These underclassmen are happy campers
The senior class is taking visits, making commitments and dominating headlines during this recruiting season with signing day only a couple of weeks away.
But last weekend, the younger, up- and- coming talent was on display and had people talking at the annual Pangos All- Midwest Frosh/ Soph Camp in La Grange.
Here are the players that stood out above the rest.
Adam Miller, Morgan Park
The City/ Suburban Hoops Report’s top- ranked sophomore prospect is nationally ranked and has received high- major offers after just one season at Peoria Manual.
The 6- 3 point guard, who transferred to Morgan Park, showed why he’s so buzzworthy with his play. Blessed with size for the position, Miller is a special talent who brings passing instincts, shooting and one- on- one scoring ability.
Ahmad Bynum, Simeon
While it’s extremely early, Bynum is arguably the most talented freshman in the state. Bynum possesses some dynamic qualities for such a young player, including a feel with the ball in his hands and pure, natural basketball ability.
He will wait his turn as veterans like Talen Horton- Tucker, Kejuan Clements and newcomer Xavier Pinson will anchor the perimeter. But Bynum is too talented and advanced not to make his presence felt sooner rather than later for one of the state’s top teams.
Reggie Strong, Farragut
There were very few freshmen who made a bigger impact last season than this precocious point guard with ball skills. Strong is smooth and has great imagination and creativity offensively.
The 6- 0 sophomore, who is the City/ Suburban Hoops Report’s fourth- ranked player in the Class of 2020, boasts high- major potential. He created shots and scoring opportunities for himself at will at the Pangos Camp.
Tyler Beard, Young
The talented 6- 2 sophomore’s role will expand greatly this winter for the defending Class 4A state champs. He hasn’t exactly gone from scrawny to brawny yet, but his body is filling out and he’s attacking the basket with a vengeance.
Beard is quick and athletic enough to score off penetration and as a fantastic finisher in transition. He displayed it all, including an improving perimeter jumper, in an eye- opening weekend performance.
Bloom’s sophomores
Coach Dante Maddox graduated all five starters from last season. But there isn’t a coach in the south suburbs with more returning young talent.
Bloom features four sophomores who gained varsity experience, including a trio who were on display at Pangos: 6- 9 Martice Mitchell and guards Keshawn Williams and Dante Maddox Jr..
Add sophomore point guard Donovan Newby and Bloom will be a team that will continue to improve.
While Maddox Jr. showed a versatile floor game and Mitchell’s improvement continues, it was Williams who really opened eyes at the Pangos Camp. The 6- 2 combo guard is a solid athlete and such a threat offensively off the dribble.