Prospects Who Elevated Stock Friday at Ridgewood Live Event

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second and final IHSA live period gave high school programs one last opportunity to showcase their talent before July travel ball begins. Ridgewood featured many of the state's top prospects, and several players elevated their stock with impressive performances throughout the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Ed' last='Stasys'] | 2027 | Benet Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stasys put together another strong showing, displaying why he's one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in Illinois. The 6-foot-8 big showcased improved shooting range by knocking down a corner three while also finishing multiple plays above the rim in transition. He continues to prove he is more than just a traditional post player, combining low-post scoring, athleticism, and perimeter touch into a well-rounded offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3576059' first='Emurion' last='Jackson'] | 2029 | East St. Louis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson flashed the potential to become the next standout from East St. Louis. At 6-4, he possesses outstanding length and versatility for a guard. He attacked the lane with confidence, highlighted by a crafty step-through scoop finish, while also making his presence felt defensively with several steals using his wingspan. Jackson capped off an impressive outing with multiple fast-break dunks that showcased his athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125634' first='Hayden' last='Schroeder'] | 2027 | Wheaton Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schroeder's offensive game continues to impress. Comfortable operating both in the post and on the perimeter, he consistently made plays around the basket while also stretching the floor. His smooth footwork, soft touch, and ability to finish over defenders make him a difficult matchup for most high school big men. Several coaches walked away impressed with his overall skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'] | 2027 | Lockport</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One half of the talented Venckus twins, Nedas displayed his ability as a true three-level scorer. He plays with outstanding feel away from the ball, using cuts and constant movement to generate easy scoring opportunities. Against two athletic opponents, he finished multiple plays with powerful two-handed dunks. His activity and versatility, along with his brother's production, have Lockport looking like one of the preseason favorites in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194655' first='Braydon' last='Porter'] | 2028 | Yorkville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This looked like the version of Porter many have been waiting to see. Playing with confidence and assertiveness throughout the game, the nearly 6-foot-5 wing attacked downhill with purpose. He finished two impressive dunks off the dribble, knocked down a pair of three-pointers, and consistently got to the basket using a sharp crossover. His upside continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2436293' first='Cole' last='Christian'] | 2028 | Lane Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian continued his productive summer with another strong performance. Despite facing a talented New Trier frontcourt loaded with size, he consistently scored around the basket using polished post moves, including left-handed spin moves and right-handed drop steps. He also battled on the glass and remained a physical interior presence throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2947403' first='Orlando' last='Bohlen'] | 2029 | Payton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bohlen delivered another impressive outing, immediately making an impact with a pair of pure three-pointers. While his shooting stands out, he also showed growth as a complete combo guard by attacking the paint and scoring with a floater and a smooth mid-range pull-up. His offensive game continues to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2632058' first='Karon' last='Shavers'] | 2027 | Leo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shavers continues to be the steady leader for Leo. A terrific on-ball defender, he controls the tempo while taking care of the basketball and making smart decisions. He spaces the floor well, knocks down open shots, and provides the poise needed to keep Leo's fast-paced style under control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Contributors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] — Yorkville (2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2964028' first='Elon' last='Henderson'] — Leo (2029)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2536509' first='Declan' last='Wilson'] — Burlington Central (2029)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2323618' first='Alex' last='Sirbu'] — Buffalo Grove (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2390523' first='Evan' last='Okey'] — Libertyville (2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2892582' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] — Hoffman Estates (2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='2540157' first='Vito' last='Rocca'] — Evanston (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='3430149' first='Matthew' last='Logue'] — New Trier (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->