Super Sophomores in Northern Illinois (Part One)
Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to watch hundreds of players across the region compete with their respective AAU teams in both Chicago and Indianapolis. Here are a group of players in the rising Sophomore Class…
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Continue ReadingOver the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to watch hundreds of players across the region compete with their respective AAU teams in both Chicago and Indianapolis. Here are a group of players in the rising Sophomore Class who have impressed me thus far:
Jamila Mitchell Jamila Mitchell 5'11" | PF Hillcrest | 2023 State IL , 6’0” Forward, Hillcrest
An extremely athletic interior post player, Mitchell does a terrific job of making impact plays in the lane on both ends of the floor. She plays with a good level of aggressiveness and goes after every loose ball with the same hustle and energy. Jamila also plays sound post defense and dominates the glass on both offense and defense.
Lisa Thompson Lisa Thompson 5'9" | PG Example Academy | 2023 State IL , 5’8″ Guard, Joliet West
The #4 Ranked Player in Illinois’ Class of 2023 continues to play at a consistently Elite level, and high-level college programs are starting to take notice. Thompson has primarily been playing the Point Guard spot but can play the 1-3 with her ability to score from anywhere. She uses her quickness and ball-handling to get by most defenders and has a great variety of scoring moves she uses all over the court.
Natasha Barnes Natasha Barnes 5'9" | CG Kenwood | 2023 State IL , 5’8” Guard, Lindblom
Barnes has already proven to be a high-level shooter from beyond the arc, and her all-around game isn’t far behind. She is a strong and high-IQ Guard who usually plays off-the-ball but can handle it when the opportunities come. Aside from being a well-rounded offensive player, Natasha also plays some of the toughest on-ball defense in the class, using her tenacity and physicality to give ball-handlers problems.
Aspen Weeks Aspen Weeks 5'7" | PG West Aurora | 2023 State IL , 5’7″ Guard, Aurora Christian
A talented Lead Guard who can really stuff the stat sheet, Weeks can run the offense to success whether she’s scoring the ball or not. She is a very smart ball-handler with tremendous court vision and passing abilities which she showcases often. When she does look to score, Aspen can knock down shots from the perimeter or slash through the lane and finish strong at the rim.
Hailey Hillman, 6’0” Forward, Lindblom
Hillman is a strong Forward who can stretch the floor with her athleticism and ability to score from the wing. She has been a consistent force in the post on both ends of the court, but her driving and finishing in the lane has helped turn her into a very well-rounded player. Hailey is also a dominant rebounder on the defensive glass.
Katy Eidle Katy Eidle 5'11" | CG Hersey | 2023 State #45 Nation IL , 5’11” Guard, Hersey
The #3 Ranked Player in Illinois’ Class of 2023 had another strong showing last week in Indianapolis, scoring the ball from all three levels and making an impact on both ends of the floor. Eidle is a terrific shooter from deep and can get in the lane with ease to make plays. She is a high-IQ player who knows how to set herself and her teammates up for success.
Asia Murphy, 5’10” Guard, Southland Prep
Though this was just my first-time watching Murphy play with her Example Sports team, she impressed immediately with her wide range of skills. She is a lengthy Combo Guard with good handles and speed to drive past defenders in both transition and the half court. Asia can shoot the ball well from deep, especially off-the-dribble once she gets her defenders off balance.
Jordan Wood Jordan Wood 6'4" | PF Carmel Catholic | 2023 State #15 Nation IL , 6’4” Forward, Carmel
Before being sidelined with an unfortunate injury, the #1 Ranked Player in Illinois’ Class of 2023 was having a great summer on the court. Offensively, Wood makes plays in the lane with her long arms and great touch around the rim and can also step outside and knock down jump shots at an above-average rate. On the defensive side, Jordan guards the post well and uses her length to block or alter shots consistently.
Lexi Kerstein Lexi Kerstein 5'7" | PG Deerfield | 2023 State IL , 5’4″ Guard, Deerfield
Kerstein is a well-rounded Point Guard who provides a ton of energy to her team throughout any given game. She is an excellent shooter and attacks the lane with a purpose every time she drives. Defensively, Lexi constantly makes opposing ball-handlers uncomfortable with her defense. Late in the fourth quarter when conditioning is tested, this is a player that can be relied on.
Aaliyah Frazier, 5’7” Forward, Plainfield Central
Frazier is a high-IQ player who can stretch the floor with her athleticism and ability to score from outside. She can shoot the ball well from deep and has a good variety of post moves along with nice touch in the paint. Defensively, Aaliyah guards multiple positions well due to her quickness and strength.
Elise Ward, 5’9” Guard, Marist
A hustle player with good length and athleticism, Ward is consistently where she needs to be to make plays. She is a big-time Hustle player who dives after loose balls and fights for rebounds on both ends of the court. Offensively, Elise can handle the ball, but does a good amount of her scoring as a slasher from the perimeter and running the floor hard in transition.