Windy City War: Saturday's X Factors

Prep Hoops Windy City Wars' first official full day worth of games took place on Saturday. It was the 2nd Prep Hoops Circuit Event stop I've had the privilege of attending this Spring to watch some great prep basketball featuring a lot of competitive games. I had the opportunity to be in Batavia, IL getting to watch 3 divisions of basketball ranging from 15U, 16U, and 17U with over 100 teams competing at the location. Some high profile and even historic AAU basketball programs were in attendance such as D1 Minnesota, [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'], Team Hero, [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'], Indiana Game, and Wisconsin Playground to name a few. From hard nosed defense to explosive dunks, we got to see a little bit of every end of the spectrum through today's coverage. Let's go through a handful of the players that really ended up being X Factors for their teams leading into Sunday.    Has a good fundamental IQ feel for the game. Is a tough player to guard because he has a lot of natural abilities to go along with his skills. Made solid mature decisions consistently throughout the game. Runs the floor well in transition with or without the ball. Attacked the basket multiple times under control. Able to cause mismatches because of his size and mobility. Rebounds and fights for loose balls. Defensively he took a charge, got tips on passes and communicated well to teammates. Keep an eye on this young man through the summer time and over the next few years. As game continues to develop, stock will continue to rise.     With size and mobility he can be utilized in different departments where you need him. Long and strong frame that instinctually effects the game in many angles. Catches and shoots from 3 with rhythm and confidence. Pressures the ball to force turnovers on different sizes. Made a sweet baseline dribble drive wrap around pass to the top of the key for an assist. Made another baseline drive passed 1 defender and up and under finish over 2 more. Will screen the ball or be plenty active in the 1/2 court set. Runs the floor with a toughness but composed demeanor. Pleasure seeing this young man compete.     Has an old school feel to his game that is well balanced on both ends. Plays on an established team and fills his role well ensuring the small things are done correctly. Keeps the ball high after rebounding it. Outlets accordingly to push for primary break opportunities. Solid vision for a big seeing the floor well in transition or in the 1/2 court set within the flow of O. Likes to make the extra pass for an easier bucket. Smooth hands and feet that are actively mobile at a good pace for his size. Deceptively moves faster than appears which makes him tougher to guard on the defensive end.     Plays the point guard position but can really put the ball in the basket. Had multiple tough takes and drives to the rim over bigger size and knows how to finish consistently. Made a cool hard 2 dribble towards the base with a fadeaway from 8 feet. Able to draw defenders in and make it collapse so he has open bodies to dish to. Had a no look pocket pass on the bounce to his big for an assist. Can board it and get it out quick to run in the primary break. Moves feet well defensively and has the extra spark to make a big play when needed.     A really shifty guard that uses his quickness and speed to his advantage with or without the ball. Impressed by his ability to be actively moving consistently. Really crashed the glass a lot for a guard. Instincts are solid on both ends and makes good reads. Has a crafty style ball handling skill set to his game. Was able to collapse the defense on penetration drives to find an open man on a kick out or dish off. Overall can control the pace of the game with the ball in his hands. Will endure pressure and change speeds which then allows created space for him to go to work in that phase. Shot the three ball a couple times which deemed successful. A nice sized point to pickup with quickness at the next level.

Prep Hoops Windy City Wars' first official full day worth of games took place on Saturday. It was the 2nd Prep Hoops Circuit Event stop I've had the privilege of attending this Spring to watch some great prep basketball featuring a lot of competitive games. I had the opportunity to be in Batavia, IL getting to watch 3 divisions of basketball ranging from 15U, 16U, and 17U with over 100 teams competing at the location. Some high profile and even historic AAU basketball programs were in attendance such as D1 Minnesota, Illinois Wolves , Team Hero, Team Rose , Indiana Game, and Wisconsin Playground to name a few. From hard nosed defense to explosive dunks, we got to see a little bit of every end of the spectrum through today's coverage. Let's go through a handful of the players that really ended up being X Factors for their teams leading into Sunday.