Illinois Names That Stood Out Saturday at Midwest Madness

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">With this being a Wisconsin based event, a majority of the teams and players were homegrown and took up a large chunk of the attention. Still, some Illinois kids playing on those programs had their moments to shine, along with the Illinois programs that made the trip as well. Below are my standout 17U and 16U Illinois players from Saturday.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885956"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69da76e880b8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>I am a huge fan of players who consistently show growth, and from the first time I saw Ellis two years ago to now, the change has been complete. She still has so much room to grow, too. The offensive ability stands out first. She can put the ball on the floor with confidence, she shoots the mid range and the three with no hesitation, and she has found her comfort around the rim for put backs or catches in the post. Defensively is where she is always going to leave her mark. Her length is a big part of that, but it is also her ability to contest and block shots without fouling. Great potential. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["886321"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69da76e880ae4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Hughes has game. She plays the point guard position with a ton of poise and confidence. In her matchup against Team Herro, there were countless moments where she looked like one of the best guards on the floor. Her passing ability, ball handling, and overall pace and flow all stood out. A definite stock riser comes next update. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728003"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69da76e880c06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>From a physical standpoint, Fisher is beyond her years, and you can tell when she plays. There is not much struggle for her to get to the rim, and when she does, she usually finishes with ease. Her IQ and passing ability are still at the top of her skill set, and those decisions are quick and made without hesitation.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["955657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69da76e880b48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Coleman is in the conversation with some of the best wings in the country, let alone one of the best players in the state. Her game is simple, but beyond effective. She has great size, great length, and the right pace to get by defenders while still staying in control. She has a soft touch at the rim and covers the paint with ease. Tremendous talent at such a young age.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728004"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69da76e880bc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Towne played a major role in the comeback win over NH 1848. She gave her team a real spark on both ends, knocking down shots from the outside and coming up with defensive stops that turned into easy points. She also stayed aggressive attacking the rim, which helped her get to the line in key moments and played a big part in closing out the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->