What 2028 Forwards Made Impacts on Prep Hoops Circuit?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit made six stops in the Chicago area this spring and summer, bringing together some of the top shoe-circuit and independent programs in the Midwest. The 2028 class featured a talented group of forwards who consistently impacted games with their versatility, athleticism, and production. Whether stretching the floor, defending multiple positions, or making winning plays, these five Illinois prospects stood out throughout the circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last='']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eventv (Chi-Town Tip-Off)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelly was one of the most complete players in the state and he showed his skills at 3SSB and on our circuit, despite playing up at the 17U level. The skilled left-handed forward showcased an advanced feel for the game with outstanding vision, consistently creating quality opportunities for teammates. Offensively, he scored from all three levels, pushed the break after rebounds, and was equally effective operating in the post or on the perimeter. His versatility and all-around impact continue to separate him as one of the premier prospects in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3454823' first='Landon' last='Ray'] | Midwest Bobcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Event: (Windy City War, Chi-Town Tip-Off)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ray emerged as one of the biggest stock risers over the first two Chicago events. The long, versatile forward used his size and instincts to make plays defensively while showing the ability to attack the basket or knock down perimeter shots on the other end. He played within the flow of the offense, impacted winning without demanding the ball, and flashed secondary playmaking ability that hints at even more upside. An injury cut his summer short, but his early performances left a lasting impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194655' first='Braydon' last='Porter'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Event :(Chi-Town Tip-Off)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter brought high-level athleticism every time he stepped on the floor. The explosive wing excelled in transition, where his speed, strength, and ability to finish above the rim made him a constant highlight threat. He also contributed on the glass, defended with energy, and consistently put pressure on defenses by attacking downhill. His combination of physical tools and relentless motor made him one of the event's most exciting forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2436293' first='Cole' last='Christian'] | LVL&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Event: (Windy City War)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian displayed an impressive blend of size, strength, and skill throughout the Windy City War. He scored efficiently around the basket with polished post footwork, ran the floor well, and finished through contact. Just as importantly, he stretched opposing defenses with confident perimeter shooting, making him a legitimate inside-out scoring threat. His physicality and willingness to defend added even more value to an already productive showing, and thats how he landed on this list.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2538631' first='Grant' last='Smith'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last='']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Event:(Chi-Town Tip-Off)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith quietly put together one of the strongest all-around performances among the forwards on the circuit. The versatile combo forward defended multiple positions, protected the rim, and consistently made winning plays with his activity and toughness. Offensively, he flashed ball-handling ability, knocked down perimeter jumpers, and finished effectively around the basket. His well-rounded game and steady improvement made this the beginning of an impressive offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mentions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2540205' first='John' last='Brown IV'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2452458' first='Ayo' last='Dos Elite']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='3576962' first='Sam' last='Ogeto'] | Chicago Fire</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='3660778' first='Camden' last='Scroggins'] | [program_tooltip program_id='2075481' first='Fundamental' last='U']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2951200' first='Timmy' last='Van Gorp'] | Midwest Bobcats</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->