With the first session of spring travel season in the books. I compiled a list of players who played well beyond my initial thoughts of them. Here are the 2023 players that excelled these past two months on the PH…
With the first session of spring travel season in the books. I compiled a list of players who played well beyond my initial thoughts of them. Here are the 2023 players that excelled these past two months on the PH Circuit and other events
Baker has been one of the biggest surprises this spring. His play has opened the eyes of many scouts. Darrion is inching close to 6’9 and has shown how versatile he can be. Baker scores well in the post finishing with either hand. The biggest flex in his game is the ability to play on the perimeter at his size. He can put the ball on the ground and get to the rim or he can knock down shots if the defense plays back. Baker is a beast on the boards and can block shots on the defensive end. Mid-major schools will get a chance to see him in June with his high school and I expect the offers to start pouring in.
Mark Nikolich – Wilson – Rolling Meadows (Full Package)
Another big man in the class who has risen over the past month. Mark has been a huge factor in Full Package’s success this spring. His game resembles former (Chi- Loyola) Cam Krutwig with a minor adjustment Mark can knock down the three when teams dare him to shoot. Nikolich- Wilson has a football frame but he is nimble on his feet. Shows awesome footwork in the post and is able to score against taller and more athletic big men. Mark has an above-average basketball IQ and is more of a weapon when he’s in a faceup forward role. He is an exceptional passer and can also beat players off the dribble. Low d1s and D2s should covet him this Summer.
Bryce had an unbelievable weekend in Indianapolis in April. He was showcasing his versatility and proving that some players just needed a little time to become the prospect most envisioned him as. Coleman has improved on his shot mostly. It looked fluid and he was able to get good looks whenever he had the ball. Another improvement was getting to the rim off simple drives and attacking the defenders at the right angle. Bryce had some minor injuries that kept him from other events but if he’s healed up look for him to have a solid June period.
Lowery is a swiss army knife on the court. He can be used for multiple things. Catching him in Fort Wayne, Mekhi has a solid grasp of the game at times where he can play on the ball and initiate offense if needed. With his long wingspan, he is a solid passer but also can score on bigger defenders in the process. Lowery also has great instincts on defense, with his size he can cover up to 4 positions on the court which is skill in itself, and add to that he is a willing rebounder. Mekhi has picked up a few offers so far this spring I expect to see more come June when he is the focal point of his HS team’s offense.
Quentin is an under-the-radar prospect that should get more eyes on him in June. Jones is a skilled slashing forward that can handle the ball and is very crafty with the ball. He is at his best when getting in the paint and looking for scoring opportunities. If teams play zone or play off of him Quentin is able to shoot from mid-range and the three-point line. I expect D1s and D2s to watch him this summer.
Another player who had big games whenever PH Illinois was around. Nikola is an athletic 3-level scoring wing that uses his length to his advantage. Niko excels when playing on the wing and numerous times this spring he has driven baseline and dunked the ball on someone’s head. Abusara’s athleticism is used on both ends mostly to disrupt passes in his area. He is a low division 1 talent that will also gain attention from some really good D2 universities as well.
Kross Barrett- Curie (Team Rose) 6’0
Barrett started off playing on the Rose secondary team where he led them in scoring with consistent +20 point games. Kross is always in scoring position when he crosses half-court so must be defended as such. He has a smooth looking shot that has seemed to have progressed since been promoted to the Circuit team and will be a great second option for the Curie team in June and this upcoming season. He has some small school interests and will be a solid recruit down the line.
Mantas Zilys– Naperville Central (Y&R) 6’2
An absolute glue guy with his travel team. Mantas is a dynamic guard who can affect games in multiple ways. Zilys is tough to guard when getting to the rim. He has good ball control and is able to take a bump and still score because of his upper body strength. When off the ball Mantas can be effective in catch and shoot situations. In Fort Wayne I caught him making several shots in close game situations. In June Zilys will be playing for the Lithuanian U17 team so many coaches will not see him until possibly the end of the summer. D1s and high-quality D2 schools will be over this kid.
Its strange to say the reigning Player of the year for the Catholic League is going under the radar but that’s what’s happening. Jakeem is a hard-nosed competitor on both sides of the ball. He gets his game going by getting stops with tremendous on-ball defense. He then turns those into points by finding teammates on the run or just simply scoring himself. Cole is a smaller guard but he plays with lots of energy and aggressiveness. Some of his better moments of the spring was him getting to the rim and creating lob situations for his big men. Jakeem is a solid shooter but is best when attacking the paint. Many D2s have been watching him lately and after his recent transfer to Rich Township in June he may have some low D1 school’s interest as well.