• Fred Cleveland Jr. 5-8 PG Leo H.S. – “A dazzling general, who shoots-it-well. His hoops I.Q. and vision are major assets.”
• Anthony Roberts 6-4 WF Oak-Pk. – “Big-time sleeper, his game is emerging. Long-limbed & versatile, can be a jack-off-all-trades prospect.”
• Anthony Fairlee 6-4 F Springfield S.E. – “One of the state’s top flight athletes. His game is starting to evolve.”
• Keenan Jones 6-4 G/F Young – “Swingman has plenty of tools.”
• Adam Jones 6-3 WG Providence Catholic – “Versatile & good out-side shooter.”
• Martice Mitchell 6-8 F/C Bloom – “Still raw-but with skill development work, his game could soar.”
• Chris Burnell 6-3 PG Rockford East – “Had moments in July where he flourished. Still loose at times.”
• Henry Coleman 6-3 F Marshall – “Sleeper type, competes & game could be on the rise.”
• Semaji Henderson 6-0 G D.Grove North – “Emerging prospect, very good student.”
• Deng Reng 6-9 F Wheaton North – “Played in obscurity this summer, has some game. Needs a break-out junior campaign.”
• Jeremiah Hernandez 6-3 G St. Viator – “His game sputtered some this summer; now its time for him to take the next jump. Consistency required.”
Thursday, August 17, 2017
IDENTIFYING SOME OTHER 2019’S EXPECTED TO MAKE THE NEXT LEAP
• Evan Taylor 6-5 F MM Glenbard West Illinois Heat
“Top 15 player in the class; can score & smooth athletic, good student & stock is rising rapidly.”
• Myles Baker 6-3 G MM Chicago Young Chgo Select
“Floor game looking crisp, can do a bit of everything efficiently. Looking for the next jump from him which would plug him into a high-major status.”
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 WG MM Bolingbrook Hoopers
“Zion Griffin’s side-kick, elevated his play & status all summer. Relentless offensive player. Landed several mid-major offers this summer.”
• Dachaun Anderson 6-5 G MM Chgo Leo Mean Streets
“Can be a dominant force at times; perimeter skills are forming. Does have good work ethic & talent to go with it.”
• Demari Nixon 6-1 G MM Fenwick Chgo Select
“Played well in Vegas, this lefty has saw his stock rise in July. Good mid-range shooter, who can score.”
• Tom Welch 6-6 F MM Naperville North Illinois Wolves
“Showed some promise this summer, now his development needs to continue its course.”
• Martin Macenis 6-4 G/F MM Stagg Buckeyes
“Played in obscurity with Deng Reng; this kid is going to be really good down-the-road.”
• Ciaran Braboy 6-9 F MM New Trier Mac Irvin Fire
“Intriguing talent, does compete-not overly athletic. Some high-majors have shown interest.”
• Antonio Reeves 6-3 WG MM Kenwood Mac Irvin Elite
“Spot-up shooter with good length. Played well while helping himself at NY2LA.”
• Issac Stanback 6-4 F ---- Hillcrest Chgo Select
“A hardnose competitor, had an outstanding showing in Vegas, now he needs to improve his overall skills, especially on the perimeter.”
• Charlie Hoehne 6-6 F MM Oak-Park Made Men
“Vastly under-rated, his game seems to be taking the next step upward. His scoring will pick-up.”
• Aaron Strong 6-1 G MM Chicago Farragut D. Rose
“Can be a lethal offensive threat at times; has big-game capabilities.”
• Marquise Walker 6-0 PG MM Chgo Curie Mac Irvin
“Oh-so talented, he’s going to have to re-establish himself again, without a tad of the razzle-dazzle & just be efficient when required.”
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G/F MM Fremd Illinois Wolves
“Has some game, resembles so many of his club mates.”
• Deonte Billups 6-3 WG MM Moline Mac Irvin Fire
“Shot the ball well at NY2LA; has good size/length. Someone to follow.”
• Keeshawn Chambers 6-6 SF MM Chicago Solorio Mean Streets
“Un-known entering the spring/summer season but quickly sustained recognition for himself by summer’s end. Quick leaper with a good motor, finishes plays at the rim. Received offers from Chicago St., UIC, & Tulsa. Will likely transfer to Thornton or Hyde Park.”
“Top 15 player in the class; can score & smooth athletic, good student & stock is rising rapidly.”
• Myles Baker 6-3 G MM Chicago Young Chgo Select
“Floor game looking crisp, can do a bit of everything efficiently. Looking for the next jump from him which would plug him into a high-major status.”
