Freshman Showcase Game by Game Breakdown of Prospects Who Shined

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Freshman Showcase has traditionally been one of the best ways our scouting staff has seen the top incoming prospect into the state for the first time.&nbsp; This goes all the way back to classes that are now in college.&nbsp; The 2030 group brought it with a ton of top players in attendance.&nbsp; Our staff and I will have tons of stories on the event over the next few weeks!&nbsp; Here I look at my First Impressions Game by Game!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game featured dynamic Kenwood guard Elijah McKinnie.&nbsp; He was super quick off the bounce for scores in the paint.&nbsp; Attacks the hoop consistently getting downhill for buckets.&nbsp; Slick euro steps, scoop shots, and a variety of nifty finishes.&nbsp; One of the top prospects in the house for the event was Bloom power forward [player_tooltip player_id='3687315' first='Tre' last='Johnson'] who is among the more projectable players in the class.&nbsp; Skilled and athletic four man with fluid movement skills got on the offensive glass, put it on the deck after shot fakes, and drained several threes while also impacting defensively with his shot blocking.&nbsp; St. Patrick 6'0” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3713962' first='Rome' last='Schultz'] is a plus athlete that was super quick to the glass on both ends from his guard spot while the wiry guard also pushed end to end in the open floor.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2333959' first='Christian' last='Fuller'] from Christ Lutheran made a name for himself as a 6'0” rangy guard that was slick with the ball in his hands slippery getting scores off the bounce and sneaking in for put backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huge fan of what Minooka 6'1” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3731213' first='Terryn' last='Bloom'] brought to the table as a lanky wing that played the game with a ton of flair.&nbsp; His passing was on point throwing behind the back dimes and finding others consistently.&nbsp; Plays the game the right way!&nbsp; One of the few non incoming freshman at the camp was 2031 point guard Davon Steel who is an 8^th grader moving to the area from New Mexico.&nbsp; This kid has the “it” factor as a lead guard who can really get others involved with his passing and high basketball IQ.&nbsp; Lefty was more than comfortable playing against older guys using great pace, speed in the open floor, and a competitive spirit on defense to be effective.&nbsp; Bolingbrook 6'1” guard DJ Bolton has a long and rangy frame and was consistently effective at getting to the rack for scoop shots and crafty conversions.&nbsp; Definitely some projection here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got my first look at [player_tooltip player_id='2906394' first='DJ' last='Moore'] in person and I came away very intrigued with what this 6'2” combo guard can be long term.&nbsp; Excellent size for position already for the Marist product with long arms and a frame to grow into.&nbsp; Explosive slasher that absolutely killed off the bounce, owned the glass, and displayed a lethal pull up jumper.&nbsp; Plays with a lot of swagger and backed it up!&nbsp; Rich Township 6'4” forward [player_tooltip player_id='2966991' first='Kamarion' last='Sandifer'] is one of the best athletes in the class.&nbsp; We saw him over the summer with the Fire where he used his bounce playing above the rim.&nbsp; More of the same as he was a regular recording put backs along with swatting shots on the other end.&nbsp; Big time upside depending on how much he grows.&nbsp; Dyett 5'9” point guard Stan Strong is a name I was told about before and although I am usually not a fan of small guards this one has that “it” factor!&nbsp; He was absolutely dynamic with the rock in his hands breaking off defenders in one on one or open floor splitting the defense over and over for acrobatic finishes in the lane.&nbsp; Elite layup maker that had a feel for scoring in the paint against taller defenders or through contact.&nbsp; Also has good passing instincts.&nbsp; Demario Wedley brought some spark as a 5'7” guard from Richwoods which has produced a lot of quality guards over the years!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Downers Grove North 5'10” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3542961' first='Sam' last='Hardman'] was lights out in this game from distance as he poured in an array of threes.&nbsp; Step backs and off the catch it didn't matter they were going in!&nbsp; Scrappy guard that rebounded ok as well.&nbsp; Yorkville 5'11” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2400236' first='Taj' last='Williams'] made an impression as a thick bodied lead guard who proved to be a quality distributor that competes on the defensive end and can knock in a three.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2781156' first='Jon' last='Romano'] from Benet is one of many Redwing freshman who impressed at the event.&nbsp; He is an active rebounder with solid athleticism that also impacted defensively.&nbsp; Normal U-High 5'11” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3727909' first='Tate' last='Olson'] is a plus three point shooter that mixed in an array of tough layups as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A ton of new prospects emerged in this one, but let's start with a pair of Yorkville Christian products we already knew about.