Grit Region Final: Top 2022 Illinois Performers Pt 3

The Prep Hoops Circuit concluded with the Grit Region Final. Here we examine the top performances from rising seniors we saw at the event. Check out Grit Region Final: Top 2022 Illinois Performers Pt 3!   Sean Kavanaugh (M14) Small college looking for a lights out shooter in the 2022 class? Kavanaugh could be your guy! One of the better pure shot makers from three in the class with his ability to move without the ball and shoot off the catch. He drained some huge threes over the weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id="1140351" first="Jonah" last="Hinton"] (M14) Hinton put himself in a great position heading into the fall with how well he played the last two weekends in Indy. D2 programs should be intrigued with his ability to play both on and off the ball with a projectable frame. Silky smooth handles allows him to get where he needs on the floor to operate hitting mid-range jumpers and floaters. Creative passer as well that has shown improved feel over the course of the spring/summer.   Patrick Robinson (M14) Robinson is a big bodied wing scorer that had several productive games in Indy during the finals. He knows how to use his physicality when attacking downhill and has showed flashes of improved handles. Jumper can be streaky at times, but when it is falling he is one of the better pure bucket getters in the class and one that D2 schools need to be getting in on.   [player_tooltip player_id="1048715" first="Matt" last="Somerville"] (South Cook Jaguars) The Whitney Young wing didn’t shoot it as well from three as we are accustomed to, but he still impacted the game with his size and athleticism. Very good athlete in the transition game as he covers a lot of ground with his long strides. Can put it on the deck for scores on sweeping layups and spinning shots in the paint. Worth monitoring at the D2 level heading into his senior campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="863589" first="Kanye" last="Smith"] (South Cook Jaguars) Smith has been one of the more pleasant surprises over the last month. A once highly touted prospect that didn’t really produce he has reemerged with a strong month of play for the Jaguars. Projects as a four at the next level that uses his athleticism on the block and glass to be effective. Can also step out and hit a mid-range jumper. He has the physical tools it just comes down to if he plays as hard as he did in July consistently he will be an ideal fit at the JUCO level and could be an upside play for a small college.   Lynoel Hodges (Hoop Phi) This TF South 6’7” four man put his name on our radar with a strong weekend of play for Hoop Phi. Legit size and length to go with the efficiency that he scored with on the block. Good offensive rebounder and showed some skill on a hook shot along with baseline jumper. Most likely a small college guy, but one that we will keep an eye on over the next six months.   [player_tooltip player_id="1210373" first="Joseph" last="Fitch"] (Illini Magic) Fitch was one of my favorite players from the Prep Hoops Circuit over this season. Went from unknown to top 50 prospect in the state. What we love about him is his ability to rim run, dive, and impact the game with his athleticism on the defensive end. Didn’t get a lot of touches as his guards weren’t in too much of a passing mood, but the upside is just oozing. In our eyes he would be a steal at the D2 level!   [player_tooltip player_id="1210377" first="Karlo" last="Colak"] (Hoops 4 Health) Colak is another sharp shooter from New Trier that is primed for a big season. This kid can really shoot the ball with decent size on the perimeter. Plus shooter off the catch and moving without the basketball to get open. Small college gem.   [player_tooltip player_id="1200931" first="Julian" last="Green"] (Hoops 4 Health) Green has put his name on the radar of scouts and college coaches over the last couple months with his play. Lefty combo guard should step into the DePaul Prep lineup and have a key role for the Rams this season. Sound perimeter shooter that brings athleticism and creativity off the bounce along with tenacity on the defensive end. Small college guy.   [player_tooltip player_id="1222748" first="Luis" last="Acevedo"] (Next Generation) Acevedo is another guy that helped himself in both the high school setting and travel team circuit during the summer months. Well built guard from Homewood Flossmoor that gets to the rim being able to absorb contact for scores. Good overall feel for the game from this small college combo guard. Kenneth Hayes (Kessel Heat) Absolutely love what Hayes has brought to the table over the last month with Kessel Heat. The Zion Benton wing poured in 19 points in a strong effort on Saturday. The athleticism, physical tools, and tenacity jump off the floor at you. Plays so hard on both ends of the floor. Excellent defender that gets steals, blocks, and alters the opposing teams flow. Offensively he is a capable shooter that is most effective slashing where he gets to the line and converts acrobatic layups. High end small college guy that with a year at a JUCO could go even higher!   [player_tooltip player_id="863595" first="Matthew" last="Volkening"] (Kessel Heat) Volkening is a prospect that we were able to get a much better look at during the July period. The Marengo small forward is a skilled scorer that makes turnaround jumpers in the mid-range and is a solid three point shooter off the catch. Defensively he opened our eyes on Saturday with the way he contested and blocked several shots. He is a guy that D2 programs need to be involved with.   [player_tooltip player_id="863592" first="Darius" last="Duff"] (Kessel Heat) This Lake Forest Academy two guard made the move over to Kessel Heat in July where he would be more of a featured player. Duff is one of the more underrated bucket getters in the class being able to operate effectively from all three levels with threes, mid-range pull ups, and using his bounce at the rim. Netted 20 points when we saw him on Saturday and is a guy that projects currently as a D2 prospect.