Midwest Crossroads Showcase: 2029's That Shined Pt. 2

The annual Midwest Crossroads Showcase took place this past weekend in Normal, IL. I was in attendance for all 3 days checking out teams from across the state with a few schools attending from outside the boarder. In this article we'll take a deeper look into part 2 of the prospects from the class of 2029 that had impactful showings.    Immediately pops out because of legit size and functionality. Possesses a broad body with mobility on both ends. Saw him play against an opponent with 6'6, 6'7, and 6'8 class of 2027 guys and even with that age gap he faired well and held his own. The poise and patience he had going up against similar size was fundamentally sound. Works the block and dunker spots and is a will full passer once receiving it if kick out options are there. Saw him vs another smaller but speedier team and he again knew how to play with his back to the basket or from the elbow. Gains a lot of attention immediately on the catch but has matured feel for age to recognize different schemes defensively. Clears space within flow. The upside for Lepper will be fun to track through the next 3 years.     Watched team's first game of the weekend. A high motor power forward who impacted in finding tight gaps to work through while either finishing or drawing a whistle. Crashed the glass consistently to come away with multiple offensive rebounds for put backs. Defensively antagonized with strong anticipation while tallying clean blocks or altering shots at the rim. Showed some flash of versatility as well while pushing the ball coast to coast in the break phase and making correct reads. Matured size and feel for game at this stage of career.       Another underclassmen for Bloom who will provide extra spark at an off guard spot. Slasher away from the ball who helps open the floor up. Comes off screens comfortable to go into shot selection or see the floor. Had a runner in the lane between heavy traffic and also knocked down a spot up 3 in early evening game on Friday. Liked his activity throughout and should continue to make headway through next 3 years.     Another 2029 underclassmen for Blue Demons that will impact next 3 years on the varsity level. An aggressive wing that can put pressure on defensive heels to accelerate downhill. Showed ability to score it from multiple levels from beyond the arc and getting to the cup. Matured frame allows to finish through contact or get to the stripe after drawing a whistle. Displayed plus vision and selfless play throughout while creating for teammates after collapsing defense. Will continue to turn heads with impactful play on both sides.       Another 2029 to track from Crossroads weekend. Caught Wilson in team's mid afternoon game on Sunday and he may be undersized at the forward spot at this stage but there is plenty of room for upside to go in young career. More than adequately kept up with pace. Recorded him for a big offensive rebound and put back, turnaround jay off the catch from 12 feet and another baseline score off the block. Already possesses a strong frame that allows him to provide as an additional interior threat. Keep tabs on through next three years.     Guillory came on our radar during evening game on Saturday. A quick twitch guard that impacts with first step burst. Consistently will put pressure on defenses in transition with speed. Attacked gaps on the handle. Made a hard take baseline then wrap-around pass for a corner 3 assist. Had a smart quick swing pass on the perimeter to tally another dime. Defensively will deliver with anticipating hands which was evidenced by a back court pick pocket and score. Another 2029 from the event to keep on radars.

The annual Midwest Crossroads Showcase took place this past weekend in Normal, IL. I was in attendance for all 3 days checking out teams from across the state with a few schools attending from outside the boarder. In this article we'll take a deeper look into part 2 of the prospects from the class of 2029 that had impactful showings.