Illinois Tune Up: Teddy’s Thursday Notebook (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's part 2 of my notebook from Thursdays action down in Romeoville. I'll be back for much of tomorrow for more action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blueprint 17u Players Excite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blueprints 17u squad really caught my eye this afternoon for their performance vs [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']. In the early stages, [player_tooltip player_id='3684930' first='Tim' last='Adenrele'] used his superior size and length to score early and block a couple shots. Both teams were exchanging buckets throughout the first half and the game was played with a ton of pace. But I f there was a guy in this moment that really caught my eye it was probably [player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] who had multiple finishes down the lane to give them a slight advantage. He wouldn't stop as the game went on as he continued to make slithery plays with the ball as well as some key, crisp passes which got BluePrint up double digits vs the EYCL squad. Started to work well with Adenrele on the pick-and-roll in the closing stages</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A look at [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] 17u EYCL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] 17u EYCL squad is propelled by a string of creative guards. The most effective probably being [player_tooltip player_id='3658680' first='Cooper' last='Kopp'], who I watched a couple weeks ago make an impact&nbsp; for Rockford Auburn. This afternoon, his slashing abilities stayed strong as it kept [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] in the game against a really tough blueprints team. They also saw a strong showing from Taijohn Eaton who flashed excellent three level scoring abilities and stayed consistent throughout this game. Him and Corey Wellere jr went on a big run late in this matchup to keep them in it. They'll be a group I gotta watch a bit more going forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16u [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] Impress</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the 17u squad. The 16u EYCL [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] squad is full of athletic guards. In the beginning, it wass [player_tooltip player_id='2835162' first='Davion' last='Harris'] and Jerrell Parker jr who each showed off strong drives inside. Then it was [player_tooltip player_id='3517328' first='Monte' last='Williams'] Jr's turn to finish creatively at the rim in transition. Eze Nwagwiu found his way with strong dribble moves and some deep three's later in this contest which got them up double figures. A three from [player_tooltip player_id='3517328' first='Monte' last='Williams'] jr further extended the lead for [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] in an explosive first half. Following that, I saw some solid contributions from guys like [player_tooltip player_id='2835162' first='Davion' last='Harris'] and Javion Yancey to keep them in front. Both solid glue guys that fit the system [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] plays with really well. After a jets run, Williams and Nwagiwu made some key plays to keep them in front as well as Jacob Wren. [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] held on for a comfortable double-digit win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Don't Ignore Illinois Jets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love what I saw from them against [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']. It's a group of creative, hungry prospects that play really well together. The most upside of this group might be Jade Wyett. I saw him a bit last weekend for Lockport. His ranginess continued to impress me this time around. But I started seeing others make plays later in the game which included [player_tooltip player_id='3218206' first='Cameron' last='Jones'], a 5'9" point guard from Merrillville, Indiana with limitless shooting range. As well as incoming freshman Zhakeem Cole who made strong plays as a dribbler and passer. Most notably an impressive find to East Chicago (IN) Forward Justin Bennett. George Curly, another incoming freshman playeing two years up. Is a player that's full of potential. Had a moment of excellence when he exploded in transition and converted a tough and-one. Also very lengthy and can grow a bit more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->