Derrick’s Dimes: R-B Shootout Day 1 Standouts – Class of 2018
The start of June means that we transition from the grassroots spring to the high school teams getting the chance to practice and play in team camps together. I spent Saturday at one of the top team camps in in the area at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout. It is a loaded field like always and here I look at some of the top performances from the class of 2018.
CG – Zion Young 6’3’’ – Simeon (2018)
Zion Young made his debut with his new school Simeon and he didn’t waste any time making an impact at R-B Shootout. He transfers in from Wasatch Prep in Utah back to Chicago where he is closer to family and friends. Young is a strong shooting guard who brings energy on both ends of the court. He started off hot in a blowout win versus Andrews pouring in 20 points including several big dunks. He also showed the ability to stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting. Zion Young is a Division 1 prospect and we will have more on his game, his transfer and what it means for Simeon on Prep Hoops Illinois in upcoming days.
CG – Kenyon Duling 6’2’’ – Morgan Park (2018)
In the absence of Morgan Park star Ayo Dosunmu and also Nimari Burnett and Tamell Pearson all who will likely start and be major contributors again for Morgan Park. 2018 combo guard Kenyon Duling stepped up and led Morgan Park to a victory over Downers Grove South. Duling one of the few upperclassmen at the event for MP was a vocal leader on defense helping set the tone for several points off turnovers. Duling hit some deep threes from the corner and had some nice dribble drive finishes at the rim to finish the game with 20 points. Known more as a defensive stopper he flashed a much-improved offensive game for Morgan Park.
SG – Javon Freeman 6’4’’ – Whitney Young (2018)
Javon Freeman is one of the top guards in the class of 2018 and he had a really solid spring running with the Nike Meanstreets. Freeman continues to impress as he showed an all-around game. He is one of the top finishers at the rim you will see and can make some tough shots in the lane. He is very athletic and had some big dunks out in transition. We know his bread and butter is getting out in transition but he was good in the half court setting. Freeman facilitated the ball to teammates showing nice court vision and ran some point guard. He also rebounded very well from the guard spot. Freeman holds offers from Valpo, Toldeo, Loyola & Drake.
PG – Anthony Lynch 6’3’’ – Larkin (2018)
The Larkin PG Anthony Lynch had a good performance against St. Louis power Vashon HS and led them to an overtime victory over Vashon. Lynch has good size at 6’3’’ and can really get to the basket where he finishes at a high rate. He scored a couple big time drives down the stretch making some tough shots. He is also a solid defender and plays really smart on both ends of the court to help his team. Lynch holds offers from American, Lewis University & Northwood.
PG – Maurice Commander 6’0’’ – Curie (2018)
The transfer from Marist, will take on the challenge of replacing guards Elijah Joiner & Allante Pickens. He made plays from the perimeter and did a solid job dishing it out to his wings and bigs on Curie’s roster in a big win over OPRF. He has good handles and a nice release on his shoot. He’s a quick guard who showed the ability to lead and run the offense. Will be a prospect we continue to track.
SF – Cam Burrell 6’6’’ – Morgan Park (2018)
Cam Burrell will be counted on to fill voids left by the graduation of seniors Lenell Henry and Melo Burrell. Cam showed a much-improved game at the shootout hitting some nice threes from deep, some finishes at the rim including some impressive dunks. The 6’6’’ SF also brought intensity on defensive protecting the rim with some timely blocks. With Morgan Park missing several key pieces at the shootout from their Championship team Burrell stepped up big for them in the win over Downers Grove South.