Riverside Brookfield Live Summer Shootout 2026 Wrap-Up!!!!!!

Thanks to Coach Mike Reingruber and staff as well as the hospitality room workers which as always is awesome. 23rd annual event was a success as usual. Here we go:

MARKESE PEOPLES AKA THE PEEP SHOW IS THE NEW #1 IN CLASS OF 2027:

Two time Mr Basketball Jaxson Davis of Warren Township (Gurnee) has left the state. He's headed to prep school so I have a new #1 player in the class. There are others with high major offers, and one is a high major commit, but the best player in the Land of Lincoln in the class is Peoples. He showed it in this event with not just scoring (over 20 a game), but his floor game with passing, hitting the glass, taking advantage of mismatches in the mid post, and low post. Guarded well on the perimeter, and in the paint when needed. Controlled each game with his leadership, getting players in the right places, and downhill excellence. No one can stay in front of him, or keep him from getting into the paint. Once he does he uses spin moves, playing through and around contact to score at the rim. Had a nasty right handed (off hand) dunk in the event. Did it all and is more skilled than any player I've seen in the class. Led team to 4-0 and made it look easy. He's received 2 offers since the event from Mid American Conference schools Toledo and Central Michigan. More division one offers should be forthcoming.

ST LAURENCE (BURBANK) GAVE IT'S EARLY BID FOR CHICAGO AREA PRE-SEASON #1:

Team is very talented, senior experience mixed with youth experience. Has some size in senior transfer 6'7" wing AJ Enyia (#25) from IMG Academy (FL). Class of 2027 6'3" combo guard Reggie Stevens (#3), Class of 2028's 6'1" guard Noah Corro(#5), 6'1" wing Jeremiah Toney(#4), 6'5" wing Logan Brown(#1), and transfer Kelechi Enyia from Providence Catholic (New Lenox), AJ's cousin. Class of 2029's 6'4" combo guard Evan Lemons (#12) and Lawrence Burnett who can run the offense. AJ Enyia gives them a wing who can go off the dribble and score, hit the three as well. Stevens is a sniper from three, Corro can score from three and attack the rim, Toney is an athletic attacker off the bounce, Kelechi Enyia is an athletic finisher in the air and can hit threes, Lemons can hit threes, and attack the rim off the bounce. Look for deep run in Class 4A.

BENET ACADEMY (LISLE) IS NOT GOING AWAY ANYTIME SOON:

Went 4-0 with impressive win over likely contender Neuqua Valley (Naperville). Class of 2027 6'8" forward Edvardas Stasys (#15) is one of the top 5 players in the class. Athletic hits the glass, can shoot the three, and finish in transition with big time dunks. Fellow senior's 6'5" guard Perry Tchiegne (#14) is a lefty slasher who scores at the rim, and makes some nice passes, versatile defender. 5'11" point guard Blair Fagbemi runs the offense and gets the ball to the scorers. Another senior Cormac Hanus (#11) is a lefty knockdown shooter from three and can attack the rim off the bounce. Made it to Class 4A title game last two years (1st in 2025, 2nd in 2026), could make another deep run.

EVANSTON TOWNSHIP HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND TALENT TO MAKE ANOTHER DEEP RUN:

Made the sectional final last season with one senior in the rotation. Class of 2027's 6'6" wing Vito Rocca (#12) can play in the paint and step out to hit threes. Four year varsity performer. 6'0" combo guard (#2) Dion Lane Jr is quick getting to the basket, lefty can hit threes, and hit lanes in transiton. Three year varsity performer, two sport athlete (baseball) . 6'4" wing Tate Schroeder (#0) can hit threes at a high level, and is sneky athletic can dunk on you. Three year varsity performer and three sport athlete (golf, baseball). 6'6" Mekhi Collins is a two sport athlete (football) who gives them a big body in the paint. 5'8" point guard Dillon Pompey is an experienced three poujnt shooter off the bench. Class of 2028 6'1" point guard Ben Ojala (#10) is a three year varsity performer who can shoot it from three, and run the offense. Big addition is Class of 2030 6'5" forward Layton Jones Jr whom I'll talk about later. Went 3-1 in the event only loss to East St Louis.

LEO CATHOLIC (CHICAGO) SHOULD BE A FAVORITE IN CLASS 3A:

Lions made a run to the state semifinals next season. Lots of experienced returnees and a newcomer who'll help. Class of 2027's start with 5'10" point guard Asa Harris (#10) wh will run the offense and can shoot threes. 5'11" combo guard Karon Shavers (#4) can fill it up from three and run some point. 6'1" combo guard Brian Kizer (#21) can knock down threes at a high rate and get hot at anytime, attacks the rim as well. Class of 2029 6'8" forward Elon Henderson (#15) can hit threes off the catch, attack the rim off the bounce, and crash the glass on both ends. Injured his ankle on last day of the event. Newcomer is Class of 2028 Bolu Larewaju (#44) a Nigerian who can crash the glass, rim protect, and take it off the dribble. Went 4-0 in the event.

