Chi-Town Tip Off: 2028 Illinois New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Annually the Chi-Town Tip Off is a must attend event for competition and coverage for Illinois teams.&nbsp; This year was no different.&nbsp; PHI had all five of our scouts in the gyms for this event.&nbsp; We continue our examination of the prospects here in <strong>Chi-Town Tip Off: 2028 Illinois New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KJ Warr (KBD Elite 16U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warr is a lead guard for KBD that played up on the 16U level.&nbsp; This Bloomington guard has nice strength and skill at a young age.&nbsp; He scored well in transition in the game we saw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2075532' first='Illinois' last='Bears'] 16U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Initially I thought Hayes was another Sparta ranked guard, but instead it was Hayes playing up in a 16U game.&nbsp; This long and slender guard proved to be a quality shot maker from three with a smooth lefty stroke.&nbsp; He has slick handles in transition and turns defense into offense with his pesky hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2877491' first='Marshaun' last='Thornton'] ([program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] 15U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thornton might be the top ranked offensive player in the 2028 football class as a wide receiver.&nbsp; His future is there, but definitely deserves a nod for his play over the weekend as a hooper.&nbsp; The Mt. Carmel wing is a big time athlete that brings toughness, transition scoring, and finishing ability in the lane.&nbsp; Did hit a three on Sunday in their win over AyoDosElite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2413169' first='Noah' last='Tink'] (M14 Gold 15U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tink is a two guard that was the leading scorer for M14 Gold in their game against [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] Black.&nbsp; Like his skilled all-around scoring package as a wing to continue to track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2393606' first='Cole' last='Jansons'] (M14 Gold 15U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'10” center from Oswego we came away very intrigued with.&nbsp; Long and lanky frame with good mobility.&nbsp; Definitely needs to add strength.&nbsp; High points rebounds in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2819731' first='Solomon' last='Morrison'] (M14 Gold 15U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metea Valley 6'4” forward with a long and rangy frame that he should continue to grow.&nbsp; Was active defensively, pushed in transition with his handles, and looked comfortable shooting it in the mid-range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2384522' first='Elijah' last='Shim'] (AyoDosElite 15U)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long term prospect here as the 6'5” power forward is a super lanky post that has mobility getting up and down the floor with ease.&nbsp; Alters shot with his rim protecting on the defensive end.&nbsp; Once he gets stronger and improves his skill watch out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->