There are two live weekends in June where college coaches are able to evaluate high school talent across the country.
The state of Illinois will provide opportunities for players, starting June 20-22 with events at Riverside-Brookfield and DeKalb. That will be followed by two more events the weekend of June 27-29 with Romeoville and Rockford as the hosts.
Here is a rundown of what to watch over the next two weeks.
Best prospect: Jaxson Davis
Already one of the elite players in the state, the Warren guard’s status rises higher with the departure of fellow Class of 2027 stars Davion Thompson and Devin Cleveland to prep schools. Davis is the best player in the state — a productive prospect and winner — who will have the most eyes on him.
Next best: Cole Kelly, Neuqua Valley
With a fabulous freshman season in the rearview mirror, college programs will now begin to really start evaluating the talented 6-5 Kelly. The top sophomore in the class is already a stout floor spacer with a wide-ranging offensive bag.
Teams to watch and why
Marist: With the return of star senior Stephen Brown, several other veterans and the addition of De La Salle transfer Charles Barnes, this is potentially the area’s best team.
Kankakee: Lincoln Williams is the best talent in the senior class. Now the stat-sheet-stuffing WIlliams will welcome 6-6 EJ Hazelett, a Division I prospect who has transferred in from Indiana.
Bolingbrook: Yes, Davion Thompson is gone. But the Raiders have a rising star in sophomore Brady Pettigrew and have added Glenbard West transfer TJ Williams.
Kenwood: Sleeper. Don’t discount the Broncos — even with the departure of Devin Cleveland. A strong contingent, led by Damari Stephens, returns from a city championship team that won 31 games.
Loyola: With three of its top four leading scorers all back, Loyola will be better than last year’s 26-win team. And with the three — Trey Williams, Sam Golden and Luke Alvarez — all being guards, there is a perimeter continuity that will prove to be fruitful.
Kaneland: There is a veteran catalyst in Marcus Cocroft in the backcourt, 6-9 Jeffrey Hassan as an emerging big man and several other key players returning. Can the Knights be better than the 32-win sectional championship team?
Best players to watch from outside the Chicago area: Semaj Stampley, Alton; Quinton Kitt, East Peoria; Ben Akoro, O’Fallon; Jarrel Brown, Normal; Deven Marshall, Rock Island; Amir Danforth, Rockford Auburn; Amarion Smith-Holley, Peoria Richwoods.
New names ready to shine
Lamari Carpenter, Glenbard North
He played his freshman year in the city at Clark. Then the 6-3 guard came on late as a sophomore last season at Glenbard North. This is an upside bet on Carpenter, because the ceiling is higher for him than most players in the class.
Jeffrey Hassan, Kaneland
After playing a key role as a sophomore, the 6-9 big man with a world of potential has made considerable strides after playing with Meanstreets on the club circuit this past spring.
Ryan Dinnon, Andrew
A sleeper who very few people are aware of just yet. The production was solid –– the 6-6 junior averaged 11 points and five rebounds a game as a sophomore –– and he’s blessed with a solid skill set.
Jaali Love, Waukegan
Love has been on the scene for awhile now and averaged 12.7 points a game as a junior. But the athletic and toolsy 6-6 wing is set to become a force as a senior.
