Show Me Showdown: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What did day two look like at Prep Hoops Show Me Showdown in St Louis? Here I examine the Illinois prospects in <strong>Show Me Showdown: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southern Illinois Raptors 16U Shines in 2-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outing We were able to catch both of the Southern Illinois Raptors 16U victories on Saturday. Pair of Maryville Christian products burst on scene in 2028. Wing Hayden Storck and Nolan Hite had big days. Hite is a 6'3” wing that was efficient scoring around the hoop with his footwork and skill. Nifty finish who also stretched to three on occasion for 17 points in morning game. Storck will be joining Hite this year for high school ball. Plus perimeter shot maker which runs in the family. Bombed in a trio from deep while also finishing well through contact for 13 points. Later in the day Noah Stokes of Collinsville lit up the nets as the smaller lead guard put on quite a shooting display for 18 points. Greenville forward Ceagan Slater is tough around the hoop and a perfect glue guy for this squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] 2028 Names Who Shined</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caught several different [program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] 16U groups on Saturday. Liked the 6'4” duo of Benton's [player_tooltip player_id='2872605' first='Logan' last='Stowers'] and West Frankfort's Camden Woolard. Stowers is a small forward who played inside/out with finishes on cuts, put backs, and a three. Woolard is a four msn that spots up from three, operates in pick/roll, and flashed defensively. Caryle 6'1” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2531990' first='Ethan' last='Peebles'] is a high motor wing who dropped 17 points in a morning loss. Crafty drives, mid-range shots, and whirling conversions for buckets. Also keep tabs on Mt Vernon 6'0” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2871601' first='Liam' last='Beckham']. Solid shooter with some creative takes for Bears.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Saddoris squad they fell to a good Rise &amp; Reign group as the shooting of Isaac Butler was too much to overcome with five from deep en route to 24 points. Really liked the growth we saw from Okawville 6'6” post [player_tooltip player_id='2751050' first='Ayden' last='Foley'] who has gotten stronger and is able to be more physical down low. Rebounded well in area and was very good defensively using his length to block and alter shots. He dropped 11 points in the loss. In the backcourt Sparta's [player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] had his slick handles and speed complimenting this three point shooting as he poured in four of them including multiple step backs for 16 points. Carterville 2028 guard Harper Lustenberger brings nice positional size, crisp passing, and creative finishing to the table scoring 18 points. Herrin broad shouldered wing [player_tooltip player_id='2832405' first='JJ' last='Gwaltney'] does what he is best at shooting off the catch for 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nashville 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2872944' first='Brenton' last='Bultman'] stood out on the other Bears 16U squad. Hard-nosed lead guard that gets to line, posts up weaker defenders, and is solid passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CBG 16U Tops Royalty Hoops</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two Illinois teams clashed as this one went to CBG over Royalty Hoops 69-55. Amani Chekinge was one of the stories of the day. The southpaw drained clutch shots one after another whether shooting or off the dribble. Crafty guard who just makes winning plays at a high level! Passes with flair and is active defensively. Dropped 18 in the win. Lakes 6'4” 2028 post [player_tooltip player_id='2831342' first='Joey' last='Rodriguez'] was effective getting on the offensive glass for second chance buckets. Touch and footwork around hoop offensively going for 14 points. Vernon Hills wing Charlie Hermon heated up as the game went along getting to cup for multiple and-1s. Grant 5'9” guard Bobby Lamantia is perfect glue guy that mixed in soft touch finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peoria had a pair of solid guards on Royalty Hoops in [player_tooltip player_id='3597945' first='Damarion' last='Taylor'] and Deandre Wileman. Taylor brings a powerful 6'1” frame with a plus shot from mid-range and three. Wileman was also in double digits as the 5'8” guard drained a trio from deep along with flashing a float game. Tremont 2028 guard Knox Johnson is one to track at 6”2” with his fluid shot making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] Walker 15U Wins Again with Depth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second time we have seen the Bears Walker 15U group go up against an uber talented prospect and come out on top just like they did Saturday in a 65-56 W against Family First. Hunter Johnson from Carlyle was the difference maker! Big bodied 6'5” five man rebounded well in his area all game long on both ends including three put backs. Showed some touch and feel scoring around the cup. NCOE shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2865704' first='Jaden' last='Healy'] displayed his athleticism on both ends blocking jumpers and getting loose in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='3582939' first='Dane' last='Conklin'] of Flora knocked in a couple clean threes. Waltonville point guard Timothy Hodge has nice length at 5'10” which helped him finishing off dribble. Carterville 5'9” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3585233' first='Trey' last='Gillespie'] is slick with the rock and quick with the first step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Unsigned Senior from Wauconda Drops 42 Points</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I made a vow that I would not write about unsigned seniors this spring.