Illinois 2027s Make Their Mark at Run N Slam

The annual Run N Slam once again brought together some of the top grassroots talent in the Midwest, and Illinois' junior class did not disappoint. With a strong mix of size, athleticism, and developing skill, this group showed why the state continues to be a hotbed for high-level prospects. Here's a breakdown of the standout juniors who made noise over the weekend!   Frontcourt Presence & Interior Production   [player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Ed' last='Stasys'] – IL Wolves (6'8)   Stasys anchored the paint with a rugged, physical presence all weekend. The strong-framed big consistently battled on the block, showing soft touch and a natural feel around the rim. His length and activity translated defensively, where he provided versatility and rebounded at a high rate. Stasys was a steady offensive option and often the Wolves' go-to scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323618' first='Alex' last='Sirbu'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 3SSB (6'9)   Sirbu continues to trend upward as one of the more intriguing bigs in the class. Living around the rim, he showcased polished footwork and a variety of post moves—spins, hooks, and touch finishes. He ran the floor hard, finishing plays above the rim, and applied constant pressure on opposing defenses with his interior scoring ability.   Daniel Sago – [program_tooltip program_id='2075383' first='Chicago' last='Demons'] (6'7)   Sago's blend of athleticism and skill popped immediately. A bouncy forward with a lightning-quick release, he stretched the floor while also impacting the game defensively. He protected the rim, created turnovers, and showed instincts as a passer. His ability to shoot on the move combined with his transition explosiveness makes him a highly projectable prospect.       Versatile Wings with Size   [player_tooltip player_id='2125642' first='Jarrel' last='Brown'] – Zero Fears (6'7)   Brown brought strong positional size and versatility to the wing. He ran the floor effectively, capitalizing on transition opportunities, and showed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. With range, rebounding ability, and a developing handle, Brown continues to prove he can impact the game in multiple ways.   [player_tooltip player_id='2796681' first='Zion' last='Braimah'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 3SSB (6'7)   Braimah's athleticism and expanding skill set were on full display. A bouncy wing who thrives in transition, he also showed growth in his perimeter game—knocking down threes with a clean release and making smart reads on the move. His ability to score at multiple levels makes him a tough matchup.   [player_tooltip player_id='2406554' first='KJ' last='Miller'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 3SSB (6'6)   Miller stood out as a true three-level scorer with length and fluidity. He finished through contact, knocked down shots with smooth mechanics, and utilized his athleticism to play above the rim. His combination of size, feel, and versatility makes him one of the more complete wings in attendance.       Backcourt Playmakers & Scorers   [player_tooltip player_id='2125659' first='Kristopher' last='Mporokoso'] – IL Wolves (6'5)   The lefty guard impressed with his blend of physical tools and fluid athleticism. Mporokoso consistently attacked off the bounce, finishing at the rim while also knocking down perimeter shots. He contributed on the glass and showed the ability to guard multiple positions.   [player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens'] – Zero Fears (6'4)   Stephens continues to shine as a downhill creator. With smooth handles and an explosive first step, he got into the paint at will. He paired his scoring ability with solid playmaking instincts, showing a strong feel for the game and control of the offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='3427173' first='Jordan' last='Wordlaw'] – Zero Fears (6'4)   Wordlaw's motor and athleticism set the tone. A high-energy forward/wing, he thrived in transition, finishing above the rim and providing momentum-shifting plays. Defensively, his effort and explosiveness helped disrupt opposing offenses, while offensively he showed the ability to attack and knock down shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall'] – IL Wolves (6'1)   Marshall's poise and confidence stood out. The smooth guard controlled tempo, defended with intensity, and scored efficiently when needed. He rebounded well for his position and showcased a shifty handle along with a reliable shooting stroke.   [player_tooltip player_id='1874813' first='Jayden' last='Taylor'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2075383' first='Chicago' last='Demons'] (6'1)   Taylor brought toughness and scoring punch to the point guard spot. With a quick first step and strong frame, he attacked the lane effectively, finishing through contact and creating for others. His ability to score from all three levels while facilitating makes him a well-rounded lead guard.       Sharpshooting Stock Riser   [player_tooltip player_id='2125588' first='Bennett' last='Kammes'] – [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Gold (6'2)   Kammes continues to build momentum this spring, highlighted by his shooting performance in the Bronze Championship game. A true perimeter threat, he displayed a feathery stroke both off the catch and dribble, proving to be one of the more reliable shooters in attendance.

The annual Run N Slam once again brought together some of the top grassroots talent in the Midwest, and Illinois' junior class did not disappoint. With a strong mix of size, athleticism, and developing skill, this group showed why the state continues to be a hotbed for high-level prospects. Here's a breakdown of the standout juniors who made noise over the weekend!