A Look at 5 Illinois AAU Programs and Their Top Standouts | Pt. 1

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Our first <a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1957/register/great-lakes-kickoff">Marquee Event</a> is coming up within the next month, and with teams coming in from all over the country, it's going to be a great weekend of competitive basketball. We'll be covering the full field, but there's something special about following the Illinois programs as they play against different competition outside the state. Below are a few Illinois programs and a couple of their top talent to follow.</h3>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALL IN </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='626814' first='Ava' last='Mersinger'] - A shifty guard who can rely on her speed and ball handling to get her where she needs to go. From a defensive standpoint, she'll be able to deal with the top guards in her division. Will for sure win some games for her program.   [player_tooltip player_id='884390' first='Eve' last='Engler'] - One of the best long range shooters in this state, regardless of her grade level. Eve has set herself apart as a scoring threat and will definitely be a hard player to slow down when the games start.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXAMPLE SPORTS</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='955657' first='Marlee-Michelle' last='Coleman'] - Coleman is emerging as one of the top prospects in the state, regardless of class, and she's nowhere near her full potential. She has the length of a true wing but possesses guard-like skills that allow her to play multiple positions when needed. Her athleticism and aggression make her just as dangerous without the ball as she is with it.   [player_tooltip player_id='758886' first='Symora' last='Damon'] - Damon has been the number one prospect in her class for quite some time, and her fluid skillset is a main reason why. She plays the game with a certain smoothness and flair that allows her to play with anyone, but also causes major issues for defenders. She can score just as well as she can play make.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHICAGO HOOPS EXPRESS</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='881800' first='Anais' last='Harris'] - The growth in Harris's skillset has been consistent over the past couple of years, and she has become a prospect who can change the outcome of a game on both ends of the ball. The ability to defend and score were always there, but it's the creativity on the offensive side, and the confidence on the defensive side that have been sticking out. She'll be a name to follow when the season kicks off.   [player_tooltip player_id='874663' first='Destinie' last='Roe'] - Roe has all the intangibles of a strong wing/post prospect in her class, and that's seen on both sides. She can go a whole game as your defensive anchor and designated paint blanket, then the next game she can be your slasher and low-post threat.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MAC IRVIN FIRE </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='885956' first='Jordyn' last='Ellis'] - Her length alone draws attention, and her skill set backs it up. From the inside out, Ellis can score off her own creation or finish off an assist. The handle is strong enough for her to initiate from the top of the key and get the offense moving. Defensively, she has the agility to guard the perimeter, along with the wingspan and motor to handle slashers and post players.   [player_tooltip player_id='915530' first='Taji' last='Alexa'] - Alexa has a strong blend of strength and speed, with a high amount of skill to go with it. She's not afraid to use her strength in the post, or put the ball on the ground and attack who's ever guarding her on the perimeter. Will cause a ton of mismatches throughout their games.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">FULL PACKAGE </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='914260' first='Maddie' last='Locke'] - Locke has the talent to be one of the more dominant scorers on the court, but it's what she's willing to do without the ball that will bring in more wins for FP this summer. She can guard 1-3, and has the energy and IQ to slow down an offense by being in constant motion. She'll be utilized in a ton of sets and plays, simply because she can be plugged into any system and find ways to be effective.   [player_tooltip player_id='875084' first='Illyana' last='James'] - James will be an exciting player to watch this upcoming AAU season, and no matter the level she runs with, she's going to cause major issues for the teams they play. Her potential is high, but she should be able to hold her own. A definite player follow.