EAST ST LOUIS WON CLASS 3A LOST A LOT OF SIZE BUT WILL CONTEND IN CLASS 4A:

Lots of mid sized athleticism will help them contend. Class of 2027's 6'1" point guard Phillip Jones (#3) is an assist king but did a lot of scoring in this event. Scored from three, mid range, and put his head on the rim on attacks of the two hand and one hand variey. Explosive off the floor. 6'5" wing Terryion Webster (#4) is a King of Bounce who can get up and put his head on the rim to dunk on you. Showed a nice mid range game. 6'0" combo guard Devrice Johnson (#5) is explosive as well and can hit threes at a high rate whether off the bounce, or the catch. Class of 2029 6'4" combo guard Emurion Jackson is a top young player in the program who's a two sport star (football). Athletic attacker off the bounce that can hit threes from deep. Went 4-0 in the event.

KING COLLEGE PREP (CHICAGO) IS A SLEEPER IN THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LEAGUE:

Team is still young but has some experience losing in Class 3A sectional semifinal last season. Lots of snipers from three on this team. Class of 2027's 5'10" point guard Terrel Keys who's an assist machine getting the ball to the scorers. 6'2" combo guard Corey Weller Jr (#25) can run a team as well as hit threes and attack the rim. Class of 2028's 6'4" combo guard Jacob Wren (#35) is their best player and very underrated in the Chicago Public League. Three level scorer, can hit threes, and is an explosive King of Bounce who can put his head on the rim with two handed dunks off vertical, and from dunkers spot. 6'4" wing JaKobe Wren (#3) is as athletic as his brother who is a do it all wing who has bounce as well. 6'1" combo guard Gabe Shepard (#9) hits threes mostly off the catch. Two Class of 2030 small guards hit threes from deep 25 feet and in. 5'7" point guard Romello Crayton (#19) and Jerrell Parker Jr. Went 4-0 in event.

DELASALLE INSTITUTE (CHICAGO) COULD CONTEND IN CLASS 3A WITH YOUNG SQUAD:

Lots of talent on this team and a nice transfer pickup. Class of 2027 6'5" forward Orville Cross (#33) came in from Thornton Fractional South (Lansing). Double/double machine gives them experience to go with the youth. Class of 2028's 5'8" point guard Stephen Dixon (#5) is a true floor general who can get in the lane and create for himself and others. Can hit a three when needed. 6'0" combo guard Devaun Bates (#12) is explosive off the bounce and in transtion. Can hit threes off the catch or the bounce. Class of 2029 6'6" forward Zahari Threatt (#15) crashes the glass on both ends, and can attack the rim off the bounce. Went 4-0 in event.

MOUNT CARMEL (CHICAGO) IS YOUNG AS WELL BUT A CONTENDER IN CLASS 4A:

Football powerhouse is looking to make some noise on the hardwood. Class of 2027 6'5" combo guard Logan Wessel can take you off the bounce, hit threes, and crash the glass. One colleges need to check out. 6'11" center Tim Adrenele(#11) gives them size and rim protection. Class of 2028's 6'2" combo guard Marshaun Thornton (#3) who's a two sport athlete (football), I'll get into in a bit. 5'9" point guard Eze Nwagwu (#8) is a quick ball handler who comes off the bench. Class of 2029's 6'3" point guard Ronald Johnson (#10) is going into his second year as a starter on the varsity. Gets to the rim and scorers through or around contact. Improved three point shooter and a nice mid range floater. 6'5" wing DaKylen "DK" Heard brings a lot of energy on both backboards, and has a nice mid range jumper. Went 4-0 in the event.

DEFENDING CLASS 4A STATE CHAMP HAS YOUTH BUT A LOT OF TALENT TO MAKE A REPEAT RUN:

Start with Class of 2027's 6'5" wing Kendall Meyers (#20) who can attack the rim off the bounce, explosive dunks, and can hit threes off the catch or bounce. 6'5" wing Matt Greene Jr (#1) is athletic, crashes the glass, and change ends in transiton. Class of 2028 6'1" point guard Amari Brown will run the offense, quickness off the bounce and can hit threes. Class of 2029's 6'8" forward Elijah Codjoe (#13) transferred from Crete Monee. 6'0" point guard Cody Johnson (#7) and Class of 2030 6'2" point guard Rob Smith (#4) will contribute. Went 4-0 in the event.

