Champions Challenge: Byrons Top Illinois Prospects To Watch (16U)

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">This weekend, I'll be out in Appleton, Wisconsin, covering the 16U division at the Champions Challenge. With over 20 teams in the division, there will be plenty of talent in the building, but this article will focus on some of the best Illinois prospects taking the floor this weekend. From players already making noise to others still building their name, this is a good opportunity to get early eyes on the next wave of talent coming out of the state.</h3>    Lang is a talented guard who can score with the best of them. Over the past couple of seasons, her game has grown, and it's past the point of just being a “bucket getter.” Her length is key on the boards, and when you match that with how active and aware she is, it easily turns into her being a strong playmaker as well. Whether it's off the rebound, in transition, or creating for herself in the half court, she plays with pure confidence. As the competition gets tougher, she continues to provide the same level of impact on both sides, if not more. I wouldn't be surprised to see more offers roll in.     A paint blanket and a player who can get herself 8+ points just off block feeds and put backs. Toussaint will continue to draw attention because of her length, and if she remains an immediate threat on the defensive side, coaches will be patient as her overall offensive skill set takes shape. The value is already there with her size, activity, and ability to impact the paint, but once the offensive game continues to sharpen, the potential becomes even more clear.     On many occasions, I've stated that Tierney can hang her hat on being a 3&D type of prospect, and she has continued to live up to that. Offensively, her game goes beyond just being a catch and shoot player. She moves well without the ball in her hands, knows when to slash, cut, and dive to the rim for easy finishes, and usually looks to make the next play if the first scoring option is not there. Her value starts with the shooting and defensive potential, but the feel, movement, and willingness to impact the game in different ways are what make her a prospect to keep watching.     James is a kid that must be seen in person to really understand how effective she is, and how strong of a prospect she can be over time. Right now, her athleticism, activity level, and motor are what allow her to impact the game on both ends. She can change possessions defensively, get out in transition, and use her physical tools to make plays that not every player in her class can make. As she continues to go against players with similar size, length, and athleticism, her game will be forced to open up even more. Once the skillset catches up with that, you're looking at a top tier player in her class, let alone the state.     Coming off an all conference type of season, Etta has shown a strong amount of potential to be a solid prospect at the 2/3 spot. Her length and energy have been key to most of her success, and that shows a ton on the boards. As her offensive skillset expands further out beyond the paint, she'll be viewed as a strong two way type of player with a foundation to keep building on.