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3575840' first='Jaxon' last='Purvis'] made the initial watch list based on his size, skill, and athleticism.&nbsp; Those were shown in the camp setting with his passing off live dribbles, burst to the rim, and making impactful plays on the defensive end.&nbsp; His high school teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2393299' first='Duain' last='Johnson'] is a super strong post that has broad shoulders.&nbsp; Can deck it from the mid-post and is pretty light on his feet for his size.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2401918' first='Jeremiah' last='Perkins'] really popped as a guard from Belleville Althoff.&nbsp; The combo guard played with a high energy level rebounding well, defending at a super high level, and using his strength/athleticism combo on both ends.&nbsp; Benet 2030 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2966363' first='Grayson' last='Johnson'] is a two guard that plays bully ball going downhill for buckets while also knocking in corner three.&nbsp; Buffalo Grove 5'11” PG [player_tooltip player_id='2837399' first='Holden' last='Wagner'] displayed nice passing instincts in a camp setting along with getting loose for transition scores.&nbsp; Normal U-High 5'10” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3587428' first='Jamir' last='Wesley'] has a lanky frame with projection to grow.&nbsp; Slick ball handler who rebounded well and had a nice block.&nbsp; Oswego 5'9” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2565808' first='Jackson' last='Spencer'] finished well through contact, hit a three, and moved his feet well defensively in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3596253' first='Lamont' last='Matthews Jr'] out of Intrinsic Downtown was the standout for his team.  At 6'3” the athletic guard with size presents a ton of physical upside with his height and length.  Was active defensively and had a nice shooting stroke from the free throw line.  [player_tooltip player_id='3532979' first='Colin' last='Wirtz'] from Case (WI) goes about 5'10” and scored from all three levels in the game we saw with an acrobatic layup, cross into a mid-range jumper, and corner three.  Glenbard South 2030 guard [player_tooltip player_id='3728979' first='Tommy' last='Garakat'] is an active two who put it on the deck with pop showing he could finish with either hand at the rack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 4 was headlined by a back and forth battle between two of the better wings in the 2030 class who are both from the Chicago Catholic League in [player_tooltip player_id='3702374' first='Robert' last='Smith Jr'] of Marist and [player_tooltip player_id='2838049' first='Evan' last='Neal'] out of De La Salle.&nbsp; They were going at it from the jump saying anything you can do I can do better!&nbsp; Smith is such an advanced scorer with length and positional size to match.&nbsp; Very savvy player that knows how to get to his spots to crate.&nbsp; Won off the bounce downhill, tough takes through contact, showed creativity with the rock, and bombed in a deep three.&nbsp; Rebounds very well for a guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neal would answer back on the other end as the 6'3” two guard made quite an impression on our scouting staff with his play.&nbsp; Super clean shooting stroke that had unlimited range as he kept shooting from further and further back.&nbsp; More than just a shooter from deep he knocked in mid-range turnarounds, and displayed quality handles.&nbsp; Defensively altered several shots.&nbsp; Put himself in the conversation of the better wings in the class with his showing at the Showcase.&nbsp; Kayden Grier played well next to Neal as the 6'2” West Aurora two guard had a breakout performance of his own.&nbsp; Strong bodied guard that started off by taking it baseline for a sweet floater.&nbsp; Was at his best in isolation situations where he would slash using his burst shielding the ball at the rim away from the defender.&nbsp; Hersey guard [player_tooltip player_id='2405421' first='Eissa' last='Khan'] goes 6'0” with quality length and a smooth offensive skill package.&nbsp; Created off the dribble for euro steps along with draining a three off movement.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2789305' first='Nathaniel' last='Merriweather'] out of Oswego East was impactful as a rangy 5'9” guard that played with a ton of energy relentlessly pushing in the open floor!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is another Pauliukonis coming to Benet and there are a lot of similarities to the other who ended up as a D1 prospect.&nbsp; David Pauliukonis is a 6'7” long and thin four man that has a ton of projectability.&nbsp; Like his older brother he is an impact two way guy with a feathery touch on a baseline jumper, ran the floor with fluidity, and also protected the rim.&nbsp; Another big man who is one to monitor is [player_tooltip player_id='3704807' first='Christian' last='Dulinsky'] as a 6'6” center that has a physical frame.&nbsp; Really good area rebounder that did it on both ends.&nbsp; Cleans up around the hoop.&nbsp; Pekin 6'2” shooting guard Kellen Jones is a name we had heard some buzz about, but got our first look at on Sunday.&nbsp; The crafty shooting guard has good passing feel to go along with positional size.&nbsp; Scored in the open floor pushing the pace with his crisp ball handling.&nbsp; Bright future for the Pekin standout.