Sleeper of the Chicago Area: Introducing Class of 2027 Maurice Thompson of Zion Benton!!!!

Zion Benton has had some great players in the last few decades. Billy McKinney from the 1970's who played in the NBA for 8 years. Then it was Andre White. Led Zion Benton to supersectional in 2003. After that Ronald Steward who led the Zee Bee's to the state finals in 2008 and a runners-up finish in .Class 4A. Teammates were Markus Yarbrough and Lenzelle Smith. Then there was Milik Yarbrough who graduated in Class of 2014. Then there was Admiral Scofield who graduated in 2015 and played in the NBA. Then there's Amar Augillard who graduated in 2019. There's been a gap in star players and contending team since. Now they have another star ready to wreck havoc on the Chicago Area and Lake County. He is:

MAURICE THOMPSON, CLASS OF 2027 6'2" COMBO GUARD, ZION BENTON:

This young man has been under the radar because the former powerhouse has had a drought lately in good teams. They were 4-22 his freshman year, and a little better last season at 8-22. He has started since his freshman year. Sophomore averages of 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists a game. He's the best player since Augillard which counts as a drought in top talent at Zion Benton. College coaches don't come out to see bad teams no matter how talented the young man is. I suggest to the college coaches tap in, this young man is worth checking out.

I first noticed him playing this summer at Warren Township (Gurnee) Summer League on another court. He was hitting threes like they were layups. Then watched him rise over a defender driving baseline and dunk on him two handed. Next time was at the IYBA Summer Shootout at Hope Academy (Chicago). He was scoring at all three levels, getting steals and dunks on the break. He also had a few in traffic. He plays for Young N Reckless 16U on Hoop Group Circuit. I saw flashes of his ability at an event at Supreme Courts in Aurora Illinois. ,

Big Tim's breakdown of his game:

OFFENSE:

King of Bounce, Explosive off the floor, gets up quickly along with a fast second jump to get rebounds. To go along with his package is a three level scoring that is elite. He hits threes from 22 feet in mostly off the dribble. He can hit them off the catch as well. Ball handling is very good as he can get to his spots with no problem.He's rarely single covered playing with the Zee Bees, but can still get to his spots on the floor slicing through double teams. Has a nice two dribble mid range pull-up. Slashes to the basket with a quick first step, and when he gets a shoulder by you, look out IT'S SHOWTIME!!!!!! Known for posterizing unsuspecting bigs at the rim, he usually dunks on them two handed. In basketball terms these days it's catching a body or WATCH YOUR HEAD!!!!!! Usually goes left to get into the mid range, or to the cup though has shown he can go right and score. Finishes through contact, bouncing off defenders, doing up and unders, or using his hang time to get a basket with an AND ONE three point opportunity. He can play catch and shoot on the wings and hit threes at a high rate. Quick release on his jump shot. Has vision to make passes to teammates in their shooting pocket.

DEFENSE:

He uses his athleticism on the ball to pressure opposing guards, getting steals with quick hands. Plays the passing lanes, diagnosing passes that hang in the air, or careless passes by opposing guards. Converts on the other hand with rim rattling dunks, usually of the two hand variety. Hits the defensive glass very well using his athleticism to get it and go with the dribble. Blocks shots off help side pinning shots on the glass. Can guard all perimeter positions.

AVERAGES FOR YOUNG N RECKLESS 16U:

Plays off the ball for this travel team that plays on the Hoop Group Circuit. Averages 14 points 7 rebounds and 3 assists a game. Fills multiple roles for this talented team.

CONCLUSION:

I would not be surprised if seen by the right people he could play at some level of Division one starting off college. He has a 3.3 Grad Point Average so the classroom is no problem here. Calling card is his versatility as he plays many roles for this high school team and his travel team. He's a point guard with Zion Benton, and a combo guard/wing for Young N Reckless. Can guard multiple positions on either team, and fill in at a number of areas. Does what is required for his teams and does them well. College coaches tap in. Not sure where he'll play for live periods in June, but check him out with Young N Reckless in July. Come and check out one of his high school games, he won't disappoint.

You can find video of him on his hudl page and his X page: @Maurice08Thomp. Email: mthomp012@gmail.com.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/21733489.