Illinois Expo: Teddy’s Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's my notebook from this afternoon's EXPO featuring the top 2027 and 2028 prospects in Illinois. This is just a few notes from the games I covered today. I'll have player evaluations for teams 1, 2, 9, and 10 being published over the coming weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532321' first='Elijah' last='Bell'] Shines On Team 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest names to stand out from the second round of games was [player_tooltip player_id='2532321' first='Elijah' last='Bell']. In the opening mi Ute of that matchup, he posterized a player. Followed the that up shortly after with a step-back 3-pointer. Added another driving layup a minute after that. Stated aggressive throughout the day and never seemed to lose confidence. Added another triple he walked into. Became more effective as a passer later on in the game. Overall, a big time threat on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Glenbard North Duo Together on Team 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glenbard North's 1-2 punch of [player_tooltip player_id='2125660' first='Lamari' last='Carpenter'] and Oturo Rendeto played together this afternoon. Both top-10 prospects in the class. Rendeto did a great job stretching the floor, closing out spaces defensively, and attacking the rim baseline. Carpenter flashed quick ball skills. I loved his ability to free himself up by changing direction with the ball. Leading to some nice inside scores. Towards the end of the game, I got to see Rendeto's speed as a 6'6" forward. That did not go unnoticed as he got by some defenders in transition. Also showing he can finish with both hands. I've said it before, but Glenbard North will be a part.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2913371' first='Cayden' last='Love'] Makes an Impact</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Theres a few prospects whose stocks can go up from this showcase. But one to stand out right now would be [player_tooltip player_id='2913371' first='Cayden' last='Love']. He's got a very strong frame for his size. Took control in his second game of the afternoon with his agressive on-ball defense. Leading to several transition points. Good ball-handler on top of that. Flashing plays as a passer in the closing stages of the game I watched. As a shooter, he flashes tons of confidence. Burying a couple three's in this game. Athletic abilities are there to be a point guard at a small school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Athelticism and Speed on Display with Team 15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group got off to a blazing start in the third game of the afternoon for team 12. Much of that led by Riggins Traveiso and [player_tooltip player_id='3575810' first='Daniel' last='Sykes'] to start. Sykes is a lengthy combo with great hands defensively and solid speed in transition. Riggins Traveiso is a guy I've watched a bit. He stands out for his size and athletic ability. Making plays on the perimeter and on the interior throughout this game. [player_tooltip player_id='2906299' first='Jackson' last='Wood'] also got going shortly after with his ball-skills. Flashing plays on the open end. Also showing great on-ball defense. Later on, it was the shooting that further placed them ahead. Sykes and Wood both burying their own triples in addition to other guys making an impact like [player_tooltip player_id='2407315' first='Jakobe' last='Lawrence'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3585292' first='Cameron' last='Fox']. This group cruised to a dominant win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team 4 Dominates with Size</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was the speed and athleticism on team 15 that dominated in the matchup prior. This time, it was Team 4 who put on a dominant showing in the opening stages. The interior play of Elijah Shin and [player_tooltip player_id='2991688' first='Tereik' last='Hurd'] seemed almost unstoppable in the first five minutes of the game. Leading their team to a quick 18-0 run. Afterward, I saw Peter Chonjiak take charge with his ability to make plays in the post. Outside of those three, the guard play was solid from [player_tooltip player_id='2894435' first='Nate' last='Gold'], Cody Wellare Jr, [player_tooltip player_id='2677979' first='Kingston' last='Hodges'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3729618' first='Blake' last='Ritter'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->