Illinois Rockets Scrimmage Evaluations

As most have already seen on Twitter, two weeks ago I began covering various AAU Program’s workouts across the Chicagoland area. My second stop was with the Illinois Rockets who have a wide range of talented players across all classes. Thanks to the players and coaches with the Rockets program for having me! <strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="201090" first="Amaya" last="Rufus"], 5’9” Guard, York</strong> Rufus is a dependable Point Guard who regularly takes care of the ball and displays confidence in a fast-paced game. She is a high IQ player and uses her athleticism on defense to make things tough on opposing Point Guards. <strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="123414" first="Ellie" last="Wisner"], 5’10” Guard, Neuqua Valley</strong> There were several standout performers at the scrimmage, but Wisner stood out the most with her natural scoring abilities. She has an accurate shot from deep and the mid-range and uses her length and athleticism to guard and play the 1-4 on both ends of the floor. <strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="123412" first="Talia" last="Pellegrini"], 5’7” Guard, St. Charles North</strong> Pellegrini is a do-it-all Combo Guard with strong ball-handling skills and the ability to knock down shots from deep. The Bemidji State commit attacks the lane with a purpose and uses her strength to absorb contact and finish at the rim. <strong>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="123417" first="Stephanie" last="Dasbach"], 6’1” Forward, Willowbrook</strong> Dasbach is a strong Forward with great versatility on the offensive end of the court. The Winona State commit has a solid array of post moves in the paint and can step outside to knock down shots. Terrific rebounder on both ends. <strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="124881" first="Cheri" last="Michalek"], 5’6” Guard, Lockport</strong> Michalek is a quick Point Guard who does everything well offensively. She gets in the lane with ease and finishes around the rim, while showing a nice balance of facilitating to her teammates. Cheri plays terrific on-ball defense every time she’s on the court. <strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="201068" first="Emily" last="Galvan"], 5’6” Guard, Rolling Meadows</strong> Galvan is a dynamic player on offense who can put up points very quickly. She’s a tremendous shooter from the outside and has the quickness and ball-handling skills to create openings for herself in the lane. Emily is confident with her abilities and takes no plays off on either end of the court. <strong>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="201071" first="Emily" last="Ytsen"], 6’1” Forward, Conant</strong> Ytsen is a multitalented Forward who can stretch the floor a bit with her ability to shoot the ball from the outside. She uses her length in the post to create tough opportunities for opposing post players and to bring down rebounds at a high rate. <strong>2022 Laurelei Thormeyer, 5’5” Guard, Lincoln-Way East</strong> Thormeyer is a skilled Point Guard who brings a lot to the table offensively. She is a smart player with good ball-handling and court vision to make things happen for her teammates. Laurelei creates shots for herself off the dribble and consistently knocks down open jumpers. <strong>2022 Maggie Grady, 5’8” Guard, Lincoln-Way East</strong> Grady is an off-ball guard who attacks the lane hard from the wing and finishes strong around the rim. She is a big time ‘hustle player’ who seems to have a chance at every rebound and plays tough defense on opposing guards. <strong>2022 Sydney Gehrke, 5’9” Guard, Lincoln-Way Central</strong> Gehrke is a strong Combo Guard who can bring the ball up and score from the wing. She has a confident and consistent shot from deep and absorbs contact well when finishing at the hoop. <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="205568" first="Mariann" last="Blass"], 5’8” Guard, York</strong> Blass is an extremely well-rounded Combo Guard who is sure to see her stock rise over the next couple years. She can play on or off ball with her ability to score and create a shot for herself. Mariann is accurate from the three point line and uses her length and athleticism to get in the lane and make plays. <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="204906" first="Nina" last="Nytko"], 5’5” Guard, Willowbrook</strong> Nytko is another ‘hustle player’ in this group who possesses an impressive all-around game. She is a good ball-handler who can shoot the three well, and plays solid on-ball defense consistently. <strong>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="204901" first="Katie" last="Sosa"], 6’0” Forward, York</strong> Sosa is an intriguing Forward who shows nice control on the low block with good touch. She can stretch the floor with great athleticism and a good looking jumper from the outside and mid-range. <strong>2023 Cameryn Helsdingen, 5’6” Guard, Marist</strong> Helsdingen is a very quick Point Guard who excels on both offense and defense. She bothers opposing ball-handlers regularly and can score the ball on the offensive end with an accurate shot from deep. &nbsp;