Grit Region Finals: Scotty B’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grit Region Finals in Chicago continued on Saturday.&nbsp; I was at the 17U gym in Barrington to take in all the action.&nbsp; Check out what I saw from the day in<strong> Grit Region Finals: Scotty B's Saturday Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Watkins is Dominant in Opener While New Names Emerge in Basketball Paradise Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We opened the day by checking out one of the must see players in Illinois that many don't talk about in Metea Valley shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2334404' first='Tre' last='Watkins'].&nbsp; Watkins led his Basketball Paradise squad to a 71-36 victory over All-In Athletics.&nbsp; Watkins is a plus athlete that is slippery getting to his spots slithering through the defense for scores at the cup.&nbsp; He pushed the in open floor and got downhill for floaters.&nbsp; Also displayed a solid floor game as a passer while also knocking in a pair of threes for 20 points.&nbsp; He is a shooting guard that low-majors and D2s need to have on their watch list for the June live periods.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2382446' first='Michael' last='Rembert'] of Oswego East had a breakout day.&nbsp; The strong two guard shot it very well from the perimeter along with mixing in some drives.&nbsp; He poured in 16 points.&nbsp; A big man that caught our attention was Rochelle 2027 6'5” power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2779481' first='Warren' last='Schweitzer'].&nbsp; The big man was an excellent interior defender consistently turning back shots while displaying some mobility around the cup and even knocking in a three for 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2831345' first='Ethan' last='Wright'] of Buffalo Grove led AIA in scoring notching 12 points in the loss.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VIP Kings Turn Defense Into Offense AT WILL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a performance that Kentucky squad VIP Kings put on defensively in their opening morning win 80-30 against Brook Town Force.&nbsp; It seemed like every trip down the floor led to a steal and transition bucket for the Kings.&nbsp; It was like clockwork!&nbsp; Their top prospect is 2027 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2389668' first='Garrison' last='Gilvin'].&nbsp; The 6'3” wing is a strong slasher with sweeping finishes, finding teammates with dishes, and was so active defensively recording 11 points.&nbsp; Top scorer on the day was [player_tooltip player_id='2387589' first='Drew' last='Campbell'].&nbsp; The 6'1” 2026 guard is an off guard that was relentless defensively cutting passing lanes and taking them the other way.&nbsp; Has burst off the bounce to the rim winning in one on one situations.&nbsp; Dropped 16 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2387451' first='Lukas' last='Ladson'] notched 15 points in the win for VIP Kings.&nbsp; Ladson is a 6'1” combo guard that racked up the steals and transition finishes.&nbsp; Rebounds well for his position and overall is tough as nails.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2406501' first='Jeffery' last='Wilder'] was the top scorer for Brook Town Force scoring 11 of their 30 points.&nbsp; He banged in a trio from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Illinois Warriors Feature Plethora of Central Illinois Talent</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up we evaluated central Illinois program Illinois Warriors who have a lot of talent across all ages.&nbsp; They won their game against M14 National 2 by a final of 49-22.&nbsp; Decatur Eisenhower point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2455400' first='Damonte' last='Phillips'] caught our attention last summer, again during the summer, and continues to produce.&nbsp; The 2027 6'0” lefty is so slick with the rock in his hands winning on shakes, slithery drives, and straight line takes.&nbsp; Attacks over and over again getting in the lane finishing with two feet as he had 14 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2383056' first='Keenan' last='Griffith'] played well off him as the Effingham St. Anthony guard was excellent on the defensive end creating havoc.&nbsp; Very good finisher that converted through contact.&nbsp; He had 9 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Size, Shot Making, and Defense All on Point for [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] 17U in Pair of Wins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We caught two blow out wins for defending 17U champs [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] as they won 81-38 over All-In Athletics PH and then 71-41 against [program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown'].&nbsp; The playbook that has always been successful for them continues to work.&nbsp; Big guards that defend, share the wealth, and make shots offensively.