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3724538' first='Hank' last='Wright'] out of Marmion Academy goes about 6'2” and was a quality pull up jump shooter who popped with some athleticism as well.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3601438' first='Andrew' last='Thiel'] out of Plainfield North is worth keeping an eye on as well with his shake off the bounce and is an acrobatic layup maker.&nbsp; DePaul Prep 5'8” point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3583728' first='Logan' last='Martin'] showed deep range from three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Laurence 6'1” combo guard Dakarai Simmons is one of the next standout prospects for a program that is loaded with prospects in almost every class.&nbsp; Strong bodied guard that can play effectively on or off the ball.&nbsp; Puts pressure on the rim getting downhill for scores along with finishing well through contact.&nbsp; Regularly made trips to the charity stripe.&nbsp; Flashed some passing instincts as well.&nbsp; Homewood Flossmoor 6'0” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='3722144' first='Mason' last='Nelson'] caught our attention as a three point shooter draining several threes including banking in a couple.&nbsp; High energy player that is slick with the rock.&nbsp; Athleticism pops on the defensive end as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2897245' first='Mamadou' last='Baker'] from Rockford Guilford is one of the top 2030 prospects regardless of position and he played like it!&nbsp; The 6'7” power forward displayed the mobility, athleticism, and skill which made an impression on us over the summer.&nbsp; He was fluid in the pick/roll game, quick second jump to the offensive glass for second chance points, and finished around the hoop with touch.&nbsp; Sweeping layups, seals, and rim runs.&nbsp; Covers space defensively as a rim protector and can switch on the perimeter.&nbsp; Urbana 2030 5'11” guard [player_tooltip player_id='3341041' first='Jayden' last='Cooper'] is a high-motor guard that cuts off the ball for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2405307' first='Frank' last='Natali'] is a 6'1” guard who is a southpaw with range on his three point shot.&nbsp; Also converted several reverse layups and sweeping layups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benet 2030 [player_tooltip player_id='2948495' first='James' last='Rydberg'] played in this event a year ago as an eighth grader.&nbsp; Rydberg is a 6'5” wing that is headed to Benet Academy and has the look of their next big time small forward.&nbsp; Size, strength, and skill combination are intriguing at a young age.&nbsp; He can really slash putting it on the deck with burst scoring in the paint on euro steps, high/low passes, and is a high level defender as well.&nbsp; Super bright future!&nbsp; Benet 6'3” big bodied small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2369920' first='Luke' last='Beran'] is another in the collection of prized incoming freshman for the Redwings.&nbsp; Lefty that plays with strength and crafty finishes around the hoop.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2921088' first='Ahmed' last='Ibrahim'] from 6'3” St. Patrick's is a well built forward who runs the floor hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dakarai Simmons from St. Laurence had another strong outing here.&nbsp; As we previously talked about the power combo guard is a skilled ball handler that can score downhill while also being a quality passer.&nbsp; Class of 2032 [player_tooltip player_id='2780958' first='Dylan' last='Rader'] was a lights out shot maker while showing passing feel.&nbsp; Despite playing against guys two years older he more than held his own.&nbsp; Taft 2030 5'10” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2796867' first='Jacob' last='Pharthong'] was fun to watch as a crafty guard with soft touch finishes and cuts off the ball.&nbsp; Danville 6'0” shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='3684743' first='Owen' last='Anderson'] made a name for himself by doing the little things.&nbsp; Athletic guard that snuck in on the offensive glass and created turnovers pushing the other way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last game of the event we saw a pair of Mt. Carmel guards shine in [player_tooltip player_id='2344767' first='Tobi' last='Farley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3590106' first='Ethan' last='Owens'].&nbsp; Farley is a lead guard who is definitely going to be a part of their future.&nbsp; High IQ guard that really passes well in the pick/roll.&nbsp; Creative finisher around the cup that plays with excellent pace and can knock down shots in the mid-range.&nbsp; Owens is a nice passer with handles making plays on the move as a crisp distributor.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2393299' first='Duain' last='Johnson'] of Yorkville Christian showcased his nifty finishing moves and touch around the hoop along with a mid-range jumper complimenting what we talked about earlier from a physicality standpoint.&nbsp; Neuqua Valley 6'1” guard Noah Smith is a rim runner that got loose multiple times as the broad shouldered two guard has some pop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rich Township forward [player_tooltip player_id='2966991' first='Kamarion' last='Sandifer'] had another solid outing.&nbsp; The 1 percent level athlete played off it with his relentless motor on the offensive glass.&nbsp; Euro steps on drives, swatted shots, and was a finisher in the open court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->