WHITNEY YOUNG (CHICAGO) IS LOADED AT THE GUARD POSITION:

Lots of returnees for the Chicago Public League power. Start with Class of 2027's 6'6" wing Caden Crudup (#20) who hits catch and shoot threes specifically from the corners. 6'2" combo guard Zaire Green can attack the rim as well as hit threes. 5'10" point guard Ed Williams IV runs a team and defends opposing guards at a high level. Class of 2028's 6'1" point guard Carlil "CJ" Pittman (#10) is a transfer from Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago). Runs the team, can penetrate to the paint, and hit threes. 5'9" point guard Jaivyn Richardson hits threes and can get into the paint for mid range jumpers. Class of 2029 6'4" combo guard TJ Jamison III (#0) is a sniper from three off the bounce or the catch. Attacks the rim to score or set up others. Went 4-0 in the event.

ST IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP (CHICAGO) COMBINES EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH TO CONTEND:

Will contend in Class 4A and deep Chicago Catholic League. Start with Class of 2027's 6'6" wing Duke Ross who can attack the rim as well as hit threes, and crash the class. 6'2" combo guard Chris Chittaro hits threes mostly off the catch. Deep Class of 2028 includes 6'3" point guard Amir Tucker who runs the offense and is a three level scorer. 6'2" combo guard Walker Ross (#11) is a lefty who can shoot threes and attack the rim off the bounce. 6'4" shooting guard Josiah Hall is a sniper from deep specifically off the catch and can post up on the block. Class of 2029 6'3" Fitz McDermott (#2) is a sniper from three. Went 4-0 in the event.

KAYDEN TURNER OF CENTRAL (PEORIA) HAS IMPROVED STRENGTH AND AGGRESSIVENESS ALONG WITH BEING A SNIPER FROM THREE:

Class of 2028 6'5" combo guard was hitting three's some from as many as 25 feet in the event. Showed an improved two dribble mid range pull-up, as well as having a smooth drive lefty layup from the perimeter. Hit a deep three to send game vs Wheaton Academy (West Chicago) to overtime for an eventual win. Getting rebounds in traffic and using aggressiveness to hold onto the ball. Makes good passes on the outlet, or in the halfcourt. Add a 4.5 GPA to the mix and the Lions should contend in Class 3A and Central Illinois.

REST OF CENTRAL (PEORIA)'s SQUAD:

Deep Class of 2028 should carry them along with Turner. 5'11" point guard Nigel Moore is quick and shifty as well as clutch. Hit the game winning 12 footer to beat Thornwood (South Holland). Lefty is a smooth shooter from deep. Quick hands on defense on or off the ball. Damarion Taylor is a two sport athlete (football) whom you'll hear more about in a bit. Class of 2027 6'6" forward Cyrow Childs is an energy guy who gets a lot of rebounds on both ends, and guards centers with his quickness and hard work in the paint. Class of 2029 6'2" combo guard Daniel Ruffin is playing looser and with more confidence. Can hit threes or attack the rim off the bounce with strong finishes at the rim. Defends at a high level on and off the ball. Went 4-0 in the event.

NOAH VAN THOLEN OF RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD HAS STEPPED UP:

Class of 2028 6'4" point guard deferred a lot last season to seniors. They have graduated and he has shown to be a big time scorer. Attacks the rim off the bounce and has shown he can dunk on anyone at the rim. Nice mid range pull-up dribble, and has an improving three point shot. Defends a number of positions on the perimeter. Weekend ended with a sprained ankle. Will make a jump in the class rankings.

TWO SPORT STARS:

CLASS OF 2028:

GRANT SMITH, 6'6" WING, LYONS TOWNSHIP (LAGRANGE): Three level scorer who uses it in this event. Attacked off the bounce and had some rim rattling two hand dunks, a couple over defenders, Scores three off the bounce, or off the dribble, hits the mid range jumper. Has Power 4 football offers for tight end/ wide receiver from namely Kansas State.

MARSHAUN THORNTON, 6'2" COMBO GUARD, MOUNT CARMEL (CHICAGO): Explosive athlete who had some nice dunks in transition and in dunkers spot. Can make threes off the bounce or off the dribble as well as attack the rim. 4 star wide receiver with a number of Power 4 football offers.

DAMARION TAYLOR, 6'1" COMBO GUARD, CENTRAL (PEORIA): Plays basketball like a defensive back intercepting passes in passing lanes, and uses quick hands on the ball to get steals. He's a quarteback in football will be the starter for the Lions. Attacks the rim in basketball and finishes, shows a nice mid range floater. Actually a 3 sport athlete as he runs track.

CLASS OF 2030:

NOAH MARSHALL, 6'4" WING, FENWICK (OAK PARK): That's right hasn't played a real game of basketball or football in high school. Big time athlete on the basketball court. Attacks the rim off the bounce and can score from mid range. Already has football Power 4 offers.