&nbsp; On the back end having the best rim protector that is looking to go back to back in Benet's Colin Stack is a big help as well.&nbsp; Stack is a 7'0” center that is a high level rim protector that makes opponents almost scared to attempt shots inside.&nbsp; Offensively he runs the floor very well, gets on the offensive glass, and throws down slams out of the dunker spot.&nbsp; Touch around the hoop and can make quick passes.&nbsp; Fremd 6'5” wing [player_tooltip player_id='2834460' first='Tommy' last='Moffett'] dropped 20 points in their first game of the day.&nbsp; Got loose in transition for an array of scores on euro steps, tough finishes in traffic, and threes.&nbsp; Carmel wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552461' first='Ethan' last='Matz'] had a monster day going for 20 in the first game then in the second contest we saw he dropped 22 points.&nbsp; High level shot maker from the perimeter that hit several long balls in each game.&nbsp; Good athlete that made plays in transition off their defense and flashed some passing instincts.&nbsp; Hersey 6'2” two guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552439' first='Logan' last='Luxem'] went off in the second game for 17 points.&nbsp; Tough wing that pushes in transition and has a crisp pull up game from two and three.&nbsp; Unsigned Marmion Academy guard [player_tooltip player_id='1550476' first='Caden' last='Anderson'] provided plus shooting from the perimeter throughout the day while Rolling Meadows 6'3” small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1552464' first='Kenan' last='Pekovic'] is the perfect role player that brings everything together with his versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2219307' first='1' last='Dream Basketball'] and NXT LVL Clash in Close In-State Battle to Wire</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game went down to the wire as 1 Dream barely got past NXT LVL by a final of 74-69.&nbsp; Early on it was the Bishop McNamara connection that was in full effect as their dual sport stars of quarterback/guard [player_tooltip player_id='2411845' first='Karter' last='Krutsinger'] and tight end/power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2437681' first='Richie' last='Darr'] was working well together.&nbsp; Krutsinger is a tough two guard that has a very good passing feel for an off guard throwing outlets and finding Darr out of the dunker spot.&nbsp; The big fella consistently threw them down inside including a poster dunk to begin the game.&nbsp; Multiple and-1s, ran the floor super well, and was a force around the cup all game long as he tallied 25 points in the victory.&nbsp; Kankakee 2026 small forward Kenaz Jackson hit some big shots including a few sweet turnaround jumpers in the mid-range.&nbsp; Explosive in transition, plays above the rim, and impacts defensively pushing off the boards along with grabbing steals.&nbsp; He had 15 points.&nbsp; When the game was on the line late they went to their veteran as unsigned senior point guard star [player_tooltip player_id='1598786' first='Willie' last='Felton'] got key buckets using his speed getting downhill as he notched 16 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NXT LVL was also pushed by an unsigned senior guard as Rockford Jefferson star Zyair Hudson lived in the lane for soft touch finishes winning off the bounce converting crazy shots, was super active on the defensive end, and drained a pair of threes for 21 points.&nbsp; Continue to like where the game of 2027 Rockford Guilford guard Coooper Pozzi is trending.&nbsp; Plus shot maker from three with good athleticism and a nifty finishing game in the paint as he went for 15 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions'] Win with Defense, Toughness Inside, and Impact Guard Play over [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our next game was a border battle between Wisconsin's [program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions'] and Illinois squad [program_tooltip program_id='2078408' first='Team' last='Rose'].&nbsp; It was a defensive battle with [program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions'] edging it out 39-35.&nbsp; They had a guard that just took over the game in Xavier Warren.&nbsp; The slender ball handling guard got wherever he wanted off the bounce with his shifty takes for scores in the paint racking up 15 points.&nbsp; Like the toughness on both ends of guard Harold Frye who shielded the ball at the rim and got the biggest steal of the game to seal the win going for 8 points.&nbsp; Inside they had a pair of undersized high-motor big men in [player_tooltip player_id='2820136' first='Jasper' last='Warren'] and Ewell Clinton.&nbsp; They were active on the glass, quick, and brought everything they had.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curie 2028 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton'] is one to keep tabs on.