A GLANCE AT THE TOP 10 PROSPECTS IN 2021 CLASS

“Collectively the group has maintained its hype and promise, we will identify our top guys. Next up our goal is to share a little more information/data regarding the class.”

NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL /  RANK / HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM

• Max Christie 6-5 PG 1 Rolling Meadows/Illinois Wolves
• Bryce Hopkins 6-7 WG 2 Fenwick/Mokan Elite
• Brandon Weston 6-5 G/F 3 Morgan Park/Mac Irvin Fire
• Kimarhri Wilson 6-1 PG 4 Carmel/Y&R-Kavon Looney
• Ahmad “Black-Cat” Bynum 6-2 G 5 Simeon/Mac Irvin Fire
• Anthony Sayles 6-1 PG 6 Niles Notre Dame/Illinois Wolves
• Chris Hodges 6-7 PF 7 Schaumburg/Illinois Wolves
• Grant Newell 6-7 WF 8 Whitney Young/Mean Streets
• Scotty Ebube 6-8 F 9 Mundelein/Illinois Wolves
• Dionysius Hogan 6-4 G 10 Peoria High/Illinois Heartland

TOP SLEEPERS IN 2020 CLASS

“These prospects haven’t received all the love affair attention just yet, but they are about to have a break-out session in either June or July. Most have been on our un-heralded listing for some time. They are considered by some of us as diamonds in the rough.”

NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL /  RANK / HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM

Atharva Atreya 6-3 PG LM+-LM Carl Sandburg/Windy City Magic
“Fits the category of every meaning of a sleeper; heady, can make shots & distribute. Yes, he’s tough enough! Top 35, can play in Ivy & Patriot League setting.”

Beau Frericks 6-1 G LM+ Cary Grove/RWA
“A sure-handed gamer with a wealth of confidence. Knows how to play and can score. One of the best players in the North West Suburbs. Chicago State & The WAC Conference should pursue heavily. Top 30.”

Armond Williams 6-8 F/C LM+ East St. Louis/Ill. Jets
“Has the chiseled physical look of a stud. A promising prospect saw limited action for the 3A State Champs, they played with a senior Laden cast. Look for his game/play to flourish by the start of season. A late bloomer type! Top 30-35 ranking.”

Johnathan Odom 6-5 PF LM+-LM Chicago Legal Prep/Chgo Demons
“Under-size four man with some serious springs. Slithery athlete with a wiry frame & a game that’s on the brink of soaring. Expanding his range between beyond 12-15 ft will eventually prevail. Presently we view J. Odom as a Top 35 prospect in the class.”

Aaron Tims 6-7 F LM+-LM Hinsdale South/RWA
“Currently averages 12 points & 7 rebounds for his Club Teams, he has consistently displayed the ability to knock-down mid-range shots. Good athlete who finishes at the rim. Stock starting to climb. Top 30-35.”

Justin Moore 6-0 G LM Bloom/Next Level Elite
“Starting to get recognized for all the little things he does during the course of a game. Defends, makes shots & plays, makes the extra pass & he is a fearless performer. Justin’s game is still developing though. Top 50 prospect… will be an excellent D2, small College recruit.”

Nate Seputis 6-9 P/F LM Lincoln-Way East/RWA
“Always been one of our favorite’s in the class. Has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency within the last year or so which has hindered his growth/development. Now he’s on track again, patrolling the paint while protecting the rim & becoming a reliable rebounder. Nate could really thrive in a system setting. Top 40-50 prospect…big summer awaits.”

Jamari McClendon 6-2 G LM Hope Academy/Illinois Jaguars
“A quick maneuvering player, fearless performer capable of making big shots/plays. A young player (in age) with a spirited all-around game. Poised to be a prime small College gem, also one of my favorite’s in the class. Excellent find for D2 or small College.”

Micah Schnyder 6-4 G LM+-LM 27 Lincoln-Way West/Mac Irvin Fire
“He’s one of the top shooters & players in the South Suburbs, lingering on the bench for the Fire hasn’t help his confidence or viewership. Maybe it’s time for him to dive into another setting where he can showcase his promising skills.”

Deandre Hagan 6-4 G/F LM Brother Rice/?
“The Central Junior High left-hander has played himself into plenty conversations in recent months. A swing-man type has demonstrated a penchant for making huge shots. Ball-handling improving as well. Top 35-40 prospect.”

