Show Me Showdown: Scotty B’s Notable Illinois 2028 Prospects Pt 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown took place over the weekend in St. Louis.&nbsp; I was able to see every high school age team in the event play and we will be diving into 60+ total Illinois prospects who made an impression.&nbsp; Here is a look at <strong>Show Me Showdown: Scotty B's Notable Illinois 2028 Prospects Pt 2</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3597945' first='Damarion' last='Taylor'] (Royalty Hoops)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Peoria 6'1” combo guard had a strong showing in St. Louis.&nbsp; Thick framed guard was in attack mode.&nbsp; Hunted his shot with pull up threes and twos along with converting through contact at the rim.&nbsp; Look for him to contribute for an up and coming Peoria squad this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3633030' first='Deandre' last='Wileman'] (Royalty Hoops)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Peoria guard at about 5'9” with a wiry frame who mixed in soft touch finishes with a trio of threes in the game we caught.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox Johnson (Royalty Hoops)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tremont 6'2” two guard has a fluid looking shot and good positional size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2436795' first='Amani' last='Chekingo'] (CBG)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was one of the most fun players to watch all weekend.&nbsp; The Grayslake North lefty 2028 guard is super slick with the ball in his hands making plays for himself and others.&nbsp; Sound decision maker on the move.&nbsp; As a scorer he can hit a spot up long ball along with utilizing shot fakes and change of pace to get to the rim.&nbsp; Scrappy defender&nbsp; as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2831342' first='Joey' last='Rodriguez'] (CBG)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodriguez is a 6'4” power forward from Lakes who was a force on the glass.&nbsp; He snatched rebounds consistently on the offensive end for second chance buckets.&nbsp; Flashed some skilled moves and toughness on post moves as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charlie Hermon (CBG)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vernon Hills guard was in attack mode getting to the rim in both the half court and transition.&nbsp; Finished well through contact for an array of and-1s.&nbsp; Good use of shot fakes and has some burst with the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3570094' first='Jaxon' last='Hires'] (Illinois Mavericks)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson power forward who brings physicality around the hoop.&nbsp; Tough finishes in the paint, runs the floor in transition, and has touch on a turnaround jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3570656' first='Eli' last='Jones'] (Illinois Mavericks)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steward Strasburg 5'10” point guard was productive on Sunday as he worked well in the mid-range along with being creative finishing around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2381552' first='Jenner' last='Pals'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2836391' first='Illinois' last='Warriors Elite'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Effingham wing presents solid positional size along with a good skill level.&nbsp; One of the better players on the Warriors playing up an age.&nbsp; Quality athlete with a nice skill level.&nbsp; Can shoot it from distance off the catch along with behind ball screens.&nbsp; Hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and uses his length on the defensive end.&nbsp; Quite a bit of upside here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3574734' first='Maxwell' last='Love'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2836391' first='Illinois' last='Warriors Elite'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Love is also an Effingham product.&nbsp; The 6'4” power forward put his name on our radar over the weekend with his high energy on the glass and defensively.&nbsp; Runs the floor well and is light on his feet around the hoop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2836391' first='Illinois' last='Warriors Elite'])</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas should see a much larger role for the MacArthur Generals this season.&nbsp; Played quite a bit on the ball.&nbsp; Long and angular prospect who has greatly improved as a facilitator with his crisp passing in the half court.&nbsp; Slick ball handler with a streaky shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3631783' first='Jamir' last='Allen'] (STL Impact)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pogo stick athlete from East St. Louis that is super quick off the floor.&nbsp; He had a big second half in the game we saw playing off his athleticism and rangy frame.&nbsp; Definitely a name to watch out of the metro east moving forward as he should see tick as a junior for the Flyers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->