Salem Invitational Tournament: 2021 Evals

<p>The <strong>Salem Invitational Tournament</strong> was this past week and this annual mid-winter tournament gave PrepHoopsIllinois a great opportunity to scout an array of prospects over a few days in southern Illinois.  Here are our evaluations of the <strong>2021 Prospects</strong> in attendance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PG Parker Wolfe (Effingham)</strong></p> <p>Parker is the younger Wolfe brother.  This sophomore point guard is a 6’0” lefty who has a nose for the basketball and always seems to make the big play.  On Thursday night it was a steal and coast to coast take to tie the game.  He is a pesky defender that always gets a couple steals a game.  Crisp passer and good decision maker.  Can hit an open three and likes to get out in transition as a scorer.  Has such a crafty game being able to create space and get his runner and mid-range jumper off.  Tough and competitive sophomore.  He had 17 points in their semifinal against East St. Louis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>SG Nathan Thompson (Effingham)</strong></p> <p>Thompson hit the biggest shot of the night on Wednesday as the sophomore drilled the game winner to send his team on to the winner’s side of the bracket.  A lot to like with this top 100 2021 in-state prospect.  At 6’4” he has size and projectability.  Right now best as a spot up shooter, but shows glimpses of contributing in other areas of the game.  Should grow into a quality defender as he has size, length, and athleticism.  Scored 10 points in the opening round.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>SG Drew Thompson (Effingham)</strong></p> <p>Thompson is more of a complimentary piece on this team right now.  The two guard does have a very nice looking three point stroke.  One to watch down the line.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PG Jordan Hardiek (Teutopolis)</strong></p> <p>Same thing with Hardiek as he is a backup, but has a bright future in front of him.  The 6’0” point guard plays really hard.  Scrappy rebounder from his guard spot.  Threw a couple nice outlets that started the break.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>PF Daryl Reed (TF North)</strong></p> <p>Reed is an intriguing young post prospect.  The 6’6” four man has a nice frame with strength and moves well for his size.  He struggled a bit early rebounding and got in some foul trouble in the first half of their opening round game.  Like what he did in the second half with how aggressive he went after boards.  Got on the glass for a put back.  Had a few big slams in the second half that he threw down with force.  Also showed some feel with a seal and layup.  Right handed hook shot could be his go to down the line.  He has some work to do as many young bigs do, but there are tools to work with.  Potential to be an excellent shot blocker with his timing, length, and bounce.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>SF Justin Atoyedele (TF North)</strong></p> <p>This long and lanky wing is probably about 6’4” with an angular frame.  He is quick to the glass from his forward spot getting a pair of put backs in the first half.  Finished a dump off.  Most impressive play was a give and go in transition for a finish.  Plus athlete that has potential as a rebounder and wing defender.  All his points came in the paint in their first round win over Salem.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>SG Mason Blakemore (Centralia)</strong></p> <p>Blakemore stands at 6’0” and brings lot of athleticism to the table.  The sophomore guard shot it fantastically well from the perimeter in this contest.  Drilled five triples.  Puts a lot of arc on his shot.  Blakemore went for 26 points in the first round.  Showed flashes as a passer.  Long term upside will be dependent on if he can be a combo at the next level.</p>