Dakhari Jaudon 6-4 WG MM 26 Joliet West/T.Wolves
“Showed up at the Spot-Liter event at the end of March (Jamboree) as an un-known commodity. Jaudon demonstrated he could score in bunches as well as play within a team-oriented setting. We were impressed with his calming mental make-up & his rising potential. Academics & off-the court actions will determine his development/path.”

TOP 2020 PROSPECTS WATCH LIST

NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL /  RANK / HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB TEAM

Adam Miller 6-4 G HM 1 Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin
“Nationally acclaimed Top 25-30 prospect. Capable scorer whose strength is his out-side shooting. So far spotty play in the EYBL circuit. Averaged 28 per game last season.”

D.J. Stewart 6-3 WG HM 1 Young/Mean Streets
“Went on a tear for 46 & 38 points during the Nike EYBL Event in Indy last weekend. Added a few more high-major offers including Wake Forest.”

Martice Mitchell 6-10 F/C HM 3 Bloom/Y&R-Kevon Looney
“The big fella has the best up-side arguably of anyone in the class. Now he feels the love and more valued on the Adidas circuit where he’s captured the attention of Oregon and many others.”

Isaiah Rivera 6-4 G MM+-MM 4 Geneseo/Mean Streets
“He’s carved out a nice niche playing alongside of Stewart & Ullis this Spring. Drawing interest from Big 10 & A-10 and Missouri Valley Programs.”

Keshawn Williams 6-3 G MM+-MM 5 Bloom/Y&R-Kevon Looney
“Elite athlete with a huge upside, we still have not seen his game evolve into what is going to look like on the next level in terms of his all-around floor game. He’s capable of being an explosive performer offensively. A Darrell Walker clone who played at Corliss and U. Arkansas. Colorado is in!”

Tyler Beard 6-3 WG MM+- MM 6 Young/Bradley Beal
“A combo who wants to transition into a PG instantly. Looking for an expanding role, he jumped from Mean Streets to the STL B.B. averaged around seven points per outing in 4 games in Indy, reliable defender.”

Ahron Ullis 6-3 PG MM+-MM 7 Marian Catholic/Mean Streets
“Has been a steady orchestrator all spring; demonstrating he is a capable scorer when needed. Currently playing with a wealth of confidence.”

Sincere Parker 6-3 G MM+-MM 8 Rockford East/Mac Irvin Fire
“Wasn’t in Indy last weekend but has displayed offensive ability on the perimeter. Capable of having stretches of a high-wire activity where he can also nail shots in a flurry. Rumors have him heading to a prep-school next season.”

Jerimiah Williams 6-4 G/F MM+-MM 9 St. Laurence/Mean Streets
“Swingman has had a steady productive spring. Rangy athlete with versatility on both ends. Excels in the open court. He could be a dynamite recruit in the right situation/setting.”

CONTINUED WITH A SMALL DOSAGE OF THIS CLASS

Ra’Shad Taylor 5-10 PG MM+MM 10 Collinsville/Gateway(IL)

“One of the hidden jewels of the class. Viewers up north (Chicago area) aren’t familiar with his in-game feats. He dropped 39 markers on state champion-Belleville West giving them their only loss last season. Terrific floor game where he has long range shooting ability in his arsenal of offensive weapons. Bradley and other Missouri Valley schools have taken notice. St. Louis U. could be a major player in his recruitment.”

Marcus Watson 5-10 PG MM 11 Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin Fire

“This speedster is a clever ball-player. His game resembles some past topflight play-makers Chicago use to produce regularly, Bobby Anderson (CVS/Fresno State), Anthony Johnson (Austin/Wyoming), and Lloyd Walton (Mt. Carmel/Marquette/NBA). Just to give readers and idea of his game/potential. Makes big plays and lethal in the open court. Watson has an offer from Illinois.”

Destin Whitaker 6-6 WF MM 12 Romeoville/Mean Streets

“Averages double digits in scoring while coming off the bench for his Club Team. A respectable out-side shooter with good length. DePaul & Loyola-Chicago has shown early interest.”

Donte Maddox 6-3 PG MM 13 Bloom/Y& R

“A competitive minded offensive threat. Double figure scorer, distributes efficiently, capable of locking down on the defensive end. Valpo has shown strong interest and that situation looms as a good destination if Maddox decides to stay local.”

