I went to two major shootouts in June, the Riverside Brookfield Shootout and the Ridgewood Shootout. I'll do best teams, players, and up and coming teams in the month. I saw some good basketball at both events. I'll start with teams:
Best team: This was a close call but I'll go with Glenbard West(Glen Ellyn). Long, skilled, and athletic team who will be up for preseason #1 team in the area. The starting lineup goes 6'3", 6'6", 6'6", 6'8", 6'10". All are seniors and have extensive varsity experience. Braden Huff the do it all big man is the top player for this team. He does everything from bringing the ball up court to start the offense, to posting up in the paint for jump hooks, and finishes with dunks. Caden Pierce is the do it all wing, shooting, passing, rebounding, and two dribble pull-ups from mid range. Hinsdale South transfer Bobby Durkin is another excellent wing shooter from three, and two dribble pull-ups from mid range. Ryan Renfro does the dirty work inside on the boards(both ends), finishing, diving for loose balls. Paxton Warden runs the show at the point guard position, setting the table for Huff, Pierce, and Durkin. He can also hit three pointers from anywhere on the court. Their 1-2-2 zone gives teams fits with their length, movement, and communication within the zone defense. Bench is the only question mark. Big contender to win Class 4A. Did not lose in either event.
Second best team: Whitney Young(Chicago)- This team has a lot of wing players who have the same skills, but they make it work. AJ Casey, Xavier Amos, junior Daniel Johnson, Jordan Streeter, and Matthew Sommerville are all between 6'6" and 6'8". No big man to speak of but they hit the boards hard with their determination and athleticism. Junior Dalen Davis runs the show and is an offensive threat to score from outside or attacking the basket. The Dolphins have a small bench for now but could fill it with transfers by the time school starts. They will be in the running for #1 all season long and a big time threat to win Class 4A. Did not lose in either event.
Other teams of note:
Simeon Career Academy(Chicago)- Did not look great at Riverside Brookfield, but recovered well at Ridgewood even without senior Jaylen Drane. Wolverines looked like a better team at Ridgewood implementing Homewood Flosmoor transfers Wes and Miles Rubin 6'7" junior twins. Aviyon Morris and junior Jalen Griffith are a small backcourt tandem, but can wreck havoc on defense. Slashing wing JayQuan Adams looked like a revelation at Ridgewood and gives them a deadly third scorer. You may see some more transfers come in by the time school starts. Simeon is currently in Class 3A but can petition to move up.
Rolling Meadows- Max Christie era is over, but his brother junior Cameron Christie will keep them contenders. Orlando Thomas has grown a couple of inches and has expanded his game to being a lead guard. Junior Foster Ogbonna is a undersized monster on the glass offensive and defensive. Junior Mark Nikolich-Wilson is a skilled big who is a threat to score on the block and on the glass. This team could be a year away from really making some noise in Class 4A.
Kenwood Academy(Chicago)- Broncos have a great mix of juniors JJ Taylor, Dai Dai Ames, and Davious Loury. They have been playing together for the last three years on high school teams and on the travel circuit. Lots of young talent. Senior Trey Pettigrew has transferred back from Arizona, and looked like they are still trying to fit him into the mix. Sophomore Chris Riddle is the sleeper of the team but he is very talented. Freshmen Robert Walls II and Bryce Heard will look to contribute.
North(St Charles)- Look out for this team if they can find a consistent third scorer. Wing Max Love and versatile inside/outside force Ethan Marlowe will be a great 1-2 punch for this team. Point guard play will be key.
Glenbrook South(Glenview)- Seniors Cooper Noard and Elon commit Nick Martinelli are great starts. Both can hit the three at a high rate Martinelli was 56% from three last season. They will get help from junior guard Rodell Davis Jr and senior Mason Adams. Look for the Titans to be one of the favorites for the Central Suburban South title along with New Trier(whom I did not see this summer, will see plenty during the season).
Up and coming teams:
St Rita(Chicago)- This is still a very young team and they had some players transfer out(which may be a good thing). Sophomore big men Morez Johnson Jr and James Brown are big time threats in the interior. Junior Kaiden Space and sophomore Jaedin Reyna can be a great backcourt duo. Junior Bryce Coleman is coming off injury, but will round into form by the time regular season starts. Struggled a bit at RB and Ridgewood but will get better each time out.
Lincoln Park(Chicago)- Youth, youth, youth. Lots of talent in the sophomore and freshman classes. Sophomore big Jaden Smith is a versatile inside/outside force who hits the glass very well for his youth. They have a couple of freshman over 6'7" along with fellow freshman Vincent Kelly. Seniors Christopher Hammonds, Chikere Nwosu and junior Mike Davis will have to show experience in the back court. I still think they are a year away.
Hillcrest(Country Club Hills)- Big Tim's #1 team in the area last year lost a lot. They have reloaded with a lot of young talent. Junior Bryce Tillery will run point as one of the best in the area. Juniors Marcus Glover, Kaleb Valentine, St Rita transfer Derrion Baker, and Matthew Moore will rule the glass. Senior guard Tinley Park transfer Aa'Reyon Munir-Jones will provide leadership and slashing ability. Look out for sophomore guard Isaiah Green, and junior wing Quentin Heady who's last name should sound familiar to Hawks fans.
North(Downers Grove)- This team has some young talent in the pipeline. The Thulin brothers(Ethan, and Owen) are point guards who can both shoot. Ethan is a junior, Owen is a sophomore. Junior Jake Riemer will provide a versatile inside/outside presence. Another guard sophomore Jack Stanton is a knockdown three point shooter on the wing. They do have size in the senior class with Mouhamed Sali, Griffin Ilyavi, and and Ken'Shun Keaton. Senior Ryan Stopka will have to be the leader of this young band.
Intriguing team: Oak Park River Forest- I have a feeling they will be a perennial contender in the West Suburban and in the Chicago Area. New coach, new system that is letting the thoroughbreds out and running. Big Tim says they played too slow and deliberate basketball over the years. I enjoy watching them play and the talent display. Senior Justin Mullins along with junior Sam Lewis will make this team dangerous with their slashing ability. Both can shoot the three very well. Guard play will be key for this ball club.
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