Many of Illinois’ top high school teams and players were in attendance over the weekend at the Ridgewood Shootout for the second of the June live periods. Here is my first group of standouts from the event.

Mason Martin – 2027 – SG – Neuqua Valley

Martin got off to hot shooting starts in each of Neuqua’s two games on Friday helping them to double digit wins in both of them. In both games, Martin knocked down a pair of early threes. Whether it is from three or pulling up in the mid-range, Martin has such a pure jumper while hitting them at a high percentage. He also moves well without the ball getting good looks and with his size at 6’5” can hit contested shots right over defenders with ease. He also showed a good passing ability which included an assist on a drive and dump off and another on a bounce pass to a cutter through traffic. Martin is committed to Illinois.

Brady Pettigrew – 2028 – G – Bolingbrook

The highly rated 2028 guard put up plenty of points throughout the shootout. While he scored it from all three levels, Pettigrew really excels playing on the attack. He is an athletic guard who can beat defenders with a quick first step as well as good moves off the dribble. As well to this, he was also effective playing out of the mid-post using his 6’4” size and frame to get to his spots and hit jumpers right over defenders as well to finishing so effectively at the rim.

Alex Sirbu – 2027 – C – Buffalo Grove

The recruitment stock of Sirbu has taken off recently picking up six division one offers over just the past several weeks and showed why here. Over multiple games, he showed his ability to be a dominant low post scorer. He stands at 6’9” with a solid frame while playing with good strength. He was very effective playing with his back to the basket with some strong moves and finishing on multiple and one plays in a single game. The rising senior also scored it well out of the dunker spot, backing down defenders, and on put backs as an aggressive rebounder.

Ed Stasys – 2027 – PF – Benet Academy

From the spring with the Illinois Wolves to the Riverside Brookfield Shootout to this weekend, Stasys has continued to play at a high level and improve his game. This includes continuing to add to his game with his jumper hitting a couple of threes and a mid-range shot in a game. As well he is playing quicker both defensively when defending the pick and roll or on the perimeter as well as offensively playing on the attack. This is all in addition to his consistent interior play by the strong and athletic 6’8” power forward.

Amir Tucker – 2028 – PG – St. Ignatius

There is much to like from the game of the rising junior. This includes his 6’3” size in the backcourt addition to his well-rounded offensive game. Not only did Tucker play strong with the ball in his hands and have a good ability to run the point but is also a skilled scorer as well. In a game Friday, Tucker drilled back-to-back threes towards the end of the first half to push the game into double digits in a win. Tucker also showed the ability to create his own shot in the mid-range hitting step back jumpers as well to being able to get all the way to the rim absorbing contact and finishing at a high percentage.

Brady Welch – 2027 – PG – Moline

Welch continues to show he’s one of the top playmaking point guards in Illinois’ 2027 class. He showcased his ability to score the ball in bunches in addition to his passing ability. The point guard has consistently proven his shot making ability with great range from the outside as well as creating his shot in the mid-range on the attack. He is elusive maneuvering through the defense as he was getting wherever he wanted while also passing it well on the move.