Windy City War: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook

Saturday was the second day of Windy City War in Batavia!  Prep Hoops was there all day from 8 AM until 10 PM catching all the action.  We bring you what we saw in Windy City War: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!   FVV 15U Trio Put Name on Radar in Narrow Win over M14 Gold   Started off the day with a fun contest as FVV topped M14 Gold 52-49.  Da'Quinn Hill was outstanding for FVV as the Rockford Jefferson 5'10” point guard was dynamic with the ball in his hands.  High-motor guard pushes the pace, can knock down jumpers, and puts pressure on the ball as he had 13 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2389292' first='Troy' last='Ford'] popped as a 6'4” combo forward with some projection.  He scored 10 points while running the floor and being active around the cup along with showcasing his ability to be a switchable defender.  [player_tooltip player_id='2877516' first='Bryant' last='Beck'] stands at 6'5” out of Winnebago.  He is a long and lanky post that protects the rim, runs the court, and can put it on the deck.  Expect all three of these guys to make their debut in our next 2028 update.    For M14 it was [player_tooltip player_id='2465620' first='Brandon' last='Otten'] again who shined.  The skilled and athletic small forward from Benet has a bright future.  He has a quick second jump getting on the glass for put backs.  That is where he shines as he had 13 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2819731' first='Solomon' last='Morrison'] of Metea Valley is another projectable forward for this squad.  Converts out of dunker spot and can stretch as a shooter.  Works well in the pick/roll.   Indiana Game 16U Impresses in Win over [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose']   This was a dominant performance by Indiana Game 16U as they won over [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] 71-51.  [player_tooltip player_id='2125619' first='Dshaun' last='Bolden'] out of Oswego East has gotten so much better since we last saw him.  Up to now 6'4” with broad shoulders and a strong/athletic frame he lived above the rim all game long.  He was a monster in transition throwing down massive dunks.  Quick moves off the ball to get open, attacked off the dribble, and played off his defense for 16 points.  Ketron Paschall is a wide bodied big man that was a force inside for Indiana Game.  Seals on the block, finishes with excellent hands/touch combo, and throws it down out of the dunker spot.  High level area rebounder.  Trell Hogue is an explosive guard who poured in a ton of threes in a 17 point outing.  Can also put it on the deck as he did on one hesi drive.  Kesean Hobbs is a wing that at 6'4” has quality size and showed he could really dance in transition notching 12 points.   Isaiah Hill was the bright spot for [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] in this one as the Chicago Ag Science lead guard was lethal from beyond the arc as he poured in 7 threes for 23 points.  Deep range and let it fly with confidence.   DePaul Prep Duo Shine in [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] 17U Win over Power 5   The Wolves 17U opened their day with a 79-70 victory against Power 5.  Three time defending champs DePaul Prep boast big man [player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] who is a strong post that is known for his toughness, rebounding, and bully ball scoring.  He continues to grow his game.  Threw down several explosive dunks, stretched the floor with a top of the key three, and was an intimidating force in the paint.  [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] made the two shots that put this one out of reach in the final minutes when the game got close.  The DePaul Prep guard is simply a winner.  He does whatever is needed to score the W.  In this game he poured in three triples while being a good decision maker with the ball.  A pair of unsigned seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1440697' first='Atticus' last='Richmond'] (Stevenson) and [player_tooltip player_id='2326966' first='Moses' last='Wilson'] (Waubonsie Valley) brought size and versatility which were key in the win.   LaMont Hamilton had a big game for Power 5. The lefty scoring combo guard is a legit three level scorer that is a flat out bucket getter! More on him later!   Wolves 16U Pulls Away from [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota']   A lot of talent on the floor in this game featuring a UAA vs 3SSB contest here.  The Wolves defeated [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 58-43.  Wheaton Academy big man Hayden Schroeder is a legit top 5 2027 in Illinois and the top big man.  He showcased that with an excellent outing.  Skilled spins, hook shots, and ran the floor.  Fellow top 5 2027 point guardTravis Brown of West Aurora definitely had his moments.  Slick ball handler that is creative with handles getting through traffic for scores in the paint and getting to the line.  DePaul Prep stretch four [player_tooltip player_id='2425702' first='Magnus' last='Johnson'] put his name on our map with his showing as a face up four.   Wolves 15U Score Comeback Win over [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 47-36   Next up was a battle of the same two teams we just saw at 16U.  The 15U contest also went to the Wolves 47-36.  