2028 Prospects Pop at Romeoville Pre-Live Event

Several 2028 prospects used the Romeoville Pre-Live event as an opportunity to elevate their recruitment and showcase their development heading into next live period weekend. Here are a few players who stood out.   [player_tooltip player_id='2422347' first='Darrin' last='Laye Jr.'] | Marshall   Laye is a tough, physical on-ball defender who simply knows how to play the game. He made several timely shots while playing off the ball and consistently found ways to impact winning. Offensively, he excels at getting into the lane and converting difficult, off-balance finishes around the basket. His toughness and instincts continue to stand out every time he takes the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2963414' first='Stephen' last='Dixon'] | De La Salle   The 5-foot-8 guard is tough as nails and possesses a tight handle. Dixon showcased excellent change-of-pace ability off the bounce and displayed an impressive burst when attacking the rim. He helped spark a spirited comeback by knocking down back-to-back three-pointers and proving he can rise to the moment. His confidence and competitiveness were evident throughout the game.   Devaun Bates | De La Salle   Bates is a microwave scorer and an aggressive downhill slasher who can put points on the board in a hurry. He consistently attacked the basket and showed good body control while finishing through contact. Bates is quickly emerging as one of the more dangerous scorers in Illinois' 2028 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2194655' first='Braydon' last='Porter'] | Yorkville   Porter possesses a mature 6-foot-6 frame for a wing and uses his athleticism to impact the game in multiple ways, especially in transition. He created several steals that immediately turned into momentum-shifting dunks. Porter also knocked down perimeter shots, opening up driving lanes where he could attack the basket with authority. His upside is undeniable, and he's a Division I prospect whose stock continues to trend upward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] | Yorkville   Jakstys is a skilled 6-foot-8 wing/post prospect who blends size and versatility at a high level. His ability to attack the rim using his length is already a major strength, but his developing mid-range and perimeter shooting are what separate him from many players his age. Jakstys continues to gain confidence playing both inside and out, and his all-around game could eventually attract offers from programs across the country.   [player_tooltip player_id='2385372' first='Noah' last='Corro'] | St. Laurence   Corro has quietly put together a strong summer, proving he's capable of sharing lead guard responsibilities alongside [player_tooltip player_id='2125677' first='Reggie' last='Stevens']. On Friday, he pieced together an impressive stretch that included a slick behind-the-back assist while being trapped on the baseline before knocking down consecutive three-pointers from the corner and left wing. As his confidence continues to grow, expect his impact to increase this upcoming season.   DeAndre Higgs | Thornton   Higgs has elevated his game over the last two weekends while stepping into a larger role with 2029 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2947687' first='Dakari' last='Nesbitt'] sidelined with a leg injury. He has made significant strides as a shooter and now impacts the game as a true three-level scorer. His ability to score both on and off the ball has improved tremendously, and he uses his physicality well when attacking the basket. Higgs has embraced his role as a primary scorer for the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381426' first='Trent' last='Williams'] | OPRF   One of the hotter names from the Prep Hoops circuit this spring, Williams showed flashes of his potential throughout the weekend in Romeoville. He's a downhill scorer who can also knock down shots from mid-range and beyond the arc. What stands out most is his ability to constantly pressure the defense and keep opponents on their heels. Williams displayed excellent body control and creativity around the rim while helping keep the Huskies competitive. It'll be exciting to watch him again at Ridgewood.   [player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] | St. Ignatius   Tucker embraced more of a floor general role this weekend while taking advantage of the opportunities the offense presented. He controlled the pace, orchestrated the offense, and used the event to sharpen other areas of his game. When opportunities arose, Tucker knocked down open shots and effectively attacked the lane when he gained an advantage off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='2369882' first='Vinny' last='Corrado'] | Marian Central Catholic   Corrado is a mobile 6-foot-7 big man who first caught my attention a couple of years ago at a Prep Hoops camp. This weekend was an opportunity to finally watch him with his high school team, and he didn't disappoint. Corrado was effective in pick-and-roll actions, displayed soft hands around the rim, and showed nimble footwork when attacking off the catch. He can also step out and make perimeter shots. With two years remaining, if he continues to develop his mid-post game, he'll become a prospect that college programs actively pursue.

Several 2028 prospects used the Romeoville Pre-Live event as an opportunity to elevate their recruitment and showcase their development heading into next live period weekend. Here are a few players who stood out.