I was out on the West Side of Chicago by University of Illinois Chicago. High academic school that went 16-15 last season after moving up to Class 4A. They made consecutive trips to Champaign in Class 3A before moving up. Last season was a transition year. They are gearing to make another trip to Champaign, this time in Class 4A. Big time freshman class. Here's some of the talent:
PHOENIX GILL, Class of 2025 6'4" combo guard is a Northwestern commit. Son of former NBA player Kendall Gill. He did just about anything he wanted in the open gym today. He got to whatever spot he wanted off the dribble. He scored on drives to the basket finishing through contact, three pointers, and a couple of mid range jumpers. Made some good passes in transition leding to leayups and three point attempts by teammates.
RYAN CAVANAUGH, Class of 2025 5'10" point guard showed a good shooting touch from three, scored on some drives to the rim, made good passes to open three point shooters. He was a pest on defense getting multiple steals on the ball.
WILL HORTON, Class of 2025 6'1" point guard was on fire from three today. Hit 6 consecutice threes in one stretch. The lefty was hitting them from all over the court, corners, top of the key, and on the wing. Made some good passes up the court in transtion, used quick hands for a few steals.
ALEX ANAYA, Class of 2025 5'10" combo guard was hitting threes off the dribble, and off the catch. Made some nice passes in transtion and in the halfcourt. Pushed the ball up the court off outlet passes.
GRANT POORMAN, Class of 2026 6'2" wing was scoring on strong drives to the basket and finsihing at the rim. Stepped out and hit multiple three point shots mostly off the catch and shoot. Hit the glass on both ends of the court, and attacked off the bounce in transition and the halfcourt.
NICO HARRIS, Class of 2026 6'0" combo guard is the son of former Thornton Township (Harvey) three sport star and former NFL player Napoleon Harris. He showed a nice consistent mid range jump shot. Scored on a few attacks off the bounce to the rim, and hit a couple of threes.
JOSIAH HALL, Class of 2028 6'0" combo guard showed he belonged on a varsity court. He hit multiple three point shots off the bounce when the opportunity presents itself. Has a chance to be one of the top three point shooters in his class.
AMIR TUCKER, Class of 2028 5'9" point guard did a good job of running the show today. Son of former NBA player Arlando Tucker. Got his teammates into sets by talking and directing them to their spots. He hit multiple three pointers off the bounce and off the catch. Made some nice assists in transition.
DID NOT PLAY:
CHRIS BOLTE, Class of 2026 6'6" wing was at a leadership conference but is one of their best players.
DJ CALDWELL, Class of 2028 6'2" combo guard did not play because he's injured. Head Coach Matt Monroe is very high on him. Says he'll be a future star.
CONCLUSION: St Ignatius Wolfpack played fast in this open gym. Pushed the ball constantly and got up a lot of three point shots. Not a big team height wise but with a third scorer (Coach says they'll likely do it by committee), to support Gill and Bolte. Defense and rebounding will be key to any success getting deep into the Class 3A State Playoffs.
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