Riverside – Brookfield Summer Shootout Updates

Riverside – Brookfield Summer Shootout Updates

Hillcrest defeated Morgan Park Handily in the final of RB’s 14^th Annual Shootout. The West Suburban school that neighbors the nationally known Brookfield Zoo hosted the event which showcased some of the areas finer high school programs over the past weekend. Participants included 4A State Champ Curie – 4A third place finalist Simeon, Perennial Public League power Morgan Park- 3A finalists St. Joseph, Whitney Young, Hillcrest, Marian Catholic, and Kenwood were among the headliners. Clearly we would have a nice collection of individual talent on display, starting with sizzling junior play-maker Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park). We certainly will give him the nod as one of the top 5 performers at the two day event. Ayo showed why he is acclaimed as one of our state’s more heralded prospects. He dropped 35 in an outing versus Morton, and his recruitment is picking up steam.

Nojel Eastern (Evanston) play was stellar he guided his upstart squad to a semi-finals where they dropped an over-time nail biter to eventual shoot-out champ Hillcrest. Eastern is really more of a ball handling wing than actual point guard his passing and decision making at times were spotty, but he’s still a formidable weapon. One of the more impressive performances I viewed at the event was forged by rising 2019 stud, Isaac Stanback (Hillcrest), a 6’ 4” enforcer type who reminds me of players the Chicago area used to produce in the 70s and 80s. Stanback is tough as nails and he’s a relentless shot-blocker. Nothing is safe for opposing teams when this high-jumper patrols the paint area. He already possesses a good understanding of the game, sees the floor well, and is a superb passer, with this being said, he does have some offensive ability 12 feet in. I like the tools he already brandishes. Stanback and his teammate Marcus Garrett formed a high scoring duel spearheading Hillcrest to a convincing victory over Morgan Park in the final. Garrett, a 6’ scoring lead guard plays with recklessness abandonment. His will to win can be continuous to the growth of his young mates. We actually underestimated his abilities in a recent report (Mid-May-Hard Knocks). Whitney Young’s 6’5” forward Lucas Williamson illustrates the mark of a player, that exhibits consistency each outing. He’s an average athlete, but compensates with a skilled repertoire in his play. During the two day event he displayed a calming presence and knack for converting timely buckets. Williamson is a nice intangible part for good mid-major situation. Chase Adams (Marian Catholic) was dazzling as usual. He’s starting to draw audiences to witness his emergence as a terrific floor general and leader. Chase has shown the ability to score when needed. He can be breath-taking in an open court setting.