The first big travel tournament happened last weekend with main headquarters Homestead High School in Mequoin, WI. Lots of talent on hand and looks like the young men are ready to go take names and build reputations for the college coaches. Antonio Curro runs a great event as shoe company teams, and independent teams from the Midwest battled all weekend. Here we go:
Owen Freeman, Midwest Pro Academy (IL) (6'10" forward)- Iowa commit was solid as always. Scored in the paint on a variety of moves over either shoulder, great footwork in the post, and changing ends very effectively. Led his team to the semifinals of the Gold Bracket. Hit a couple of threes over the weekend but did most of his damage on the interior. Big Tim's #1 player in Class of 2023 for Illinois. He's supposed to be a Top 100 player in America.
Darrin Ames, Mac Irvin Fire (IL) (6'2" point guard)- Could very well have been the best player in the building. Has a chance for that #1 spot in Class of 2023 for Illinois. Had a couple of double/double's in points and assists over the weekend. The team did not do well as they were eliminated on Saturday night, but not because of him. He hit step back threes, finished at the basket with nice lefty layups, and one bounce pass to himself two handed dunk. Best I've seen him playing on both ends as he was a pest defensively to opposing guards. Top 50 player in America who should be in the Top 20.
Cameron Christie, Illinois Wolves (6'6" combo guard)- Looked smooth all weekend playing off the ball, he hit one dribble pull-ups, threes off the catch and shoot, and finished well at the rim. Led Wolves to the semifinals in the Gold Bracket. Guarded the three wing positions effectively. Making his own name on the court and with a quickness. Hit a couple of tear drop mid range jumpers. Look for him to get into the Top 100 nationally by the time the travel circuit ends in July.
Bobby Durkin, Breakaway Basketball Academy (IL) (6'7" combo guard)- Class of 2022 unsigned senior was effective as usual. He hit mid range pul-ups, threes and drives to the basket. Showed he could play man to man with effectiveness after playing mostly 1-3-1 zone on Glenbard West Class 4A State Champs. Will play in both live periods this Spring, then make a decision sometime after April. A great get for some division one program.
Riley Brooks, Team Herro (WI) (6'7" wing)- Big time shooter who showed some post-up game off the block with a nice one foot fadeaway off one leg. Versatile scorer who hit threes off the break in catch and shoot situations. Ran the floor and finishes a couple of nice left handed layups. Helped his team to the Gold Bracket title.
Brock Harding, Midwest Pro Academy (6'0" point guard)- Played so well this weekend earned a scholarship offer from Loyola Chicago. Moline product ran the team well all weekend. He was able to get to the basket and score with fakes, and finishes off the glass. Hit key three pointers to help his team advance, and dunked on a player on the break(WATCH YOUR HEAD). Will definitely be in Big Tim's Top 10 Class of 2023 players in Illinois in my next update.
Milan Momcilovich, Team Herro(6'8" wing)- Young man is a versatile matchup nightmare. Inside/outside force who uses his brain to get space to get his shot off. Can post up on the block, takes his time and finishes over bigs, can step out and hit threes, and two dribble pull-ups in his arsenal as his team won the Gold Bracket title.
Mac Wrecke, Team Herro (6'5"guard)- Nice on catch and shoot threes. Young man can also take you off the dribble with nice two dribble pull-ups from mid range. Good at drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Team won the Gold Bracket title.
Andrew Czarnowksi, Breakaway Basketball Academy (6'8" forward)- Can score from the three point line and showed improvement finishing at the rim. Did his best trying to contain Owen Freeman in the paint. Also showed some rebounding on the defensive glass and shot blocking.
Ryan Cohen, Illinois Wolves (6'2" guard)- Knockdown three point shooter who was hitting them from all over the floor this weekend. Catch and shoot, off the dribble, two dribble pull-ups as they made the semifinals in the Gold Bracket.
Ty Pence, Midwest Pro Academy (6'6" guard)- Long lean knockdown shooter from all three levels of the court, had it going all weekend. Showed he can finish at the rim with big time bounce. He hit floaters, threes off the bounce along with catch and shoot. Made some nice passes as he worked well off Owen Freeman. Led Midwest Pro to semifinals of Gold Bracket.
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