Today is all about the young colts. I'll talk about the ones I've seen here. I will not rate what level of recruitment they should be on. Too early for that, some of them have not played a real high school game yet. Here we go:
Class of 2024 Top prospect: Jaden Smith, Lincoln Park(Chicago)- 6'10" forward showed the whole arsenal this weekend. Jump hook in the post, attacking the basket from the free throw line, step back threes, blocked shots. This young man has a bright future which I think will be as a stretch four man. Lots of college coaches watched his game against Oak Park River Forest. His upside is off the charts and to me is the most impressive player in the class at this time.
Class of 2025 Top player Vincent Kelly, Lincoln Park(Chicago)- 5'10" point guard showed his scoring chops attacking the basket this weekend. He's a very good finisher at the rim especially for an incoming freshman. Kelly also showed a lot of passing ability and athleticism at the rim with hanging finishes. Got after it as a defender. I saw him hit a three pointer but has a lot of potential with that shot.
I'll add I did not see a game of Jeremiah Fears(5'10" point guard) of West(Joliet) but he was very impressive at Riverside Brookfield.
Most entertaining player: Class of 2024 Cale Cosme, Brother Rice(Chicago)- 5'3" point guard was 5 for 5 from three point range against Glenbard East(Lombard) on Friday. Hit open threes and one with his man just a little too far off him. Cosme also showed he can distribute the ball to his teammates. Scrappy player which is the obvious. He will be underestimated by his opponents throughout his career, but he will make those teams pay with his play. Did not look overmatched on defense guarding perimeter players.
Other players who impressed: *denotes Class of 2025 prospect.
Robert Walls II, Kenwood Academy(Chicago)*- 5'11" point guard found a way to contribute on this loaded team. He ran the show very smoothly from the lead guard position.
Payton Kamin, DePaul Prep(Chicago)- 6'5" guard had a couple of games where he lit it up from three point game. Has some ability to attack off the dribble, but was mostly catch and shoot this weekend.
Isaiah Green, Hillcrest(Country Club Hills)- 5'10" guard made some clutch plays on both ends of the court against Brother Rice(Chicago) on Sunday and was solid all weekend from three and attacking the basket. Can play point guard with no problem when Bryce Tillery has to get some rest.
Stefan Cicic, Notre Dame College Prep(Niles)- 6'9" forward has some good moves in the post and showed he can step out and shoot threes.
Nojas Indrusaitis, Lemont- 6'4" guard Showed a great all-around game shooting threes, attacking the rim, and nice two dribble pull-ups from mid range. The Lithuanian has a great chance to end up best in the class.
Carlos Harris, Curie(Chicago)- 6'2" guard did a little bit of everything in getting the Condors to the Semifinals. Hit threes, attacked the basket, set up teammates for baskets at the rim and from three. Great chance to be a high major recruit.
Morez Johnson Jr, St Rita(Chicago)- 6'8" forward is one I'm very impressed every time I see him. He so affects the game on both ends of the court. If he gets a consistent three point shot look out!!!!!!!!!!!
James Brown, St Rita(Chicago)- 6'9" forward was solid this weekend. Posted up strong, scored around the basket with either hand. Has a serviceable 15 foot jumper. Another young man with a chance to be a big time prospect.
Melvin Bell, St Rita(Chicago)*- 6'2" guard is trying to fit in with the Lions. Showed some good moves attacking the basket this weekend.
Jack Riemer, North(Downers Grove)- 6'7" forward is an inside/out force who can score in a variety of ways for this young team. Showed he can attack the basket off the bounce.
Owen Thulin, North(Downers Grove)- 5'10" point guard can hit threes and run a team. I also wrote a synopsis on his older brother Ethan: https://www.bigtimshsbballrevue.com/post/wrap-up-of-ridgewood-shootout-part-2-class-of-2023-players.
Jack Stanton, North(Downers Grove)- 5'10" guard is a knockdown three point shooter. I saw him hit 4 in one half on Friday.
Alex Keizer, Timothy Christian(Elmhurst)- 6'2" guard is a big time sniper from three point range. Future star for this team.
Jehvion Starwood, Christian(Yorkville)- 6'3" guard is a big time attacker off the bounce who hit a couple of threes in the game I watched on Saturday.
Damion Porter Jr, Fenwick(Oak Park)*-6'2" guard is a jack of all trades player. He showed a three point shot and attacks the basket strong. He's also a willing and pesky defender on the wing.
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