• Tyler Cochran 6-3 WG MM Bolingbrook Hoopers
“Zion Griffin’s side-kick, elevated his play & status all summer. Relentless offensive player. Landed several mid-major offers this summer.”
• Dachaun Anderson 6-5 G MM Chgo Leo Mean Streets
“Can be a dominant force at times; perimeter skills are forming. Does have good work ethic & talent to go with it.”
• Demari Nixon 6-1 G MM Fenwick Chgo Select
“Played well in Vegas, this lefty has saw his stock rise in July. Good mid-range shooter, who can score.”
• Tom Welch 6-6 F MM Naperville North Illinois Wolves
“Showed some promise this summer, now his development needs to continue its course.”
• Martin Macenis 6-4 G/F MM Stagg Buckeyes
“Played in obscurity with Deng Reng; this kid is going to be really good down-the-road.”
• Ciaran Braboy 6-9 F MM New Trier Mac Irvin Fire
“Intriguing talent, does compete-not overly athletic. Some high-majors have shown interest.”
• Antonio Reeves 6-3 WG MM Kenwood Mac Irvin Elite
“Spot-up shooter with good length. Played well while helping himself at NY2LA.”
• Issac Stanback 6-4 F ---- Hillcrest Chgo Select
“A hardnose competitor, had an outstanding showing in Vegas, now he needs to improve his overall skills, especially on the perimeter.”
• Charlie Hoehne 6-6 F MM Oak-Park Made Men
“Vastly under-rated, his game seems to be taking the next step upward. His scoring will pick-up.”
• Aaron Strong 6-1 G MM Chicago Farragut D. Rose
“Can be a lethal offensive threat at times; has big-game capabilities.”
• Marquise Walker 6-0 PG MM Chgo Curie Mac Irvin
“Oh-so talented, he’s going to have to re-establish himself again, without a tad of the razzle-dazzle & just be efficient when required.”
• Bryce Hopkins 6-4 G/F MM Fremd Illinois Wolves
“Has some game, resembles so many of his club mates.”
• Deonte Billups 6-3 WG MM Moline Mac Irvin Fire
“Shot the ball well at NY2LA; has good size/length. Someone to follow.”
• Keeshawn Chambers 6-6 SF MM Chicago Solorio Mean Streets
“Un-known entering the spring/summer season but quickly sustained recognition for himself by summer’s end. Quick leaper with a good motor, finishes plays at the rim. Received offers from Chicago St., UIC, & Tulsa. Will likely transfer to Thornton or Hyde Park.”
WE WILL TAKE A STAB AT OUR TOP GUYS IN THE 2019 CLASS
NAME / HT / POS / SCHOOL / CLUB
1. Francis Okoro 6-10 C Normal West Bradley Beal
“He was a stud, played effectively on the 17-U circuit. Arguably could be our state’s best prospect. Big-time athlete, with dynamic motor. Offensive game improving.”
2. E.J Liddle 6-7 F Belleville West Bradley Beal
“Top-notch all-around talent; starting to shoot-it better on the perimeter. Likely will land at Mizzou, Illinois, or Iowa State. He’s one of our state’s prime jewels.”
3. Terrence Hargrove 6-7 F East St. Louis Hoopville/Larry Hughes
“This quick-leaping athlete is a modern-day Bernard King-the former New York City legend. Played in obscurity at times, but he is awfully talented. Look for his game to explode in the near future.”
4. Chris Payton 6-7 SF Bloomington Bradley Beal
“High-energy athlete-tremendous will to compete especially on the big stage. Offensive game in the developing stages, Payton looks to be on the fence as a high-major recruit but Valley, A10, and Conference USA seem to be smitten by his abilities & future up-side.”
5. Markese Jacobs 5-11 G Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin Fire
“Turned some heads with his late summer play. Now transitioning that momentum over to his school season would show signs of maturity in his game. A Kansas Jayhawk recruit.”
6. Lance Jones 6-1 G Evanston Mean Streets
“Was terrific all spring & summer, made shots and displayed explosive ability to score in the open floor.”
7. “Taeyon Neal 6-10 C Providence St. Mel Chgo Select
“This big-fella has a chance to be very good. He’s a good athlete with excellent motor, needs to finish better at the rim, but he’s mobile & does rebound the ball effectively. He’s coming along.”
1. Francis Okoro 6-10 C Normal West Bradley Beal
“He was a stud, played effectively on the 17-U circuit. Arguably could be our state’s best prospect. Big-time athlete, with dynamic motor. Offensive game improving.”
