Battle at the Lakes: Scotty B’s 2023 Illinois Standouts

<p>This past weekend we covered Battle at the Lakes in Minnesota featuring top talent in Illinois and around the country.  Here is our look at the top performers from the rising junior class in <strong>Battle at the Lakes: Scotty B’s 2023 Illinois Standouts</strong>!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048307" first="Ahmad" last="Henderson"] (Young &amp; Reckless)</strong></p> <p>Have a weekend birthday boy!  The Brother Rice point guard is a big time shot maker and that was more than evident after he out shot D1 Minnesota from deep by himself including the game winner at the buzzer.  Quick and effortless release from distance allows him to score in bunches.  Much more than just a shooter despite his lack of size he gets in the lane for scoop shots and runners.  Makes the correct pass on the offensive end for better shots if they present themselves for his teammates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048386" first="Jaloni" last="Johnson"] (Young &amp; Reckless)</strong></p> <p>Solid overall weekend for the Proviso East shooting guard.  Does a nice job of mixing it up between drives and spot up shots.  Good athlete with length and projectability.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215295" first="Brett" last="Meidel"] (Illinois Hoopstars McAllister)</strong></p> <p>We saw this small school wing during the high school season and thought there was some potential there.  With the Hoopstars the 6’4” small forward did most of his damage off the bounce with sweeping and spinning layups.  Held his own playing up on the 17U level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215325" first="Donovan" last="Juzang"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>This 5’11” point guard from Marian Catholic did a nice job playing off his big men inside.  Lefty draining an array of threes and played pressure defense on the perimeter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1113520" first="Kevin" last="Anthony"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Long and lanky 6’8” post that is a rim protector on the defensive end.  Presents mobility and the chance to be a plus defender down the line.  Look forward to seeing how he progresses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215306" first="Adhearn" last="Ellis"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>This Uplift 6’6” combo forward was impactful in the game we saw.  Aggressive taking his man off the bounce from the high-post area for several scores.  Hit a spot up three and was a good rebounder on both ends.  Plays with nice motor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215305" first="Jason" last="Asante"] (Illinois Hoopstars)</strong></p> <p>Undersized four man that was active defensively getting several steals and blocks in the game we saw.  Offensively he converted dump off passes inside.  Defensive end was where he was most intriguing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048311" first="Tyler" last="Van Gorp"] (Hoops4Health)</strong></p> <p>Long and thin 6’10” five man presents upside because of how much stronger he can get with his frame and skill level.  Mobile five that can step out while also showing sound footwork in the post along with reverse layups.  Snatches rebounds at their highest point.  Playing up on the 17U level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1056105" first="Sherod" last="Dent"] (Hoops4Health)</strong></p> <p>Dent is a power forward at 6’6” with a strong upper body.  Good finisher in transition through contact and is a capable spot up three point shooter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215292" first="Graham" last="Smith"] (Breakaway)</strong></p> <p>We came away very impressed in our first look at this 6’5” Lyons Township two guard.  Good size for position and this kid can shoot it at a high level.  Also displayed grit on several straight line and baseline takes for scores.  New name to track!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1170017" first="Arius" last="Alijosius"] (Breakaway)</strong></p> <p>Elite shooter!  That is what the Stagg 6’0” point guard does best.  The lefty is a plus plus shot maker that nailed them over and over from beyond the arc and when he wasn’t hitting them he was fouled on them.  One of the more impressive shooters we have seen this spring.  Breakout weekend for Breakaway guard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048381" first="Chase" last="Collignon"] (Breakaway)</strong></p> <p>Tough and physical shooting guard that rebounds well in traffic, makes the extra pass, and ran the floor for scores.</p>