New Additions to the Top Players in the 2017 Class by Position

New Additions to the Top Players in the 2017 Class by Position

This class will be comparable to some of the top classes in the country such as Georgia, California, Florida, Texas

We’ve got some players on the board in this class.  Moline High-School actually lost 2 sure-fire division one mid major prospects due to transfers, we were disappointed to lose them on an already deep grid.  Top 15 prospect while in Illinois, Baily Basala a 6-5 scorer who averaged in double figures last season for Moline will head to North Scott H.S. in Eldridge, Iowa.  Earlier in the season Moline lost 6-5 versatile wing Darrius Martin to Bettendorf H.S. also in Iowa.  “Never-the-less we are still loaded/strong, the group as a whole has so much potential.”

Point Guards on the board

Alonzo Verge Jr.    6-3    HM    Willowbrook/St. Louis Eagles – “Bona-fide prime-timer capable of drawing droves of spectators to see his team play.  Likely residence change St. Joseph or Proviso West may be his destination.  Now he has to prove himself off the court.  DePaul, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Providence courting him.”

Nojel Eastern    6-4    HM    Evanston/Mean Streets – “Recovering from an injury; did attend the Nike Top 100 where he reportedly sat out while taking in the action.”

Josiah Wallace    6-3    MM+    Marshall (IL)/Evansville (IL) – “Deceptive athlete; knows how to play; silk smooth & knocks down shots.  Indiana State seems to have a genuine relationship with him.”

Elijah Joiner    6-3    MM+-MM    Chicago Curie/D’Rose – “Has good length; brings some nice intangibles to the floor; not very athletic.  Can he guide his teams to victory?  Is he a leader?  Valley schools love him.”

Octavis Parker    6-2    MM+-MM    Niles West/Mac Irvin Fire – “High-scorer; has grown some in recent months; will eventually be a full-time point guard, right now more of a scoring guard.”

Willie Herenton    6-1    MM    Stevenson/Mean Streets - “Can flat-out play; will team with fellow 2017 stud Justin Smith.  Looks like the radar will put him on a stage where we can see him and his floor game flourish.”

Evan Gilyard    5-9    MM    Chicago Simeon/Mean Streets     - “The lefty is a player he has a herky jerky game which gets him into lanes, as well as knock-down shots; now his focus should be game management.”

Devin Whitelow    5-9    PG-MM    Washington (IL)/IL Irish – “”Lil man has mad squabbles, skilled, shrewd; can play in a big game settings; he makes shots & plays; he handles himself well in pressure situations, it’s tough for defenders to stay in front of him; highly impressed with his demeanor.”

Marcus Garrett    6-1    G-MM    Hillcrest/Mac Irvin Fire – “He is an igniter; he makes plays at both ends; he can score the ball in transition as well as on the perimeter; has winning intangibles.”

Carson Newman    6-3    MM    Waukegan/IL Wolves – “Got some game, but too much dance & flair; when he cleans it-up he could be good.”

Rafael Cruz    6-2    PG-MM    Chicago Von Steuben/Chicago Demons – “A smooth operator; handles & shoots it; one of the top Latino players in the state; vastly under-rated.”

Tai Bibbs    6-0    PG-MM-?        West Chicago/Mercury Elite – “Obviously has performed well this summer; he’s drawn offers from Toledo & Buffalo.  I’m not going to lie, I haven’t seen him yet!”

Teyvion Kirk    6-2    MM    Joliet West/All-In – “Questions rise regarding his decision-making & leadership; he makes shots & is a decent athlete now he needs to learn pace.”

Maurice Edwards    6-1     MM-LM+    Alton/IL Jets – “Has tantalizing talent; plays at a good pace; did not show at the Morris shoot-out.  Big-time athlete; hasn’t had the stage as some of the others at his position, but he’s just as good; he’s got to learn how to play harder.”

P. J. Pipes    6-0    MM-LM+    Lemont/IL Stars – “Good speed & quickness in the open floor; smart; I think he will blossom into a stand-out.”

Yaakeema Rose    5-8    LM+    Springfield Lanphier/IL Jets – “He’s a genuine stud learning the position in the early stages; capable of being a disruptive defender; tough as nails.”

