I was at two different events on Saturday and here's some superlatives and wrap-up of all. Here we go:
Prep Hoops Challenge:
BEDFORD PARK, IL: I was at this event Saturday morning, and there were some very good performances. Here are some of them:
Mitch Humphrey, Greater Purpose Athletics 17U: 6'6" wing hit 6 three pointers for 18 points in win over Mac Irvin Fire 17U. He was on fire simply. I did not see him miss a shot in that game. This young man may be the best shooter in the class in Illinois. Plays for St Viator (Arlington Heights).
Tristan Ford, Mac Irvin Fire 16U: 6'4" point guard is a do it all guard. Can score on all three levels, use his athleticism to dunk on you along with getting steals with quick hands. Lefty can get to his spots attacking the basket off the dribble. Plays for Chi Prep Academy.
Darshan Thomas, Greater Purpose Athletics 17U: 6'6" wing can play all over the court. Hits threes, can slash to the basket off the dribble, rim protect, rebound, pass out of the post or in the mid post. Has a well rounded versatile game and a sleeper in the class. Plays for Marist (Chicago)
Mason Lockett IV, M14 Adidas Gold 15U: 6'4" combo guard showed he can score in a variety of ways. Hits threes off the dribble, and off the catch and shoot. Gets to the basket and has creative finishes around the basket. Look for him to make a jump in his class in the next few years. Plays for East (Oswego)
Jayden Riley, M14 Adidas Gold 15U: 6'0" point guard quick on quick, can score in a variety of ways. Hits threes, attacks the basket and draws fouls to get to the free throw line. Plays for Oswego.
Other standouts:
2024 unless otherwise noted * 2025 **2026 ***2027
Brandon Watson, Greater Purpose Athletics
Mike Jones, Mac Irvin Fire *
Ahmere Carson, Mac Irvin Fire
Davion Hannah, Mac Irvin Fire *
Yaris Irby, Mac Irvin Fire *
Dekwon Brown, Denard Brothers
Calvin Worsham, Denard Brothers
R Davis, Wisconsin Playground Club UAA **
L Fenderson, Wisconsin Playground Club UAA **
Tavariyuan Williams, Mac irvin Fire
Kris Hills, Illinois Drive
EJ Breland, Illinois Drive *
Kai Rogers, Wisconsin Playground Club UAA
Amari Allen, Wisconsin Playground Club UAA
Chicago Basketball Academy:
WHITNEY YOUNG, CHICAGO:
This had an incoming 8th grade championship, girls varsity championship, and boys varsity championship. It also had a skills challenge and three point contest boys and girls. Here we go:
Meanstreets beat the Chicago Bulldogs in 8th grade title game. Lots of young talent in Class of 2028, equal talent on the court. This game though Meanstreets showed a little bit more toughness on the court to get the win. They scored on all three levels, as well as capitalized on turnovers, runouts, and layups to control the game. Meanstreets also had better guard play as they have an outstanding point guard. I didn't get names unfortunately, but we will hear about some of these young men in the future.
Kenwood Academy (Chicago) beat Whitney Young (Chicago) 82-76 in girls varsity title game. Class of 2025 Ariella Henigan was game MVP with 32 points 8 rebounds 6 assists for Kenwood Academy. Class of 2026 Danielle Brooks added 20 for Kenwood Academy. Class of 2025 Destiny Jackson had 35 points in a losing cause. She's nationally ranked in her class.
Homewood Flossmoor 72 Whitney Young (Chicago) 66: I saw Homewood Flossmoor here three weeks ago lose by 25 to Lane Tech (Chicago). Watching that performance you would not think they would have been here. Thing is that was only their second game together, and was working transfers into the team. Looked much smoother in this game. They beat a trio of Chicago Red Division teams on the way to the title. Simeon Career Academy (78-63), Kenwood Academy (66-61). Class of 2024 point guard Gianni Cobb was leading scorer and MVP of the game. His quickness getting to the basket on offense was breaking down the Whitney Young defense. He was also a pest on defense with at least 5 steals and countless other deflections. Complete al around performance from the young man. He had assistance from Class of 2024 Carson Brownfield, and Class of 2025 Jayden Tyler. Whitney Young had big time performances from Class of 2025 Antonio Munoz, Class of 2026 Marquis Clark, and Class of 2026 Nasir Rankin off the bench.
Comentarios