&nbsp; Well when you score 42 points that gets thrown out the window!&nbsp; Wauconda 6'3” 2026 shooting guard Tony Salemi was a flat out bucket getter. &nbsp;He was a one man wrecking crew in CBG's victory on Saturday evening.&nbsp; Feathery touch on the three ball, shakes man off the dribble to set up pull up shots, and has all the finishing moves in his bag.&nbsp; Super acrobatic guard that can really convert at the rim with creativity.&nbsp; JUCOs should get on him NOW as he will be coming off the board soon!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also worth noting is Lawrenceville 2026 forward Jayden Goff had one of the highlights of the day throwing down a nasty alley-oop in contested space.&nbsp; Bouncy unsigned senior led his team to state and would be a great late get for a small college or JUCO looking for a skilled and athletic four man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Illinois Warriors 17U Take Care of Business</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The [program_tooltip program_id='2836391' first='Illinois' last='Warriors Elite'] 17U squad topped Triple Threat by a final of 70-48.&nbsp; Central A&amp;M 2027 6'2” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2382372' first='Ace' last='Spinner'] does what he is best at which is get buckets in bunches letting it fly from deep.&nbsp; The strong bodied wing caught fire in the second half off the catch for 18 points including five from distance.&nbsp; Effingham versatile 2028 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2381552' first='Jenner' last='Pals'] had a nice outing showcasing how he can score on the perimeter with a smooth three point shot along with knocking in turnaround hook shots in the paint.&nbsp; Also swatted back to back jumpers on the perimeter defensively.&nbsp; Like the upside here as he went for 16 points.&nbsp; Decatur MacArthur 2028 6'3” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'] didn't get as much tick this year on a loaded Generals squad, but we can definitely see growth in his game!&nbsp; Played a lot on the ball making quality reads in the half court and connected on a deep ball.&nbsp; A pair of players put their name on our radar in Effingham 6'4” 2028 power forward [player_tooltip player_id='3574734' first='Maxwell' last='Love'] and Decatur MacArthur 5'11” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2382373' first='Danterion' last='Knight'].&nbsp; Love is an undersized junk yard dog type post that brings a ton of energy and is light on his feet.&nbsp; Knight was slick with the rock in his hands getting downhill for scores and to the foul line along with some solid passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nice second half out of Robinson 2028 power forward Jaxon Hines who finished with 8 points for Illinois Mavericks 16U. Good frame, competes inside, ran floor hard, and had a nice turnaround jumper. Effingham duo [player_tooltip player_id='3571785' first='Bryce' last='Hodges'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2891196' first='Caden' last='Loew'] are also worth monitoring for this 16U team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Family First out of Missouri had several prospects who caught our attention on 16U. Helias (MO) teammates Bryce Means (2029) and Skyler Jaegers (2028) jump off the floor with positional size, length, and skill. Both play above the rim and best basketball is ahead of them. Capital City (MO) 2029 power forward Jodi Hayes has some baby fat and once he slims down and turns that to strength he is going to be a problem! Super skilled with his footwork in paint along with nimble moves off bounce. Handles in open floor. Skill is super intriguing!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple of prospects from Team Ramey caught our eye in St. Mary's point guard Ronnell Johnson along with Kirkwood big man Sean Gunn.&nbsp; The Missouri 2027 duo shined as Johnson is a speedy point guard that pushes the pace with his accelleration to the rim and body control.&nbsp; Gunn is a bouncy 6'7” four man that can swat shots and play above the rim offensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelbyville 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3576204' first='Owen' last='Beyers'] emerged showing burst off the dribble and a sound all-around floor game at the point for Illinois Mavericks 17U.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another strong showing out of [player_tooltip player_id='2384011' first='Bennett' last='Becker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2383848' first='Cameron' last='Roedl'] just like Friday night.&nbsp; Becker is a southpaw small forward who uses his strength to his advantage working well out of the mid-post area scoring in the paint and hitting 15 foot jumpers.&nbsp; Very crafty player.&nbsp; He had 20 points against CBG while Cumberland point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2383848' first='Cameron' last='Roedl'] continued to shoot it well from both three and mid-range for 14 points.&nbsp; Trenton Wesclin 6'2” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2383992' first='Bryce' last='Haar'] brings toughness at the lead guard spot along with being a solid passer.&nbsp; Keep tabs on Nashville emerging shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2384238' first='Palmer' last='Renken'] as well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->