Show Me Showdown: Illinois Top Performers

Scott Burgess May 28, 2019 @ 06:00 AM

The last weekend of the spring ended with another stop on the PrepHoops Circuit with teams from two regions participating in the Show Me Showdown in St. Louis. What Illinois players were the top performers at the event? Here they are!   Ryan Isaacson (Chicago Lockdown 17U) It wasn’t a dominant weekend for Isaacson, but the top 20 2020 prospect continues to trend as a D1 prospect heading into June with another rock solid outing. The Hinsdale Central power forward is a face up four man with the ability to shoot it from both three and mid-range. Smooth and effortless shooting stroke. Also had a couple explosive finishes around the rack along with displaying touch and feel on back to the basket moves. He rebounded well snatching them in 50/50 situations.   Shaun Riley (Southwest Jets 16U) Riley is an explosive power forward out of O’Fallon that continues to evolve as a player. His forte is using his athleticism around the hoop getting on the offensive glass with his quickness for second chance points. Runs the floor well in transition. Competes on the defensive end being able to switch and is a shot blocking presence.   Luke Ervie (Illinois Bears 17U) The Freeburg 2020 guard started off with an excellent showing on Friday night. He is a stronger guard that was effective as a scorer. Shot it about as well as we have seen him knocking down threes and runners with regularity. He is a tough kid that should find a nice home at the small college level!   Keeshawn Chambers (Chicago Demons 17U) Chambers is an unsigned senior who opened eyes of the D3 and NAIA coaches that were watching. Big time athlete that plays above the rim. He is tenacious attacking the glass on both ends going above his opponents for rebounds snatching them out of the air.   Lashawn Johnson (Southwest Jets 17U) Johnson missed the second half of the season for East St. Louis, but this 2020 shooting guard is primed to breakout as a senior. Long and rangy two guard was an electric scorer on Friday night in their opening win. He scored from all three levels with ease. Explosive drives to the hoop throwing down dunks with either hand. Mid-range and three were on point. He is probably at his best however in transition where he can use his freak athleticism. Chance to be an excellent wing defender at the next level.   Ray’Sean Taylor (Gateway Illinois 17U) Taylor was the highest ranked Illinois prospect at the event and he lived up to that billing when we saw him play. The Collinsville product is a big time scorer from the point guard position. Explosive driver off the bounce who lived at the rim all game long. Finishes in a variety of ways including acrobatic layups, euro steps, and finishing through contact. Crisp passer that has a solid feel for the game.   Pee Wee Brown (Peoria Area Elite 17U) Brown once again was a standout this weekend after earning MVP honors last weekend of the 17U division in Indy. Slick slasher that gets to the rim consistently with his strong straight line drives bursting through the defense. Very good ball handler that has an understanding of where the weakness is in the defense.   Bobby Durkin (ET21 Buckeyes 15U) Durkin broke out in a major way at Show Me Showdown! He put on a show in a loss to JH1. The 6’2” shooting guard proved to be a high level scorer with his ability to knock down shots from literally anywhere on the floor. He drilled mid-range pull ups like they were going out of style. Also was a quality spot up shooter from three. Good passing feel. Look forward to tracking the progress of this Hinsdale South product.   Shane Miller (Capital City Teamwork 16U) Miller gave absolutely everything he had in their 16U semi game where his team was down to five players and by the end of the game he could barely walk. He was fantastic with his ability to score getting downhill with force. Powerful and smooth driver that got to the rim at will. The Springfield 2021 guard was also an effective jump shooter and a solid passer while playing on the ball.