Seryee Lewis 6-8 PF MM 14 Morgan Pk/Mac Irvin Fire

“Solid front-court player, whose strength right now is his ability to defend & rebound, Seryee does compete in big game settings, even though he’s not overly athletic. Despite of that, he can be a valuable asset on the Collegiate level in the right setting.”

Damontae Taylor 6-5 WF MM 15 Zion-Benton/All in Athletics

“Exciting wiry cager, capable of electrifying an audience. Once D.T. polishes the glaring shortfalls in his play/game, he likely will emerge as a full fledge stand-out after high-school. Does possess the abilities to be a high-scoring threat one day.”

Will Wolfe 6-6 WG MM 16 Aurora Christian/IL Wolves

“Has the necessary length and shooting ability on the perimeter to be a vocal focus of a defense. Could thrive in a system setting with his size & versatility. Belmont, Lipscomb University, & possibly SIU in the picture.”

Devon Davis 6-1 G MM 17 Westingouse/Y&R-Kavon Looney

“Marvelous young talent, still quite an un-finished product, but you can see the un-tapped growth in his play at times. Has elusive open-court ability, maximum effort & consistency should help channel his development.

Antoine Bloxton 6-4 WG MM 18 Chgo Bogan/Work Foundation

“Oh-so-talented, jump-shot looks sweet, has a wiry frame that has the look of a feared cager. Bloxton gave viewers a glimpse of his promising abilities during the State 3A Tournament where he was immediately hailed as a player that needed some time to put-it all together. He only suited-up a few games last season. So, naturally he was rusty during the big stage environment when Bogan dropped the title game to East Saint. Academics & discipline will be required, also his current Club Team maybe in the defunct stages.”

Ramean Hinton 6-4 WG MM 19 Curie/Team Rose

“Has big game experience, plays extremely hard. Capable of making big shots & plays while masking as a willing defender. Ball-handling reliable enough to get him in & out of pockets. Mac, Horizon League gem. A winner!”

Jayson Kent 6-4 G MM 20 Oak Forest/Mac Irvin Fire, Next Level Elite

“This big guard has his game kicked into full throttle now where his stock is starting to rise rapidly. The sleeper clone has enjoyed an impressive spring where he has brought on admirers of his ability to thrive in multiple settings/situations on the floor. He can score & handle. The Mac schools closing in, K-State interested as well.”

Romelle Howard 6-8 F/C MM 21 Lincoln Park/Mean Streets

“Has enjoyed a productive role coming off the bench for Nike EYBL playing for Mean Streets. Howard does hit the glass with authority most times while possessing a potent jump hook. Operating effectively in the classroom is a growing concern with him.”

R.J. Ogom 6-7 P/F MM 22 Homewood-Flossmoor/Y&R Kavon Looney

“A good lookn’ prospect physically, game is starting to take shape as an enforcer type who patrols the paint/base-line area as shot swatter & rebounder. Does finish some around the rim, expected to continue his growth as an offensive threat. Has improved a ton since early January.”

Devon House 6-8 F/C MM 23 Sterling Newman/Quad Cities

“Has been highly touted & mentioned quite a bit in recent years down in his west central end of the State. The big body offensive threat has man handled most high-school kids in his area, but the jury still resides in full force about his next level of play versus opponents with length & athleticism. So far, a solid spring but a big summer awaits. We will be on hand.”

Chris Williams 6-2 G MM 24 Peoria High/?

“Has the potential to be a mid-major guard, he may have to take on a couple of different routes to land in that destination. Williams does have an ultra-smooth game that illustrates some high-scoring ability. Can knock-down J’s on the perimeter.”

Chris Conway 6-9 PF MM 25 Naperville Central/Indy Spiece

“Has carved out a pretty nice niche playing club ball over in Indiana on the Nike EYBL circuit. The long-armed interior performer isn’t feared just yet but has made progress each week while indicating he is a promising prospect with an intriguing up-side. He’s a good athlete, still learning how to play through challenging moments. By the end of July, he will have a flurry of interest.”

IN-GAME

Gary Decesare stepped away from his head post position at St. Rita. These days, most of us aren’t startled by many difficult decisions. The New York native spent ten years at the South-Side School where he completed a career record of 182-110. We wish Gary well in moving on to his new endeavors.

