Spring Prep Hoops Circuit Standouts: Class of 2028

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With four events officially in the books for the Prep Hoops Spring Circuit, the landscape of Illinois' 2028 class is shifting rapidly. Plenty of the state's top-ranked prospects verified their status, while several fresh faces forced their way into the conversation. These five prospects established themselves as premier names to watch heading into the crucial June live periods.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 3SSB | Chi-Town Tip-Off&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jakstys continues to emerge as one of the most intriguing wing prospects in Illinois' 2027 class. The 6-foot-8 athlete consistently created offense off the bounce and showed impressive comfort handling the ball in traffic. He finished well around the basket while also knocking down a pair of three-pointers. His blend of size, skill, and athleticism makes him difficult to match up with. Jakstys also contributed on the glass and brought energy defensively throughout the weekend. His strong two-way play helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] to a statement victory against one of the state's top programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3454823' first='Landon' last='Ray'] | Midwest Bobcats | Prep Hoops Circuit&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ray is a unique player on this list but after his two weeks on our Circuit he's sure to trend upward as a versatile forward with significant upside in the 2028 class. At 6-foot-5, he used his length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers defensively. Offensively, he showed the ability to attack the rim while also stretching the defense with his perimeter shooting. Ray impacted games without needing high volume touches, scoring efficiently off cuts and smart reads. He also displayed good feel as a facilitator and secondary playmaker. His versatility on both ends of the floor makes him a prospect to watch closely moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] | Brad Beal Elite | Windy City War&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pettigrew delivered one of the most impressive performances of the Spring while competing with Brad Beal Elite. The Bolingbrook prospect showcased a complete scoring package, knocking down deep threes, pull-ups, and mid-range jumpers. His explosiveness stood out whenever he attacked the basket, finishing above the rim and through contact. He capped off the weekend with a Eastbay dunk that had the gym in a frenzy. Pettigrew showed solid playmaking ability and made winning plays throughout games. His combination of skill, athleticism, and competitiveness continues to scream high-major prospect which is why he holds a ton off offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] | Chi-Town Tip Off&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly once again proved why he is considered one of the top prospects in Illinois regardless of class. Playing up at the 17U level, the skilled lefty impacted the game in every phase. His passing ability was among the best on display, consistently creating opportunities for teammates in transition and the half court. Kelly also rebounded well and immediately turned defense into offense with outlet passes. As a scorer, he stretched the floor from three, attacked downhill, and scored effectively in the post. His elite feel, versatility, and overall production continue to separate him from his peers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] | Windy City War</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith-Holley showcased why he is regarded as one of the premier guards in Illinois' 2028 class. His athleticism immediately stands out, whether attacking the rim, changing directions, or playing above the basket. He consistently got downhill with his burst and finished plays with authority. Smith-Holley also displayed a polished pull-up game, knocking down shots from beyond the arc with confidence. His growth as a playmaker continues to impress as he delivered accurate passes in both transition and half-court settings. Combined with his defensive intensity, he possesses all the tools of a future high-major lead guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable mention&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2834186' first='Nigel' last='Moore'] - Zero Fears&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2389107' first='Haze' last='Massey'] - All IN&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TJ Smith - Chicago Fire&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3597945' first='Damarion' last='Taylor'] - Royalty Hoops&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton']- [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] /LVL&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2395586' first='Amir' last='Beasley']- [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->