Edwyn Brown    6-4    MM    Belleville Althoff/S.W. Titans – “Has tight handles & excellent length; he will rise-up in the class eventually; confidence starting to soar.”

Mahir Williams    6-0    PG-MM-?        Proviso East/All-In & Reckless – “Learning his way through; now he’s got to classroom act together; he’s a sure-handed scoring play-maker.”

Calvin Hill    5-9    LM-?    Chicago Kenwood/All-In     - “Good quickness; still learning the game not quite ready for the prime time; played a limited role last season.”

Ramar Evans    6-0    LM+    Loyola Academy/Chicago Lock-Down - “Flourishes in a system setting; has winning intangibles.”

Damarquis Henry    6-1    LM+    Zion-Benton/NLP – “Outside threat; need to see more.”

Trevor Moore    5-11    LM+    Proviso East/All-In - “Superb ball-handler & can score.”

Iman Reynolds    6-0    LM+    Hinsdale South/All-In – “Lefty has talent; needs to figure his way through.”

Shooting Guards on the Board

Jordan Goodwin    6-4    HM-MM+    Belleville Althoff/St. Louis Eagles – “3rd best player in the class; probably more of a forward than a true guard right now; a versatile athlete who can score in bunches.”  (Likes St. Louis U.)

Da’Monte Williams    6-2    HM-MM+    Peoria Manual/Mac Irvin Fire – “A potential game changer; a dual threat as scorer and a creator; good athlete; after a subpar sophomore campaign, he redeemed himself well during EBYL play.”

Tyler Chisom    6-3    G-MM+-MM    Proviso East/ All-In Athletics – “He’s got mad squabbles; very talented scorer in a variety of ways; he could really rise to one of the elite in the class, he has that kind of game.”

Denis Albegovic    6-3    WG-MM+-MM        Downer’s Grove South/Mac Irvin Fire – “A very confident shooter; has nice elevation on his J with range; I like his potential he recorded 17 2nd half points vs Mean Streets in a highly contested ball-game; he reminds me of some former long-distance bombers that used to hold fort in our state such as Ryan Hogan, Brian Wardle, Matt Lottich & Colin Falls.”

Damarius Jacobs    6-3    G-MM    Chicago Uplift/All-In Athletics – “Shrewd/tough/confident combo; can score on the perimeter and make quality decisions.”

Marvin Bateman    6-5    MM    Belleville Althoff/S.W. Titans – “Thin, long distance threat; he can open-up a game with aerial ability; needs to improve ball-handling.”

Oliver Stevens    6-4    MM    Edwardsville/IL Jets – “Surprising good athlete; can consistently spray jumpers with range all over the court; sleeper prospect.”

Simeon Hinton    6-3    MM    North-Chicago/B.B. All-Stars – “Capable of being explosive; has excellent frame; needs consistency; hurt during the April period.”

Elijah Ward    6-4    MM    Joliet West/IL Rise – “Versatile performer to go with size; quick feet and ability to make plays; scoring will rise with game experience.  Huge upside!”

Jamal Nixon    6-5    MM    Fenwick/IL Wolves – “Now starting to round into shape after season ending injury; has nice floor game.”

Terrell Greer    6-3    MM    North-Chicago/B.B. All-Stars – “Very underrated; a potential high-scorer; excellent wing-span; dynamite upside.”

Jacob Keller    6-3    MM    Fenwick/Full Package - “Could be a solid mid-major prospect; this lefty is a quarterback for the football team; superb slasher; needs to improve outside shooting; he may opt for hoops.”

Chris Hammel    6-3    MM    Evanston/Full Package – “Outside marksman; quality ball-handler; starting to develop all-around skills; a player on the rise.”

Rod Henry    6-3    MM    Zion Benton/ ?         - “Terrific young prospect; his value could soar.”

Dwayne Rose    6-2    MM    Crete-Monee/D’Rose – “Good length; still learning how to improve a game; played well in Atlanta.”

Jalen Clanton    6-0    LM+    River-side Brookfield/IL Wolves – “Proved he could score, but has to polish other areas of his game; potential there.”

A.J. Youngman    6-3    LM+    Peoria Manual/Mean Streets – “Has to prove himself; the jury is out in full force; didn’t show-up in Milwaukee.”