Simeon guard Antonio Reeves has inked on with the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s been quite a while since the Badger Program had a Chicago Public Leaguer on its roster. George Marshall (Brooks) might have been the last. We’re happy for Reeves.

We were elated when the news came in that Valparaiso All Missouri Valley Freshman guard, Javon Freeman decided to return to the Program after testing the waters/portal. The Whitney Young Grad showed he could be thoughtful.

Chicago State landed a hidden gem when six-foot five Corliss athletic forward, Leandre Townsend pledged to join Lance Irvin’s Program. Townsend is a terrific athlete, he was named honorable mentioned All City this past season, very effective baseline jump shooter. With some growth/maturity, he should blossom there.

St. Cloud State signed one of the sleepers’ in the 2019 Class, Bloomington’s 6-5 wing Caleb Donaldson. The leaper could have suited-up and contributed in some Division One situations. I wouldn’t be surprised down the road if he hits the portal.

Mike Mosley’s resignation at Bloomington High was inevitable, he’d had a successful run in the central part of our State but couldn’t seem to lift himself pass the bureaucratic drama that evolved in his area. Mosley will land somewhere soon and softly.

CLUB TEAM RITUALS - FELT LIKE STATUS SYMBOL

Illinois Spot-Lite’s Annual Spring Jamboree jumped-off on Saturday, March 23rd up in Plainfield. The Event in recent years was a two-day gathering, but due to facility restraints, we opted to condense it into a one-day venue, oppose to setting up shop on Sunday at some other site. Plainfield Central High has become a regular hub for local grass-roots hoops, its opportunity to evaluate talent on hand from a close-up viewing, lined with the luxury of utilizing five courts. The event was good, but noticeably chaotic, this tends to be the framed culture anyway (LOL). Majority of the games ran on time through-out the day, which started play at 10:30am and the final scheduled game ended on all courts by 9:35pm. In which leads me into the officiating piece- it’s a little to be desired this year across the board. That’s an area in our sport that needs a make-over or collection of up & comers. This particular day, the event host (myself) had to be aligned in a surgical matter; Club season has become increasingly challenging the last several Spring/Summers. Hopefully players, coaches, and parents can have fun and enjoy the process for just what it is.

There was some nice players on-hand, and several Programs looked to be in position to make an early Spring splash. We will provide a short observation on what we captured during the event. The Y&R contingent of Stan, J Brim, Aubrey, Jeremy, & D Rob participated with 5 groups, this has been their customary route along with our RWA crew the last 4-5 years. We certainly enjoyed as well as appreciated their support through the years in making the Jamboree a regular stomping ground for early competitive play. Y&R -Stan & Aubrey had strong performances from 17-U participants, Devon Davis (Westinghouse), Christian Shumate 6-3 (Plainfield East), Alex Wood (Normal High), R.J. Ogom (H.F.), Jabari Chiphe (Walter Payton), Josh Holmes (DeLa Salle), Keshawn Williams (Bloom), and Donte Maddox (Bloom). Y&R’s Jay Brim strolled in with a nice mix of talent on his 16-U roster, Jalen Butler (Niles North) looked impressive, he’s since vanished, rumors have him now linked to Team Rose. Y&R’s acquisition of Neuqua’s sharp shooter John Poulakidas likely sparked Butler’s departure. Others who flashed stand-out performances were Kimarhri Wilson (Carmel), Julius Rollins (Hillcrest), Trent Howland (Joliet West), Jalen Houston (Hyde Park), Darrell Reed a six foot six forward from T.F. North was good, we didn’t know much about him prior to his arrival in Plainfield. RWA always has positive outlook on the direction of their Program as well as a vision they’ve outlined for their kids. A.J. and Walt have created a nice recruiting base out of the South Suburbs as well as other pockets of our area. Beau Frericks (Cary Grove), Temear Fraley (Bogan), Elijah Jones (Marian Catholic), Aaron Timms (Hinsdale South), Davis Walker (Home School) all played well for 17-U. Walt’s 16-U RWA – had notable outings from Ryan Sucha (Lincoln-Way East), Ola Ajibaye, Armon Timms (Hinsdale South), and high-scoring Darius Wilson (St. Laurence).