Normal Community small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2542412' first='Chase' last='Kasten'] is a plus plus shooter that was the spark for them in the second half as he poured in threes, mid-range jumpers, and showcased his athleticism.  DePaul Prep 6'3” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2842573' first='Blake' last='Choice'] is the next guard up for the Rams.  Strong lead guard that has a good frame.  Quality shot maker from mid-range and three.  Carmel guard [player_tooltip player_id='2842576' first='Tommy' last='Hills'] put his name on our map.  Plus shooter from three along with hitting a tough turnaround jumper.  [player_tooltip player_id='2842584' first='Sincere' last='Williams'] is a broad shouldered 6'7” intimidating big man that is a good frame.   For [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] a few prospects caught my eye beginning with Silas Miller.  Rangy wing that can put it on the deck.  Dan Zoa is a strong bodied post that plays with a lot of physicality as a rebounder and finisher.   [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] Tops [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 16U in Exciting Contest   There was a ton of talent on the floor as [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] 16U won 70-59.  In my first look at [player_tooltip player_id='2194315' first='Dooney' last='Johnson'] he more than lived up to the hype.  The highly touted guard from Wisconsin is an exciting wing that is explosive with the ball in his hands.  He is a legit three level scorer who played above the rim throwing down some nasty dunks.  Also has a crisp pull up game as he notched 16 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2140949' first='Kager' last='Knueppel'] is a skilled wing that can shoot the ball from the perimeter with a free and easy release while impacting in the paint on the glass and finishing around the cup.   [player_tooltip player_id='2420169' first='Ahmed' last='Nur'] is an intriguing prospect with his long and lanky frame that can stretch with his shooting and impact defensively.  He is the highest end long term prospect on this squad.  Next to him up front [player_tooltip player_id='2126115' first='Vincent' last='Cronin'] brings toughness, physicality, powerful finishing, and three point shooting.  [player_tooltip player_id='2126102' first='Jaeden' last='Udean'] was lights out the first half leading the way with 20 points.  The scoring guard gets a bit shot happy at times, but did pour in four triples along with getting fouled on two others.  Kwatamah Silikpoh is a scoring lead guard that attacked with athleticism off the bounce for acrobatic finishes.   Power 5 Scores Narrow Win over [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] at 17U Level   This game went down to the wire in a border battle of 3SSB teams. Power 5 won over [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 47-45. It was a fun battle between future Iowa State backcourt teammates Yusef Gray Jr. and [player_tooltip player_id='1560867' first='Christian' last='Wiggins']. They went at it guarding each other and playing really hard! The man that outshined both was LaMont Hamilton. The electric scoring guard got to the rim at will with burst and shifty handles along with a great finishing game. He knocked in several jumpers from two and three en route to 22 points. Gray played off his athleticism, got on the glass, and hit a mid-range jumper.   For [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] Wiggins is a projectable two guard that can shoot it with a free and easy shot banging in three triples in this game.  Big time athlete who makes it look easy.  [player_tooltip player_id='1560740' first='Dothan' last='Ijadimbola'] of Totino Grace in Minnesota is a big guard that plays with a nice combination of athleticism and power.  Creates space with a jab step, finishes through contact, and is a solid passer.  Big man [player_tooltip player_id='2115655' first='Ryan' last='Kreager'] is a post to track with legit size that worked well in the pick/roll along with as a lob threat.   [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] 16U Cruises over Mike Glennon   This one wasn't close from the beginning with the size and athleticism overwhelming on both ends of the floor as Herro won 62-26.  It was a transition and dunk show for Herro.  [player_tooltip player_id='1847792' first='Donovan' last='Davis'] showed off his skills as a jumbo wing that plays above the rim and can hit from three.  [player_tooltip player_id='2371700' first='Deuce' last='McDuffie'] is another big time athlete that shined as a two way wing in this one.   There were some moments from St. Ignatius point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] in the first half.  He had a spurt where he pulled it from deep multiple times for threes while scoring 13 points.   [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 16U Sharp Shooters Breakout While Power 5 Scoes Win   The story from an Illinois perspective was the emergence of a pair of unranked wings that will certainly not be in June.  Ryan Dinnon from Andrew was sensational as a shooter with size at 6'6” that poured them in off the catch one after another four six triples en route to 23 points.  Also is effective on back cuts.  The other sharp shooter for [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] was [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] of Neuqua Valley.  