End Of Season Showdown Notes

Brian Stinnette and ChicagoHoops.com’s End of Season Showdown at The Fieldhouse in Merrillville, Indiana showcased some of the best travel teams in the Midwest.  It also served as a last chance during this July’s live recruiting period for college coaches to see the players showcase their ability.  Head coaches and assistant coaches from high division-one programs, all the way through division-three, were in attendance.  On Wednesday and Thursday of the event, so was End to End.

Class of 2012 Point Guards emerge

Landis Farmer, 5′8”, Peoria Manual (Illinois Wolves); Farmer runs the show for the tough Illinois Wolves 15’s.  He is extremely fast with the ball in his hands, and has a slick handle.  Even though he is a true point guard, he has displayed the ability to score in many different ways all spring and summer.  Look for Farmer to make some noise with Manual over the course of the next few seasons.

Fred Van Vleet, 5′11”, Rockford Auburn (Prymetyme); Van Vleet’s point guard skills are as developed as you will find for a 15 year old.  He leads the charge for Prymetyme as they continually make deep runs in tournaments.  It’s been a while since a high-major division-one prospect has come out of Rockford, but if Van Vleet keeps working hard, that trend will end.

Jelani Neely, 5′10”, Simeon (Meanstreets); Simeon head coach Robert Smith may be relying on a sophomore to run the show for his varsity team.  If this summer is any indication, Jelani Neely looks like he will be up to the challenge.  Neely possesses a great skill set that includes a nasty cross, and a great drive-and-dish ability.  Should he continue to work on his perimeter game, as well as getting stronger, he will easily be one of the elite point guards in the CPS.

Look out for Rich South

Over the past few days it has been reported by the Chicago Sun-Times that class of 2010 guard, and Illini commit, Crandall Head will be transferring back to Rich South.  Head will join Macari Brooks to form arguably the most athletic backcourt in the state of Illinois.  Brooks, 6′2”, displayed his amazing athletic ability playing with the Mac Irvin Fire 16’s the past couple days.  The Fieldhouse was buzzing for minutes after Brooks threw down a 360 while getting fouled by an opponent.

Keep your eyes out for more stories, photos, and interviews from the End of Season Showdown…