The storied Chicago Demons’ Program has hit the re-birth cylinder in recent years bursting with talented players at all levels. Most Programs in the area can’t bolster that claim. 17s rolled in with top notch outings from several players Jamario Minnifield (Corliss), Bryant Willingham (Marshall), Terrence Boykins of Hyde Park made two free throws to seal a victory. 16-U Demons had strong showings from Chris Turner (Collins), Jabari Sawyer (DePaul Prep). 15-U Demons player to watch for that group is Aaron Williams Jr. (Whitney Young) most knowledgeable basketball minds should recognize the name. Windy City Magic 17-U Group I will always shower with love, played their usual spirited team-oriented style. They didn’t have rising 2020 Top 40 prospect Atharva Atreya (Sandburg) due to spring vacation.

Kent Robinson’s T.Wolves’ organization is another rising entity, their 16-U showed-up with a talented nucleus of young 2021 prospects. Now, Dakhari Jaudon who didn’t even hoop this past season at Joliet West and he’s clearly a Top 25 prospect in 2020 Class. Jaudon scores in bunches through punctuating ways, we are anticipating a breakout kind of Spring, he’s 6-4 athlete with a wiry frame. T.Wolves 16-U standouts Jaiden Lee (Joliet West), Daine Hanson (Nazareth), Cameron Mallory (Lincoln-Way East), Andrew Johnson (Joliet West), J.R. Jones (Lincoln-Way East); St. Joseph finest Alum Darryl Cunningham arrived with his Gateway, IL 17-U squad and had a nice 3-0 showing. It’s always great to get my Southern Illinois guys in town. Collinsville stand-out guard Ra’Shad Taylor dropped thirty points on Windy City Magic. Taylor is a terrific player Top 10-13 in the 2020 Class. Heart of Illinois - Eric Watson’s 16-U crew made the track from Central Illinois. His team is comprised of players from Peoria, Springfield, Lincoln IL, & Jacksonville. They went 3-0, had stellar performances from Dionysius Hogan (Peoria High), Bennie Slater (Springfield High), the pair are consensus Top 12-15 rated in the 2021 Class. 6-6 K.J. Debrick, a promising stud from Springfield Lanphier, Shane Miller (Springfield High); Julian Williams All in Athletics 16-U made their first appearance to a Spot-Liter event. His group had a couple impressive games where Amar Augillard (Zion), Brian Matthews (DePaul Prep), Ty Johnson (DePaul Prep), Noah Reynolds all shined. Collectively the four them all rank in most services in the Top 30-35 (2021 Class).

D Brazil’s Illinois Jaguar Program has swiftly sent a sharp message to Club rivals that they are a Team/Program to be reckon with. Dale has a system in place where both of their teams 16-U/15-U execute quite well; they will be well oiled by May. Ultra-competitive/clutch performer Jamari McClendon (Hope Academy) is a sleeper type who thrives in crunch time, he’s a rapidly rising prospect in the 2020 Class, McClendon happens to be a young 16. Tolu Johnson (University Lab), Dane Brazil (Fenwick) all played well. The 15-U Jaguars had strong outings from Lucas Bascile (Lane Tech) and Jefferey Hyde (Bogan); Mad Max and Paul (formerly of Get Paid Enterprises) the tandem always armed with a ray of sunshine, a refreshing observation on their collection of talented youngsters. They’ve created the newly found Legends U Program which should do quite well. They received top-notch performances from Jamil Wilson (DeLa Salle), D.J.Bates (DeLa Salle), and Simeon 2022 guard Mysean Vaughn a 5-10 fiery cat has since bounced to another Club. The group played well in three out of their four games.

Antonio Wilks Old Gold Program brought out a 14-U & 16-U, both groups were competitive from the onset. Antonio, along with the Demon’s Program, have sort of become the narrative of elder statesmen amongst the local Club circuit. Old Gold had superb performances from Brandon Jones eight grader, Jalen Kittler and Eddie Nit, both 15-U.

Jason Kent’s Next Level Elite Program had strong showings from Travis Ducksworth, Ethan Aluyi, and Frank DeCarlo. Kevin Snider’s NBU squad had a couple of eye-popping moments from Zachary Gist and impressive out-side shooting from Pierce Ashworth, a 6-5 wing.