CLASS OF 2030 HAD SOME BIG TIME PLAYERS IN IT:

LAYTON JONES JR, 6'5" FORWARD, EVANSTON TOWNSHIP:

Showed he was ready with a 24 point performance vs Fremd (Palatine) and 12 points and 8 rebounds vs East St Louis. Plays in the paint, but showed he can get the rebound, take it off the dribble, and create for himself and others. Very skilled for his size at such a young age.

ELIJAH MCKINNIE, 6'2" POINT GUARD, KENWOOD ACADEMY (CHICAGO):

True floor general that steadies a team when he comes into the game. Can get downhill and hit mid range jumpers, also make some nice passes off the dribble and up the court. Defends guard positions with quick hands.

OTHERS:

Houston Zepeda, Rock Island

Marmadu Baker, Guilford (Rockford)

TOP PLAYERS:

Class of 2027:

Travis Brown, West Aurora

Orlando (OJ) Edwards, West Aurora

Jordan Weeks, West Aurora

Nate Woods, Bolingbrook

Mason Martin, Neuqua Valley (Naperville) (Illinois commit)

Eli Poulakidas, Neuqua Valley (Naperville)

Tray Alford, Oswego

Justin Freeman, Andrew (Tinley Park)

Ryan Dinnon, Andrew (Tinley Park)

Collin Tobin, Niles North (Skokie)

Danny Ruffin Jr, Homewood Flossmoor

Tayte Cordova, Warren Township (Gurnee)

Cashius Collins, Warren Township (Gurnee)

Jamier Montgomery, Crane Medical (Chicago)

Terrence Richardson, Hillcrest (Country Club Hills)

Terrell Eason, Lincoln Park (Chicago)

Arthur Abbey, Rock Island

Deven Marshall, Rock Island

J'Dyn Loyd, West (Belleville)

TJ Cason IV, West (Belleville)

David Udoiwod, Geneva

Ricky Woods Jr, Guilford (Rockford)

Ethan Jones, Guilford (Rockford)

Luke Alvarez, Loyola Academy (Wilmette)

Sammy Fuller, Loyola Academy (Wilmette)

Matthew Logue, New Trier (Winnekta)

Elton Jaegerskog, New Trier (Winnetka)

Jayden McDonald, Homewood Flossmoor

KJ Miller, East (Plainfield)

Timmy Sloan, Lyons Township (LaGrange)

Damari Stephens, Kenwood Academy (Chicago)

Joseph Lubbe, York Community (Elmhurst)

Miles Burnison, York Community (Elmhurst)

Dawson Charles, St Viator (Arlington Heights)

Jordan Johnson, Thornwood Township (South Holland)

Tristan Trotter, Hersey (Arlington Heights)

Bennett Kammes, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn)

Lamari Carpenter, Glenbard North (Carol Stream)

Oturo Redento, Glenbard North (Carol Stream)

Quinn Frakes, Stevenson (Lincolnshire)

Timo Sirotyuk, Stevenson (Lincolnshire)

Dane Farra, Batavia

Kris Mporokoso, Waubonsie Valley (Aurora)

Jamarri Fears, Romeoville

Khevel Diambuana, Romeoville

Hayden Schroeder, Wheaton Academy (West Chicago)

Rory Haas, Lake Forest

Cameron James, Hoffman Estates

Class of 2028:

Brady Pettigrew, Bolingbrook

Cole Kelly, Neuqua Valley (Naperville)

Ethan Vahl, Oswego

Cole Jansons, Oswego

Darrius Hawkins Jr, Homewood Flossmoor

Jacob "JJ" Duffin, Richwoods (Peoria)

Orlando Edwards Jr, Richwoods (Peoria)

Haze Massey, Warren Township (Gurnee)

DeAndre Higgs, Thornton Township (Harvey)

Elijah Shim, Kenwood Academy (Chicago)

Sincere Williams, Metea Valley (Aurora)

Solomon Morrison, Metea Valley (Aurora)

Lester Watson, Thornwood Township (South Holland)

Mekhi Young, Thornwood Township (South Holland)

Jayden Dozie, Hoffman Estates

Kyle Nazos, Batavia

Jake Semany, Notre Dame College Prep (Niles)

Joey Jakstys, Yorkville

Braydon Porter, Yorkville

Monte Williams Jr, Hillcrest (Country Club Hills)

Class of 2029:

Jayden Alford, Oswego

Jonny Udiowod, Geneva

Denym Wallace, New Trier (Winnetka)

Keiwon Gulley, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights)

Kaden McClellan, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights)

Orlando Bohlen, Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago)

Jayden Simon, Stevenson (Lincolnshire)

Emran Alispahic, Notre Dame College Prep (Chicago)

Titus Payton, Andrew (Tinley Park)

Cody Rader, Geneva

Quinn Carroll, Lyons Township (LaGrange)