2. E.J Liddle 6-7 F Belleville West Bradley Beal
“Top-notch all-around talent; starting to shoot-it better on the perimeter. Likely will land at Mizzou, Illinois, or Iowa State. He’s one of our state’s prime jewels.”
3. Terrence Hargrove 6-7 F East St. Louis Hoopville/Larry Hughes
“This quick-leaping athlete is a modern-day Bernard King-the former New York City legend. Played in obscurity at times, but he is awfully talented. Look for his game to explode in the near future.”
4. Chris Payton 6-7 SF Bloomington Bradley Beal
“High-energy athlete-tremendous will to compete especially on the big stage. Offensive game in the developing stages, Payton looks to be on the fence as a high-major recruit but Valley, A10, and Conference USA seem to be smitten by his abilities & future up-side.”
5. Markese Jacobs 5-11 G Chicago Uplift Mac Irvin Fire
“Turned some heads with his late summer play. Now transitioning that momentum over to his school season would show signs of maturity in his game. A Kansas Jayhawk recruit.”
6. Lance Jones 6-1 G Evanston Mean Streets
“Was terrific all spring & summer, made shots and displayed explosive ability to score in the open floor.”
7. “Taeyon Neal 6-10 C Providence St. Mel Chgo Select
“This big-fella has a chance to be very good. He’s a good athlete with excellent motor, needs to finish better at the rim, but he’s mobile & does rebound the ball effectively. He’s coming along.”
JUDGING
The summer of 2017 Grass-Roots Hoops nearing somewhat of a close, it’s time we embark on a new path towards a bright future. Identifying our state’s Top 2019’s & the much heralded 2020 and 2021 classes will be our focus in this report. The 17-U Club Teams representing the good state of Illinois, often displayed tendencies of futility, while taking their lumps this summer (L’s) most times on a heavily viewed stage. “Let’s close that chapter for now!”
Out West in Vegas, Chicago Uplifts jack-of-all-trades Markese Jacobs had a couple of outings where he generated the kind of excitement that wooed the likes of Kansas. Seemingly, with the jury out in full force, and skeptical if he could ever suit-up for the Jayhawks, Markese went out punched in 32 points during one pool play outing, silencing some haters for now! He’s a superb athlete, we regard as a three-star prospect-probably rated 5th or 6th best player in our 2019 class.
Chicago State nabbed a commitment from highly regarded Simeon guard Kezo Brown. Obtaining a pledge from Brown happens to be a significant pick-up for Tracy Dildy’s Program. Kezo, we view as a Top 12-15 prospect in our 2018 class, despite of being shelved all summer due to a leg injury. He’s now hitting some strides during some open gym runs.
All signs are pointing towards, highly touted 2020 guard Adam Miller leaving Peoria Manual. The six foot three rising talent reportedly will enroll in Morgan Park, giving Nick Irvin’s Program a substantial trade-off for the departure of sharp-shooting 2020 guard Nimari Burnett, who moved to Fresno, Calif. And hooped with the Dream Vision Program in parts of July. The ultra-bravado tactics in the Chicago Public League awaits Miller. On the other hand, I feel bad for first year coach at Peoria Manual Willie Coleman. Many of us feel Coleman (a DePaul Alum) will do a terrific job at his Alma Mater.
My Southern Illinois Salukis landed verbals recently from two highly valued Top 15 Prospect’s in Carbondale’s sleek point-guard Darius Beane (6) who elected to stay home and play for Barry Hinson’s Program, which includes his dad, highly regarded long-time Assistant Coach Anthony Beane Sr. Lincoln-Way East guard Sam Schafer a six foot four sweet shooter with quick un-assuming athleticism will also join Hinson’s open-court style of play, where both Beane & Schafer should fare awfully well, achieving various honors in C’dale during their careers.
Out West in Vegas, Chicago Uplifts jack-of-all-trades Markese Jacobs had a couple of outings where he generated the kind of excitement that wooed the likes of Kansas. Seemingly, with the jury out in full force, and skeptical if he could ever suit-up for the Jayhawks, Markese went out punched in 32 points during one pool play outing, silencing some haters for now! He’s a superb athlete, we regard as a three-star prospect-probably rated 5th or 6th best player in our 2019 class.
Chicago State nabbed a commitment from highly regarded Simeon guard Kezo Brown. Obtaining a pledge from Brown happens to be a significant pick-up for Tracy Dildy’s Program. Kezo, we view as a Top 12-15 prospect in our 2018 class, despite of being shelved all summer due to a leg injury. He’s now hitting some strides during some open gym runs.