&nbsp; Playing up two age levels he turned it up in the second half when his team needed him as he had 8 points.&nbsp; North Lawndale 6'5” power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2844402' first='Arnez' last='Jones'] has a nice frame and long arms.&nbsp; Good athlete that protects the rim and looked comfortable making a pair of threes in the loss.&nbsp; Bolingbrook duo is the back court for this squad.&nbsp; Their 5'10” 2026 combo guard Aj Perkins is an acrobatic finisher that made several nice drives en route to 9 points.&nbsp; Travis Marks is a long and rangy wing with a ton of athletic pop.&nbsp; Creative off the bounce and can even post up.&nbsp; He had 8 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Illinois Mavericks Hold On to Narrow Win Against CBG as In-State Scorers Get Buckets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was one of the most fun games of the day and came down to the final possession where Illinois Mavericks got a stop to knock off CBG by a final of 66-65.  Their star made big shots when they were needed.  Charleston 6'4” small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2407868' first='Tyler' last='Oakley'] is a strong bodied wing that can really shoot it at a high level pouring in four threes in the game for 16 points.  Hit a pair of them down the stretch when they were absolutely needed.  Three prospects from Lawrenceville jumped off the floor to us in this one.  At the point Zander Cessna came off the bench showing excelling passing instances getting others involved in the drive and kick with pinpoint passing.  Also got in the paint for crafty layups netting 8 points.  Power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2481675' first='Jayden' last='Goff'] is a skilled four with some movement skills along with blocking shots which intrigued us as he had 7 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='2481827' first='Noah' last='Wilson'] is a super long armed 6'3” wing that has a bright future defensively impacting with his length vertically and laterally.  Got to the line at a high rate going for 6 points.  They also had a 6'7” Robinson five man in the 2027 class named [player_tooltip player_id='2847793' first='Cruz' last='Dunlap'] that is worth monitoring.  He runs the floor, got on the offensive glass, and held his own defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wauconda 6'2” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2830800' first='Tony' last='Salemi'] was the star for CBG.&nbsp; He is a fun watch with his creativity off the bounce making tough plays look easy throughout the game.&nbsp; Lives at the foul line and converting acrobatic and-1s.&nbsp; He dropped 22 points in the loss.&nbsp; Definitely a name that will be debuting in our June rankings update.&nbsp; Round Lake 2027 power guard [player_tooltip player_id='2442201' first='Jaquan' last='Jamerson'] is a lefty that loves the soft touch finishing game when ramming his way in the lane along with getting to the line.&nbsp; He dropped 15 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2636860' first='Matt' last='Lesnik'] is a sharp shooter that only hit one three, but he had crisp mid-range shots along with getting to the line at a high clip for 11 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan Park 2026 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2831305' first='Morris' last='Pryce'] for All-In Athletics made an impression notching 12 points.&nbsp; The 6'2” two guard has a clean and free looking shooting stroke.&nbsp; He made an array of threes in their loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'].&nbsp; One to track at Morgan Park!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The guards for Illinois Force Blue had a nice showing in the game I caught them.&nbsp; For the second consecutive day [player_tooltip player_id='1465903' first='Alex' last='Granville'] finds himself as a top performer because of his speed and instincts on the defensive end.&nbsp; Sharp shooting was the name of the game for [player_tooltip player_id='2829824' first='Brady' last='Ballentine'] who is an unsigned senior from Grayslake North.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2078374' first='Full' last='Package'] there were a pair of bright spots for [program_tooltip program_id='2075386' first='Chicago' last='Lockdown'] in [player_tooltip player_id='2408504' first='Cole' last='Bero'] (Hinsdale Central) and [player_tooltip player_id='2397705' first='Noah' last='Therapos'] (Hinsdale South).&nbsp; Bero kept his team with the defending champs in the early going.&nbsp; Made tough shots with the jumper, pushed off his defense, and converted acrobatic layups for 12 points.&nbsp; His backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id='2397705' first='Noah' last='Therapos'] is a smaller guard that can absolutely bomb them in from deep.&nbsp; He did it again in this one with six from behind the three point line for 18 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->