Show Me Showdown: Put Name on Map

Scott Burgess May 29, 2019 @ 03:00 PM

One of the great aspects about an event like Show Me Showdown is players can make a name for themselves against quality competition. Here are quite a few Illinois prospects that put their name on the map with a quality showing in St. Louis!   Justin King (Illinois Bears 15U) King is a combo guard that has such a smoothness to his game. Capable shooter that knocked down several jumpers including step backs.   Brady Moore (Illinois Bears 15U) Moore was a productive wing. He took it at the basket with strong drives and made plays at the rim both in the half court and transition.   Jacob Patton (Illinois Bears 15U) Patton was a productive player that is smaller at the guard spot, but he wasn’t afraid going in the lane for scores and was a decent passer.   Brennan Weller (Southwest Jets 16U) This Edwardsville two guard was a kid that put his name on the map with his shot making and overall gritty play when we saw them play on Friday night.   Caleb Valentine (Southwest Jets 16U) Valentine is a smaller guard from Edwardsville and this was our first time seeing him play. The guard got to the rim with his speed along with being a capable pull up jump shooter.   Sami Osmani (ET21 Buckeyes 17U) Osmani is a player we have seen, but he really put his name on the map with a strong showing in St. Louis. What I like about his game is how he does a little bit of everything. Can defend multiple positions. Strong driver that goes at the rim with reckless abandon. Solid shooter. Tough kid that will be a great small college program player!   Amari Fears (ET21 Buckeyes 17U) Fears is a Simeon post we had never heard of before this weekend. Physical power forward that has a strong body. Rebounded well in his area and showed some shake with the ball on the block.   Khalid Griffin (Hoops4Health 17U) This Joliet Central 2019 6’5” small forward is a big and strong wing that loves to slash downhill with power! He did that over and over in the game we saw getting to the rim for tough finishes. Rebounds well with his burst off the floor.   Kevin Thursby (Hoops4Health 17U) Thursby didn’t have the most productive game when we watched, but the Northridge combo forward has projectability with his size being able to play multiple positions with a versatile skill set.   Sergio Knight (Illinois Tigers 17U) Knight put himself on the map with a strong showing for the Illinois Tigers. Scoring guard out of Springfield Southeast that was the heart and soul of his team.   Chris Williams (Peoria Area Elite 17U) Williams emerged a week ago, but showed even more this weekend. Knocked down mid-range jumpers while still doing his junk yard dog stuff rebounding and defending.   Michael Ousley (Capital City Teamwork 16U) Ousley is a slick point guard from Springfield Lanphier that consistently made plays at the rim with layups and runners. Good ball handler that was constantly in attack mode.   TJ Price (Capital City Teamwork 16U) Price is another Lanphier product that handles well in the open floor, knocked down a three, and got on the offensive glass from his guard position.   Isaac Turner (Gateway 15U) We didn’t realize it until after the event, but this Gateway wing is from Nashville High School in Illinois. Turner is a capable three point shooter off the catch that also made some plays in transition.   Jabar Wheatley (The Work Foundation 15U) Wheatley is a strong guard that can knock down shots. Versatile wing that shoots it and gets on the offensive glass.   Zidene Moore (Team Ramey 17U) Moore played for a St. Louis squad, but this Granite City combo guard put himself on the radar with his play. Plus shooter off the catch that displayed the ability to play both on and off the ball on a team that won the 17U championship.