The Platform: Noteworthy 2027 And 2028 Shooting Guards To Watch

Three days of competitive basketball took place in Chicagoland over the weekend at The Platform. It was the Prep Hoops Circuit final Illinois event of the season until we go into our high school showcases at the end of August. Throughout the weekend, I was stationed at the Bedford Park location in the Wintrust Sports Complex evaluating talent in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. In this breakdown we will keep our focus on some more shooting guards from the class of 2027 and 2028 that consistently produced for their teams with offensive firepower.    Ladron impacted in the mid morning game on Sunday with his effort and hard work on both sides of the ball. He created for teammates in a variety of ways which included drive and spray out assists after drawing extra help from the defense, quality pitch ahead passes hitting guys in stride for transition buckets, and another pass to his big for an easy lay in. Ladron didn't fill up the scoring sheet necessarily but he did still have a couple of nice takes to the cup to sneak through traffic and finish on high percentage shots. Not to mention he took advantage of a tough offensive put back between bodies as well. His selfless play and toughness activity was showcased throughout the game and helped team gut out a hard fought battle.     Smith caught my attention in the first game on Saturday with his shooting ability. The undersized 2 man got a hot hand during the second half in which he hit 3 3's in the teams' nearly completed comeback. He fills the sidelines quickly and settled in efficiently for quick catch and shoot opportunities. The lefty guard also had a couple quick rebounds with one being on the offensive end for a quick kick back out to restart. Smith will bring IQ and shot making skills to the floor.     Grunnert presents solid athleticism on both sides of the ball. He defensively sticks and provides pressure on the handler and 1 pass away utilizing his 6'3 frame at the wing spot. He is able to create mismatches at times offensively because of length and did so in the early afternoon game on Saturday while drawing some whistles on dribble drive action and rebounding the ball vs smaller bodies. His complimentary feel and attributes in multiple facets creates value.     A lefty sniper from Mooresville. I caught Indiana Elite 16U's team play in the early afternoon contest on Saturday and Elliott shot it well. Most of his work is done off of catch and shoot opportunities but he can go off the dribble smoothly into his shot as well. The undersized 2 man rang in 4 3's at a high clip to help keep team in the game throughout. He establishes his feet and hands ready before the catch in rhythm and has fundamental footwork into his shot. A combo guard that will draw defenses out beyond the perimeter consistently.     Petrocelli makes his presence known during the transition phase and on the defensive end. Has speed and quickness to get into passing lanes to create some disruption to offenses. Shows fluid athleticism as well to finish above the rim and did so with a 2 handed slam during the team's early afternoon game on Saturday. His adequate handle is sufficient to finish through defenders in traffic at times while bring toughness to the floor. His aggressive slashing mentality will help collapse defenses and enable more than one look on the offensive end.     Gibson is an undersized off guard that plays cohesively well within Midwest Hoops fast paced scheme which led them to 4-0 on the weekend. The cast of Southern Illinois/Missouri players competed cohesively well together. The Sikeston CG got it going from 3 point land in their evening game on Saturday knocking down 3 3's off the catch within rhythm. He possesses a quick handle and can create separation quickly when a defender is crowding. Showed court vision as well with a couple dimes threading the needle through gaps.

Three days of competitive basketball took place in Chicagoland over the weekend at The Platform. It was the Prep Hoops Circuit final Illinois event of the season until we go into our high school showcases at the end of August. Throughout the weekend, I was stationed at the Bedford Park location in the Wintrust Sports Complex evaluating talent in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. In this breakdown we will keep our focus on some more shooting guards from the class of 2027 and 2028 that consistently produced for their teams with offensive firepower.