Will Clausel    6-4    G-LM    Newark/IL Irish – “System type; can play a role & good on perimeter; need to see more.”

Rashard Williams    6-0    LM+    Seton Academy/ ?     - “Wiry; still learning the game; has talent.”

Zachery Rzewnicki    6-2    WG-LM    Ridgewood/Mean Streets – “Reliable outside threat; one to watch.”


Wing Forwards on the Board

Justin Smith    6-6    HM    Stevenson/Mac Irvin Fire – “Exciting talent; a high-flyer who can take you outside and drain jumpers; A top 5 recruit in the class; Duke, Illinois, Indiana and Purdue.”

Javon Pickett    6-5    HM-MM+    Belleville East/IL Jets     - A top 12-15 prospect in the class; has potential to be all-around scorer; needs to learn how to bring it every outing; Missouri absolutely loves him.”

Colin Stallworth    6-5    MM+-MM    Rochester/IL Jets – “Promising prospect; excellent frame; already considered a reliable scorer; has that combination of athleticism & some scoring in addition he’s a quality defender; needs to get into the gym in  August and work on his perimeter shooting.”

Trevian Bell    6-4    MM    Joliet West/IL Wolves – “Can knock-down 12-15 footers; good quickness; sees the floor well; a good passer who needs to expand his range shooting the ball.”

Lucas Williamson    6-5    MM    Whitney Young/Mean Streets – “Skilled/smart, solid defender; good mid-range jump shooter; system type; will play a larger role next season.”

Nana Akenten    6-6    MM    Bolingbrook/IL Wolves – “A top 30 prospect in the class; has combination of athleticism & raw talent; inconsistent shooter and a limited scorer right now; more of a utility type; a defender who could potentially guard a 1-4; his built and length has his future intriguing.”

Jeameril Wilson    6-5    MM    Niles Notre Dame/Mac Irvin Fire/Full Package – “Dynamite physical build; he could be a versatile defender & scorer in the valley, MAC, A10; the potential is there, he had the misfortune of an injury which got him caught in a numbers situation with the Fire this spring.”

Doug Wallen    6-5    G/F-LM+-?    St. Thomas Moore-Champaign/IL Irish – “Little known lefty knows how to play; makes big shots; plays the game the way it is supposed to be played understands situations; a player to watch.”

David Hunt    6-5    SF-LM+-LM?    Chicago Kenwood/All-In – “Tough, rugged performer; reliable passer; makes plays; can score some, one to watch.”

Tabyous Casterberry    6-5    LM+    Joliet West/All-In - “Intriguing!  Had a strong showing at the Morris shoot-out; playing hard all the time and focusing on his conditioning should be an emphasis.”

Elijah Williams    6-5    MM    Evanston/Full Package – “A dual threat; has sprouted-up since last summer; close to 6-6 now; plays hard; has knack for scoring & making plays at both ends; excellent upside.”

Romelo Burrell    6-5    MM-LM+?    Morgan Park/Mac Irvin Fire – “Wiry athlete, just haven’t seen him play a ton; at Loyola-Chicago’s elite camp he looked okay in the transition game; skills are raw but very quick leaper and capable of making outside shots.”

Strong Forwards on the Board

Christian Negron    6-7    HM-MM+    Elgin Larkin/Mac Irvin Fire – “Starting to figure out how to play hard through situations; skills improving; has learned how to manufacture points.”

Charles Payton    6-7    HM-M+    Bloomington/IL Wolves – “A rapidly improving player & confidence soaring; potentially could develop into an athletic stud; his game will expand on perimeter.  Top 10 in the class.”

Manny Patterson    6-7    MM+-MM    Chicago Kenwood/Mean Streets – “His game’s starting to take shape after being shelved late; needs to continue to improve his strength & skill; I like his upside.”

Malik Binns    6-5    MM-LM+    Chicago Hope Academy/Mac Irvine Fire – “Plays on the fire’s 16-U team; has a competitive spirit; capable of big baskets and huge plays.”

T. J. Smith    6-7    MM    Marian Catholic/Fundamental U. – “Once a heralded prospect, but a leg injury saddled his development; was out all of last season (school); now he’s starting to show signs of a promising prospect, skilled and bouncy.”

