Midwest Warmup: Saturday's Takeaways

April 8, 2023 by Max Feldman

High level shoe circuit and independent teams from all over Illinois and the region getting their spring started at Midwest Warmup. Diving in on Friday’s notables and takeaways.

Chris Riddle Rounding into Form

Riddle has long been on the radar, but after being hobbled by injuries and struggling to carve out a consistent role during the high school season the last two years, it looks like he could be beginning to round into form. At 6-6 with plus athleticism, he's at his best playing out in transition and attacking space to get to the cup. In the half-court, the Kenwood (IL) wing showed improved fluidity and energy transfer in his pull up jumper along with palpable confidence from the tip. The raw athleticism and natural scoring ability has been clear for sometime now, but perhaps this summer is when the pieces begin to fully align.

 Morez Johnson Dominates

In a matchup with a significant contrast of styles against Breakaway, Morez Johnson's energy and forceful nature took front stage from tip and winded up tilting a wire-to-wire game. Outmatched length wise in deep against Jason Jakstys, but it didn't particularly matter at any juncture given the Illini commit's aggressive nature and willingness to play through contact. An elite competitor regardless of setting, protects the rim and creates extra opportunities on the offensive glass by battling for positioning. Illinois nabbed a hand-in-glove fit very early in the process whose motor should translate from the onset.

Trey McKenney Shines for Meanstreets 17's

Easy to see the natural scoring ability of Michigan's AP Player of the Year, but it was his blossoming feel for blending the elite scoring package with some juice as a playmaker. Playing up with the 17's this summer, McKenney will have no shortage of opportunity to shore up on what seems to be a swing trait — the decision-making process and shot selection. Cliche for most, but the 6-4 G has true three-level scoring ability and creates space at will, but at times has shown some tunnel vision. Now surrounded with more scoring, he showed highly intriguing flashes as a live dribble playmaker leveraging his scoring gravity to make plays for others. There's opportunity on the table this summer for McKenney to make real strides in his development within this context.

On the side...

- Je'Shawn Stevenson continues on his strong start to the spring. The 6-4 G isn't loaded with flash or flair, but has an off-kilter pace and a knack for attacking angles to get downhill. At times when Meanstreets' half-court offense bogged down or struggled to get a good look over an extended stretch, Stevenson delivered with a trip to the free throw line or a contested finish. Bullish on his overall approach to the game, and while SLU and NIU opened his recruitment after a strong season at Lindbloom, I'd expect them to have company in his recruitment by the time live periods roll around.

- Davion Hannah  debuts in the top 70 of our 2025 rankings and while much of the evaluation to this stage has been centered around his slashing ability, scoring and physical upside, it was his defense on full display on Sunday. Rangy, explosive, closes gaps in a hurry, has quick hands and impressed mightily with his instincts. While this Mac Irvin group has a variety of guards who can create, perhaps the defensive playmaking could become a calling card for the Nicolet (WI) guard.

- Ross Robertson has creeped onto the radar after a highly productive sophomore campaign at South Beloit (IL) and that play translated over both days at Midwest Warmup. Tough to tab with label or position, but the 6-8 16-year-old provides do-it-all value on either end and flashed an intriguing blend of skill and instincts. Not the most explosive or productive shot blocker, but does a fantastic job impacting shots in rotation and forcing drivers into tough looks. Strong ball skills and touch extending to beyond the arc, Robertson picks his spots accordingly and more often than not, prefers to may defenses pay with high level footwork on the interior. North Dakota State and Youngstown State have expressed interest early on, but the northern Illinois native could be on the brink of more.

Meanstreets 16's

- Antonio Munoz strung together a good day, highlighted by a monster dunk out in transition. A dynamic athlete whose skillset has steadily evolved over the last 24 months, his fit as a mismatch slasher surrounded by shooting appears prime for all parties. Still room to grow as a shooter and decision-maker, but the 6-7 wing has some 'Andre Jackson-lite' type traits to build upon looking ahead.

- Midwest Warmup, Sunday specifically, was undoubtedly the most impressive showing from Melvin Bell for me since arriving back from injury mid-season with St. Rita. The 6-4 appeared comfortable and confident, shooting the ball well from deep and attacking closeouts to string out advantages. On the other end, the 2025 G navigated screens both on and off the ball to stay attached and force tough looks. Surely room to grow as a finisher at the rim, but it was great to see the Chicago native with his sea legs under him and playing with assertiveness.

 - Juan G Hernandez continued down his strong spring and should open some eyes come live period play. Electric out in space and fluid attacking gaps to get to the rim, the Grafton (WI) native has promising outlines as a fast-twitch, hyper-athletic off-guard with developing feel.

Breakaway 17's Wrap an Impressive Weekend

Yesterday, it was Jack Stanton and Jason Jakstys who stood out for Breakaway. After taking Team Rose and Meanstreets down to the wire but falling short, it was a whole lot more of the surging Stanton along with Connor May and Luke Kinkade. May, a 6-7 wing at Palatine (IL), is loaded with versatility and popped as a connector. Handles, knocks down clean looks and excels in Breakaway's heavy movement setting as an off-ball screener and connective playmaker. Kinkade, a 6-2 G at Neuqua Valley (IL), shot the lights out and converted plenty of tough ones. Off movement, spotting up, leveraging gravity to get to his pull-up  — it was all going down for the 2024 guard.

Mac Irvin 2027's

Undoubtedly more to come on this group as Spring Circuit Session 2 rolls around, but these three will certainly be on the radar from the jump.

- Tyce Simpson — 6-4 rangy, athletic wing with strong feel as a slasher and a basketball DNA out of Lexington, Kentucky.

 - Devin Cleveland —  Early stages, but a fearless, athletic guard who plays with an edge. Still growing into his frame, but the outlines are enticing.

 - Davion Thompson — Skilled, selfless guard with advanced feel and impressive playmaking chops.