scored in a variety of ways downhill for 10 points in the first game.&nbsp; Big man James Humphreys showcased legit size, stretch ability, and defensive versatility while fellow post Andrew Terry went to work down low with his footwork and touch around the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BBE 15U Scores 2-0 Day as Well Getting a Scare in First Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 15s for Bradley Beal Elite also held serve on the day although [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL gave them everything they wanted in the first game winning 57-49.&nbsp; They turned it up a notch in the second one winning by mercy rule.&nbsp; Let's first look at the Illinois trio.&nbsp; East St. Louis 2029 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='3576059' first='Emurion' last='Jackson'] continues to dazzle!&nbsp; The lanky wing is a slick attacker off the bounce that got to the rack for scores on an array of takes.&nbsp; Very adept at finishing at the cup through traffic.&nbsp; Plus passer and defends at a high level.&nbsp; Went for 12 points in second game.&nbsp; It was a quiet first game for Chi-Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='3576809' first='Isaac' last='Smith'], but the talented 2029 wing turned it up in the first half of their second contest scoring all 11 of his points in the first 16 minutes.&nbsp; Plus athlete with size and strength got to the offensive glass, put his head down for strong slashes, and threw down a big dunk.&nbsp; Leo's [player_tooltip player_id='2964028' first='Elon' last='Henderson'] is still a work in progress.&nbsp; Big men take time to develop and he has all the tools.&nbsp; Got on the glass for some buckets on put backs and flashed defensively.&nbsp; In the first game Principia's [player_tooltip player_id='2918969' first='Majok' last='Mayuen Ater'] was a force as the 6'9” five man was swatting shots, throwing down jams, and had a nice turnaround jumper.&nbsp; Their first game was sparked by CBC lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2887650' first='Stacy' last='Sorrell'].&nbsp; He reminds me a lot of former Cadets/St. Louis Eagles guard Jordan Barnes.&nbsp; Although Sorrell is a lefty they both play with tremendous patience, pace, and leadership.&nbsp; Sorrell hit dagger threes one after another to get them back in the game ultimately take the lead.&nbsp; Feel for the game and is an active pressure on ball defender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Multiple Prospects Make Names in 2029 for [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite falling to BBE it was a great showing for several prospects on [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] EYCL 15U squad.&nbsp; Starting off with St. Ignatius guard [player_tooltip player_id='2413941' first='Fitz' last='McDermott'].&nbsp; The wiry combo guard is a high level shot maker that poured them in one after another in this game from three totaling four of them.&nbsp; Also had a couple strong takes, back cut, and mixed it up defensively as he had 16 points.&nbsp; Leo Mckenzie of Evanston is a 6'5” combo forward who went head to head with BBE's front line and held his own.&nbsp; The lefty is a strong bodied player that went up and through defenders for scores.&nbsp; At 6'5” he scored in the paint along with stepping out to drive and hitting a three for 13 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3472203' first='Rayvon' last='Nelson'] out of De La Salle is a long and wiry PG that wins on straight line takes!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] LVL Closes Out Close 16U Victory Against Big 3 UA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game went down to the wire as [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] LVL escaped with a 65-63 W.&nbsp; It was the backcourt of Curie's next dynamic guards that did the damage in 2028 brothers [player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2844431' first='Dream' last='Horton'].&nbsp; They each made big plays one after another.&nbsp; Malik had a game high 23 points making some big time shots from deep while Dream had 12 in the win.&nbsp; Dominic Lombardi is a sleeper name to keep tabs on in 2028 as an effective slasher and capable shooter with size.&nbsp; Their big man from Lane Tech [player_tooltip player_id='2436293' first='Cole' last='Christian'] has a lot of buzz going into June.&nbsp; The 2028 post flashed with his athleticism running the floor, rebounding in traffic, and a quick second jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Charles North 6'0” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2896415' first='Caleb' last='Trent'] had a big game.&nbsp; He poured in an array of threes including several big ones down the stretch as he notched 15 points.&nbsp; Lyons 6'3” versatile wing Gabe Kolovitz is a utility shooting guard that is active as a defender, rebounder, and mixes in scores when they present themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richwoods 2028 Point Guard is In Elite Group of Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] led the [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] to a win against Indiana Game behind 19 points.&nbsp; The Peoria Richwoods lead guard is insanely explosive with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; His burst and change of direction along with the elevation he gets at the rim is insane.&nbsp; One of the truly special players in the state.&nbsp; In my eyes he belongs in a serious conversation with Pettigrew and Kelly for the top spot in the 2028 class.&nbsp; Dynamic lead guard that can score from all over the floor with a lethal jumper and passes so well on the move.&nbsp; His distributing off live dribbles has made such a big jump over the last year.&nbsp; Rebounds great from his guard position and is a force defensively.&nbsp; Evanston standout [player_tooltip player_id='2531970' first='Ben' last='Ojala'] is a lights out shot maker off the catch, pulling up in the mid-range, and gets it off with such ease.&nbsp; Can play both on and off the ball with his slick handles as he had 14 points.&nbsp; Colby Irvin from Kenwood had a nice game with 14 points as the power forward with skill played physical through contact and handle it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren Up and Coming Prospect Pushes [program_tooltip program_id='2076264' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite'] Past Hoopademix 17U</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bunch of under the radar prospects in this one as [program_tooltip program_id='2076264' first='Illinois' last='Central Elite'] topped Hoopademix 59-52 in a 17U contest.&nbsp; Really like where the game of [player_tooltip player_id='3037102' first='Cashius' last='Collins'] is trending after a strong close to the season.&nbsp; Long and rangy 2027 wing who plays with a high-motor.&nbsp; Flies around on the defensive end, rebounds well for a guard, is a connective passer, and shoots it pretty well.&nbsp; He had 15 points in the win.&nbsp; Zion Benton's [player_tooltip player_id='3602759' first='Maurice' last='Thompson'] is another name to track.&nbsp; The 6'2” wing with broad shoulders ripped it baseline for a nice take and used his length defensively to get out in transition as he had 6 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3597611' first='Ben' last='Sajuan'] had a big second half as the Warren wing scored 8 of his 11 points in the second half making some timely scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loyola 6'0” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2836572' first='Jackson' last='Martin'] is one to track in the 2027 class.&nbsp; The 6'0” two guard hit a pair of threes and scored on cuts off the ball for 10 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] LVL 2029 guard Deon Osborne is only 5'4”, but he has some range on his shot as the lefty bombed in a few from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Indiana Game 16U is a guard dominated squad that played well as a team giving the Fire a game.&nbsp; Josh Sanderson is a 2030 prospect who is playing up two age levels.&nbsp; One to watch with his perimeter shooting and maturity to his game as he had 14 points in that contest.&nbsp; Also guard Cole Gilvydis dropped 17 points in the loss as he is a 2028 from Andrean.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caught the first half of [program_tooltip program_id='2452458' first='Ayo' last='Dos Elite'] and Homewood Flossmoor 2028 post [player_tooltip player_id='2540205' first='John' last='Brown IV'] in a late-night game.&nbsp; Skilled and bouncy four man that can stretch the floor with his shooting and rim protection.&nbsp; His handles are making strides as well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->