Justin Carpenter    6-7    F-MM    Mount Carmel (IL)/Evansville Pocket City – “Above average athlete; scores well around the rim; had a really good showing in Milwaukee (won Gold Div. 16-U); plays in obscurity; his value will rise soon.”

Coreyoun Rushin    6-5    MM    Westinghouse/Mean Streets – “Explosive player with excellent length; capable of getting to the rim in a flash; skills are starting to take shape.”

Austin Richie    6-6    MM    Marian Catholic/ ?     - “Strong body; has the ability to step-out & make shots; needs to be a more reliable rebounder; future could be bright.”

Mitch Lewis    6-6    MM    Naperville North/IL Stars – “This southpaw plays with an abundance of confidence; shots looks unorthodox but goes in often; his development could transition to a wing spot.”

Romon Douglass    6-5    MM    Peoria Manual/Peoria Heat – “While Da’Monte Williams draws all-the-fan-fare now, Roman will steal the attention soon; a hard working competitor; his game will eventually take him outside.”

Lenell Henry    6-8    F/C-LM+-?    Morgan Park/Mac Irvin Fire – “Lanky prospect with raw skills; one day he could be a player; needs to lock himself in a gym in August and work on his game.”

Logan Windeier    6-8    F-LM+-?        Manteno/Example Sports – “The left-hander is an intriguing player; we viewed him on display in Bolingbrook; he’s a promising prospect; one for me to keep my eyes on; played on the perimeter when I saw him.”

T. J. Clifford    6-6    ?    Downer’s Grove South/IL Wolves – “I hear things about his potential; I just haven’t seen him enough.”

Lavon Thomas    6-6    LM    St. Joseph/Fundamental U – “Undersized in the paint, but reliable rebounder & defender.”

Jamel Alausa    6-6    SF-LM    U-High/All-In – “Good length; promising upside; needs polish; needs to lock himself in the gym in August.”

Stephon Harris    6-5    LM    Oswego East/Mean Streets – “Kinda lost track of his development, did not suit-up this past season; we watched him in Milwaukee closely; he’s a burly performer who struggles finishing plays at the rim does play hard but limited offensively right now.”

Brandon Lawani    6-5    SF-LM    Bolingbrook/Hooper’s BB-Club – “Not skilled, but competes at a high rate; still work in progress.”

Post-Men on the Board

Jeremiah Tilmon    6-11    HM    East St. Louis/St. Louis Eagles – “Kansas, Missouri, Illinois will lead a parade of high majors vying for his services; in August he needs to lock himself in a gym and work on his foot-work and his offensive game; right now he’s not going to woo anyone but he’s a gem in our eyes.”

Cameron Krutig    6-8    MM+-MM    Jacobs/Fundamental U. – “Lefty can be a force on the baseline offensively; has to focus on his physical condition.”

Joseph St. Pierre    6-9    MM+-MM    Richmond-Burton/LaLumiere (I)/IL Wolves – “Big hands; runs well and finishes around the rim effectively; big body in which he has to fine-tune; he’s heading to the prep-school setting come school time.  Could be a stud one day!

Tyler Dancy    6-7    LM+-LM    Belleville West/S.W. Titans – “Burly physical build; excellent foot-work & capable of scoring in bunches; unorthodox scorer; averaged 14 pts last season.”

Anthony Cameron    6-9    C-LM    Chicago Tilden/Mean Streets – “Slowly coming along; needs to continue to focus on his journey; saw him in Milwaukee, needs to lock himself in a gym come August.”

Sam Orlich    6-8    ?    Marian Central/ ?     - “Developing prospect; can step-out & knock-down shots from 15 ft.; just haven’t seen enough.”

Tee Aaron Powell    6-8    -------    Marian Catholic/ ?     - “Mobile & has huge hands and a big upside if he puts in the work; a project.”

Michael Downing    6-8    -------    St. Joseph/Covant H.S./Fundamental U. – “Reliable sources have indicated he’s improving & it looks as though he’s transferred out of St. Joe’s.  He could develop into a prospect, so let’s keep a watch alert on him.”

Shomari Tillett    6-8    ------    Perspective Calumet/ ?         - “Hasn’t gotten much done when we’ve viewed him, but things have a way of turning with big’s.”