This 6'2” 2027 prospect made six from distance for 18 points.  Consistent and quick release.  Lyons guard [player_tooltip player_id='2839879' first='Timmy' last='Sloan'] is intriguing as a 6'4” combo that was a playmaker with the ball as a passer.  Glenbard North wing [player_tooltip player_id='2125660' first='Lamari' last='Carpenter'] poured in 18 points in the victory.  He made four triples along with a massive poster dunk!  Inside Buffalo Grove big man [player_tooltip player_id='2323618' first='Alex' last='Sirbu'] continues to intrigue as an efficient low post scorer that can also protect the rim as he had 11 points.   For Power 5 Ladell White went for 17 points in the win.  He is a thick guard that wins getting downhill to the rim.  Acrobatic layups and was relentless attacking.  Plays so hard every possession.  [player_tooltip player_id='2127267' first='Zaihir' last='Jones'] is a guard who got to the line at a good rate while also knocking in multiple threes en route to 18 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] is an explosive guard who pushes off his defense and gets to the line consistently as he had 14 points.   [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] 15U Tops AyoDosElite   In the last 15U contest of the night [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] topped AyoDosElite.  It looked like it was going to be a blowout, but AyoDosElite kept coming back in the second half.  For [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] [player_tooltip player_id='2398448' first='Joey' last='Kohnen'] showcased why he is such a highly ranked prospect.  Threw down multiple dunks off steals and consistently made plays in transition for 13 points.  Their point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] from Homewood Flossmoor is a strong and compact lead guard that is explosive pushing in transition, can knock down jumpers off the bounce, and made some nice reads in the pick/roll.  He had 14 points.   A trio of guards kept AyoDosElite in this one including [player_tooltip player_id='2384525' first='Bryce' last='Bell']'s three point barrage in the second half.  The Whitney Young 5'3” guard shot it well from distance.  [player_tooltip player_id='2834344' first='Terrence' last='Smith Jr'] went for 11 points while [player_tooltip player_id='2834120' first='Daniel' last='Chang'] poured in three triples.   [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] 17U Cruises over OPS in Finale   In the final game of the night [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] won over OPS 72-45.  After scoring the game winner and having a massive opening game top 2026 post in Illinois Libertyville center Bryce Wegrzyn had 9 points in this game pouring in three triples.  His ability to stretch is taking his game to another level.  Glenbard West athletic guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552408' first='TJ' last='Williams'] also had a strong game.  He was assertive taking it to the rim for finishes at the cup along with hitting a pair of threes for 14 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='1545139' first='Jake' last='Nosek'] is an unsigned senior that is a floor spacing center.  He did just that pouring in four from distance for 12 points.  Byron 6'0” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2839866' first='Cason' last='Newton'] caught our attention while only scoring one basket.  He is an excellent passer that makes very good decisions with the ball.   Quick Hitters   In a loss to FVV 15U there were a couple players for [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] in the 2028 class that caught our attention.  [player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton'] is a 5'9” attacking guard that plays with a ton of toughness getting to the rack.  [player_tooltip player_id='2436293' first='Cole' last='Christian'] has some upside as a 6'4” power forward that should continue to grow.  Put backs, quick moves, and flashed defensively.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598786' first='Willie' last='Felton'] from Bishop McNamara continues to shine as an unsigned senior guard for 1Dream.  Explosive ball handler that wins on straight line takes and is a quality shot maker.   The [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'] backcourt of Curie's Mike Oliver and Travis Marks showed flashes early.  Oliver is a lethal shot maker from three as a point guard while Marks is a 6'2” athletic wing that scores at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2334404' first='Tre' last='Watkins'] is one of the best kept secrets in the 2026 class.  The Metea Valley wing did it last summer for Basketball Paradise, all high school season, and he is doing it again this spring for Paradise.  Poured in 24 points in a late night game with slippery takes and finishes above the rim.  Expect this 6'2” guard to make noise in June!   Andrew 6'6” post [player_tooltip player_id='2399378' first='Mason' last='Moore'] brings strength and athleticism as a 6'6” post that was very effective on the defensive end as a rim protector.

Saturday was the second day of Windy City War in Batavia! Prep Hoops was there all day from 8 AM until 10 PM catching all the action. We bring you what we saw in Windy City War: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook!