Highland Shootout: Top Illinois 2024 & 2025 Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Illinois was at the Highland Shootout over the weekend.&nbsp; The one day basketball extravaganza featured many of the top teams and players in the state of Illinois.&nbsp; Here are some of the best juniors and sophomores in <strong>Highland Shootout: Top Illinois 2024 &amp; 2025 Performers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Class of 2024</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157347' first='Jake' last='Ottensmeier'] (Highland)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really liked what we saw out of Ottensmeier in their win over QND.&nbsp; The shooting guard is a quality athlete that has a crisp pull up game from both two and three which he displayed in the victory along with being able to get out for transition dunks and euro steps while notching 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157235' first='Cole' last='Certa'] (Bloomington Central Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Certa started off fast with a slick take and a super deep three that had the gym buzzing.&nbsp; New Madrid then focused their entire defense on stopping him.&nbsp; He was quiet for a bit before erupting later in the game.&nbsp; He hit a couple more threes although only shooting 3-11 from distance.&nbsp; Liked what we saw with his burst off the bounce scoring in the paint and in transition including a nice spin move.&nbsp; Certa had 22 points (9-18 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 6 turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157228' first='James' last='Brown'] (St. Rita)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recent North Carolina commit was very good as he had 17 points (8-16 FG), 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Chaminade.&nbsp; He was relentless on the offensive glass playing harder in that facet than we have ever seen him.&nbsp; Would like to see him shoot it better from the free throw line where he was only 1-5 with how good of an offensive rebounder he is becoming.&nbsp; As usual it was a combination of seals, short jumpers, spin moves, and quick slashes from the mid-post for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157230' first='Morez' last='Johnson'] (St. Rita)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Illini commit had a solid outing against Chaminade as he went for 16 points (8-17 FG), 7 rebounds (6 offensive), and 3 blocks.&nbsp; A few aspects standout with Johnson.&nbsp; First is his elite motor and how hard he plays.&nbsp; That is shown through on the offensive glass grabbing 6 boards with his quick second jump.&nbsp; Even if he misses he goes after it with the intent that he is going to put it back in.&nbsp; Pushed it some in transition including being fouled on a euro step.&nbsp; Good looking mid-range jumper.&nbsp; Powerful and explosive on the interior.&nbsp; High level shot blocker inside that can contest/swat them on the perimeter as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Class of 2025</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braxdon Decker (Highland – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Decker jumped on our radar with a strong performance including the game winner to open the day as he got an and-1 on a back cut.&nbsp; Good athlete at the two guard spot and the 6'2” shooting guard can score off the bounce as he netted 12 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->