All signs are pointing towards, highly touted 2020 guard Adam Miller leaving Peoria Manual. The six foot three rising talent reportedly will enroll in Morgan Park, giving Nick Irvin’s Program a substantial trade-off for the departure of sharp-shooting 2020 guard Nimari Burnett, who moved to Fresno, Calif. And hooped with the Dream Vision Program in parts of July. The ultra-bravado tactics in the Chicago Public League awaits Miller. On the other hand, I feel bad for first year coach at Peoria Manual Willie Coleman. Many of us feel Coleman (a DePaul Alum) will do a terrific job at his Alma Mater.
My Southern Illinois Salukis landed verbals recently from two highly valued Top 15 Prospect’s in Carbondale’s sleek point-guard Darius Beane (6) who elected to stay home and play for Barry Hinson’s Program, which includes his dad, highly regarded long-time Assistant Coach Anthony Beane Sr. Lincoln-Way East guard Sam Schafer a six foot four sweet shooter with quick un-assuming athleticism will also join Hinson’s open-court style of play, where both Beane & Schafer should fare awfully well, achieving various honors in C’dale during their careers.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE FALL HIGH-SCHOOL CLASSIC
This newly revitalized event was once recognized as venue for identifying up n coming individual talent across the state of Illinois. Our concept now should be branded as team play…At the Spot-Liter our goal is to have this two-day event be one of the premier fall events in the Midwest. Plainfield Central High-School exhibits top-notch facilities, we look forward to working hand and hand with their staff, as well as the community to make this a entertaining event where sportsmanship will be held in the highest regard.
Guaranteed: 3 Games – Pool Play
Top two teams in each pool will advance to a play-off format, the winner will be crowned with championship trophy.
ENTRY FEE: $235.00 per team
Evaluators expected to cover the event:
• Illinois Spot-Lite
• Prep Bulls-Eye
• Hoops Report
• Buzzerbeating hoops.com
• Prep Suburban Hoops
• Illinois Prep Hoops
HIGH-SCHOOL TEAMS COMMITTED TO PARTICIPATE
• Metamora
• Marshall (Chgo)
• Walter Payton
• Providence St. Mel
• Hammond High (Ind)
• Chicago Delasalle
• Francis Parker
• Hyde Park Academy
• Zion Benton
• Oak-Lawn H.S.
• Chicago Farragut
• Carl Sandburg
• Lemont
• Elgin-Larkin
• T.F. South
• Willowbrook
• East Aurora
• Oswego
• Peoria Manual
• Chicago Leo
• Chicago Wells
• Romeoville
• Chicago Clark
• Joliet Central
• Plainfield Central
• Chicago Vocational
• Providence Catholic
• Peoria Central
• Lake Park
• Glenbard East
• Lincoln Park
• Oak-Park
• Lincoln-Way East
• Chicago Hope Academy
• Chicago Von Stueben
• Rich-Central
• Kankakee
• Springfield South East
• Chicago Christian
• Richards
• Bloomington
Saturday, September 16th & Sunday, September 17th, 2017
SITE: Plainfield Central High-School
611 West Fort-Beggs Dr.
Guaranteed: 3 Games – Pool Play
Top two teams in each pool will advance to a play-off format, the winner will be crowned with championship trophy.
ENTRY FEE: $235.00 per team
Evaluators expected to cover the event:
• Illinois Spot-Lite
• Prep Bulls-Eye
• Hoops Report
• Buzzerbeating hoops.com
• Prep Suburban Hoops
• Illinois Prep Hoops
HIGH-SCHOOL TEAMS COMMITTED TO PARTICIPATE
• Metamora
• Marshall (Chgo)
• Walter Payton
• Providence St. Mel
• Hammond High (Ind)
• Chicago Delasalle
• Francis Parker
• Hyde Park Academy
• Zion Benton
• Oak-Lawn H.S.
• Chicago Farragut
• Carl Sandburg
• Lemont
• Elgin-Larkin
• T.F. South
• Willowbrook
• East Aurora
• Oswego
• Peoria Manual
• Chicago Leo
• Chicago Wells
• Romeoville
• Chicago Clark
• Joliet Central
• Plainfield Central
• Chicago Vocational
• Providence Catholic
• Peoria Central
• Lake Park
• Glenbard East
• Lincoln Park
• Oak-Park
• Lincoln-Way East
• Chicago Hope Academy
• Chicago Von Stueben
• Rich-Central
• Kankakee
• Springfield South East
• Chicago Christian
• Richards
• Bloomington
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