Eye Catchers at Fundamental U High Academic Showcase!!!!!

Big Tim

Aug 16, 20235 min read

WAUKEGAN,ILLINOIS: The annual high academic showcase run by Mike Weinstein the director of the travel program Funamental U was outstanding. A lot of talent on display from young men who put it on the line in the classroom AND on the court. High level play and sharing the ball especially for a showcase. Lots of open shots from the extra passing of the players. Here are some of the standouts:

BRADY SEHLHORST, Notre Dame College Prep (Niles): Class of 2025 6'7" wing was the best performer I saw at the event. He hit long range threes at a high percentage off the bounce and off the catch, penetrated the lane and passed out to three point shooters for assists. Showed nice ball handling skills off the dribble and some breakdown ability to turn the corner. Obvious division one talent who can score in a number of ways. Very underrated in his class.

NICK TAYLOR, Glenbrook South (Glenview): Class of 2024 6'7" forward was a close second in this event. He showed energy changing ends of the court, athleticism on the glass and finishes at the rim. Stepped out and hit some threes, showed rim protection as well as ball handling bringing the ball up the court. Receiving some division two interest, but should have some low division one looks. Recent offer from Wisconsin Parkside.

OWEN GIANNOULIAS, Glenbrook North (Northbrook): Class of 2024 6'0" point guard was high level and steady as usual. Hit shots from all three levels, three pointers off the dribble, mid range pull-ups, and slick finishes at the rim. Hit the game winning shot in one game. He played like a future division one point guard in this setting. Made a good case for best player in the event. Ivy League and Patriot League schools should take a long look at this young man.

BRAEDEN CARLSEN, Wauconda: Class of 2024 6'4" combo guard continued his outstanding play from the Spring and Summer. Hit shots from everywhere, threes, mid range pull-ups, and drives to the rim. Hard to figure out why he does not have more interest from the colleges. He can do things any other guard can do with effectiveness. This is a puzzling one as he's been outstanding in every event I've watched him including this one.

JAKOB BLAKELY, Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago): Class of 2024 6'0" combo guard just transferred to Payton from Larkin (Elgin). Stone cold scorer who has the ball handling ability to get his shot off from anywhere on the court. He rarely takes bad shots, he plays within himself and gets enough space to get good shots off. He gets high off the floor on his jumper with a quick release. He can also run point when needed.

JUSTIN "JJ" HERNANDEZ, Glenbard North (Lombard): Class of 2024 6'5" wing is a futures bet as he's only 16 years old. He showed an improved jump shot, crashed the glass on both ends, and scored on attacks to the rim. He is a versatile defender who jumped passing lanes to steal the basketball. He has a two dribble pull-up jump shot from 15 feet, and changes ends very well.

MAX KOEPPL, John Paul II, TEXAS: Class of 2024 6'7" wing gave us the Texas invasion. He showed athleticism on the wing, scoring on slashing drives to the basket. Can hit the three point shot off the bounce or the catch. Blocked shots off the weakside and hit the glass on both ends of the court. Played with great pace on the court.

CHRISTIAN WILSON, Huntley: Class of 2025 6'3" combo guard did everything on the court on both ends. Scored on threes, attacks to the basket and finishing at the rim, mid range jumpers. On defense he had steals on the ball and in the passing lanes. Hit the glass on both ends of the court getting baskets on putbacks. Dominated a couple of games with his hustle on both ends of the court.

ACHILLES ANDERSON, Marist (Chicago): Class of 2025 6'4" forward did a little bit of everything today. He scored on drives to the basket, rebounds, had some nice full court bounce passes to teammates. Showed improved ball handling and attacks the basket with strong finishes using his strong body to play through contact.

NEW TRIER (WINNETKA) INVASION: Trevians had many players at the event and the ones I saw were outstanding. Will be a threat to once again get Downstate to the State Finals in Class 4A.

LOGAN FELLER, Class of 2024 6'4" combo guard hit multiple threes off the catch as well as off the dribble. He mixed in some mid range shooting to his arsenal. Showed improved breakdown skills off the dribble.

IAN BROWN, Class of 2024 6'5" wing hit threes like they were layups, some from about 25 feet from the basket. He hit most of them off the catch, but did hit a couple off the dribble. Showed he could hit the defensive glass.

WILLIAM LEMASTER, Class of 2024 6'4" forward did a lot of the dirty work, hitting the glass, getting down for loose balls, oh and hitting threes specifically off the catch. Good at playing off other good players.

DANNY HOULIHAN, Class of 2026 6'3" combo guard hit threes like they were layups off the catch. Hit the glass on the defensive end and is someone that you have to account for defensively.

COLBY SMITH, Class of 2025 6'3" point guard can run a team smoothly but is also another sniper from long range off the catch or off the dribble. Can get to the mid range and hit pull-up jump shots. Good passes to the shooting pocket of three point shooters.

CHRISTOPHER KIRKPATRICK, Class of 2026 6'2" point guard is a do it all player at that position. He has a nasty step back jumper from three, or can do the same in the lane at mid range. Attacks the basket and either finishes at the rim with either hand, or pass it out to shooters with pinpoint passes.

DONOVAN WILLIAMS, Stevenson (Lincolnshire): Class of 2026 5'11" point guard was aggressive throughout. He attacked the basket and finished, hit threes, dished the ball to teammates, and was scrappy on both ends. Used quick hands to get steals on the ball and showed no fear.

ALEX VINCENT, Oak Park River Forest: Class of 2025 6'9" center hit a step out three, a couple of mid range shots, and scored in the post. Did some rim protecting with his size keeping players from scoring in the paint area. Hit the glass on both ends of the court.

VITO ROCCA, Evanston Township: Class of 2027 6'3" combo guard was the best incoming freshman I watched. Showed range from three, mid range, and has some nice scoop finishes at the rim. Hit the defensive glass and showed he could bring it up the court.