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Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts

Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Joshua Burish
Joshua Burish April 14, 2025 @ 08:00 AM
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In this article:

Danny Simon
Danny Simon 6'5" | C | 2027
IL
Woody Zhang
Woody Zhang 6'0" | SG/PG | 2027
IL
Josiah Payne
Josiah Payne 5'11" | PG/SG | 2027
IL
Keon Ash
Keon Ash 5'8" | 2027
IL
Darnell Stitts
Darnell Stitts 6'2" | PG | 2027
IL
Quinn Zinzer
Quinn Zinzer 6'0" | PG | 2027
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chi-Town Tip Off showcased a wave of talent in the 16U bracket, with players stepping up and leaving their mark on the competition. From explosive guards to dynamic forwards, a new set of prospects made their case as rising stars. Here are the players who made an impact and showed they're ready to turn heads this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fb6e682f761"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong off dribble hand-offs and aggressive attacking downhill. Plays through contact and doesn't shy away from physicality. Tough in transition—can finish or find teammates on the move. Brings consistent energy, follows his own shot, and makes plays all over the floor. Stands out as PAC Elite's most reliable player and shows real upside with his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2830997"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fcb4c6af46d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Slick guard with tight handles and the ability to reach the paint and create plays for others. Quick rise on his pull-up with great arc and confidence. Shows advanced ball-handling for his age, with room to keep developing. Leads the offense with poise and feel—has the skill set and IQ to keep leveling up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2528328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fb6e682f7e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crafty guard who uses a smart shot fake to get downhill and finish with a soft floater. Shows he can handle tight pressure and still find ways to get into the paint. Has the ability to break defenders down and flashed offensive skill with his touch and feel. A lot of promising moments from this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2831123"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fcb4c6af4f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Plays with great energy in transition—consistently creates passing lanes and runs the floor with purpose. Shows flashes of handling the ball and attacking off the bounce, putting pressure on the defense. Off the ball, he moves well and reads space effectively, constantly shifting into open lanes. High-motor player who stays active.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2834314"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2838279,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fb6e682f87d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Big presence inside who plays tall and uses his length well. Shows good discipline defensively—stays grounded on shot fakes. Has soft touch on a baby hook and doesn't force looks around the rim. Also flashes good feel as a passer out of the post. Solid interior piece with patience and poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2123656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67fb6e682f8c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Explosive off the dribble with a strong first step. Smart mover without the ball—uses back cuts well, especially in two-man game with the post. Drives with purpose, keeps his head up in transition, and can knock down the three. Brings contagious energy on defense with a nonstop motor. Plays fast and locked in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The Chi-Town Tip Off showcased a wave of talent in the 16U bracket, with players stepping up and leaving their mark on the competition. From explosive guards to dynamic forwards, a new set of prospects made their case as rising stars. Here are the players who made an impact and showed they're ready to turn heads this season.

Darnell Stitts

Darnell Stitts

IL
PG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Darnell
Stitts PG
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
HS
Grant
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Strong off dribble hand-offs and aggressive attacking downhill. Plays through contact and doesn’t shy away from physicality. Tough...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Darnell Stitts

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Grant
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Josiah Payne

Josiah Payne

HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Josiah
Payne PG/SG
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
HS
Depaul Prep
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Slick guard with tight handles and the ability to reach the paint and create plays for others. Quick...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Josiah Payne

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Depaul Prep
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Keon Ash

Keon Ash

HEIGHT 5'8"
POS N/A
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Keon
Ash
Class
2027
Height
5'8"
HS
Cary Grove
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Crafty guard who uses a smart shot fake to get downhill and finish with a soft floater. Shows...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Keon Ash

State: Illinois
School: Cary Grove
Club: Pac elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Woody Zhang

Woody Zhang

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Woody
Zhang SG/PG
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
HS
Beacon Academy
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Plays with great energy in transition—consistently creates passing lanes and runs the floor with purpose. Shows flashes of...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Woody Zhang

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Beacon Academy
Club: LVL Illinois
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Danny Simon

Danny Simon

IL
C
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS C
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Danny
Simon C
Class
2027
Height
6'5"
HS
Prospect
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Big presence inside who plays tall and uses his length well. Shows good discipline defensively—stays grounded on shot...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Danny Simon

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Prospect
Club: Kessel Heat
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Quinn Zinzer

Quinn Zinzer

IL
PG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Quinn
Zinzer PG
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
HS
Prospect
|
IL
Chi-Town Tip Off: 16U Standouts
Explosive off the dribble with a strong first step. Smart mover without the ball—uses back cuts well, especially...
Written by Joshua Burish
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Quinn Zinzer

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Prospect
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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