PrepHoops IL: Hoopers 2016 Season Recap
17U - IL Celtics/Hoopers
Record: 30-18
Championships/Accomplishments: 3-0 at City/Suburban Hoops Report All-Illinois Invitational, 2016 National Spring Classic Champions, Chicago Classic Elite 8, NY2LA Basketball Association Tourney Gold Final Four, NY2LA Next Level Invitational Gold Final Four, Nike Summer Showdown Final Four
Key Wins: vs MN Comets, vs Indiana Elite, vs Oklahoma Servants, vs Quad City Elite
Overall Thoughts on Season: We had a talented group of kids who worked tirelessly to improve and get better individually and as a team. We got better as the spring/summer went on and ended on a high note at the KC Hardwood Classic by being the last Illinois team to lose in the Elite 8.
Nana Akenten (Bolingbrook): 19.8pts, 7.6reb, 2.3stl. Nana showed his great talent & potential all season which concluded with offers from SMU, Nebraska, UTEP, Colorado St. & others to bring him to 19 total scholarship offers.
2019 Tyler Cochran (Bolingbrook): 9.7pts, 7.9reb, 6.4ast, 3.8stl. Playing up 2 age groups, Tyler showed his worth and value. The tough, crafty 6'1 185lb sophomore led our team in rebounds, assists & steals.
Trevor Ross (Bolingbrook): 10.1pts, 5.6reb, 4.9ast. Trevor was extremely valuable to our team. He defended 4 positions, and showed how much of a mismatch he was by showing he could score at all three levels and get to the free throw line. Garnering interest from IUPUI, NIU, SEMO & others.
17U - Hoopers Basketball Club
Record: 23-17
Championships/Accomplishments: Indianapolis Spring Classic Champions,
Key Wins: vs. Indiana Flight, W. Michigan, W. Kentucky Thunder
Overall Thoughts on Season: The team finished very strong after early season injuries. Seemingly playing with a chip on their shoulder, the group became known for their tough, gritty play in each and every game.
6'3 G Michael Drew, Jr. (Providence Catholic): 12.8pts, 6.3rebs, 2.4stls. Drew is a heady, multi-dimensional guard who gives all he has each game and practice. The leader of the team is only getting better and we look forward to seeing him at the next level.
Jake Schutter (Providence Catholic): 14.7pts, 46%3FG. Jake was a scoring and three point threat each time he touched the ball . He stretches the floor and must be accounted for by the defense.
6'2 PG Matt Smietanski (Lockport): 10.8pts, 5.7ast, 2.4stls. The strong, high IQ lead guard was the catalyst with his toughness and great play. A number of D2 & D3's are after him.
16U - Hoopers Basketball Club
Record: 24-15
Championships/Accomplishments: Indianapolis Spring Classic Champions, 2016 National Spring Classic Champions, 3-0 at City/Suburban Hoops Report All-Illinois Invitational
Key Wins: vs. Mercury Elite, vs. MN Basketball Academy, vs. SSA Elite (KS)
Overall Thoughts on Season: It was a great season of growing and improving. Along with the many wins, July also included a 6 point loss to Mac Irvin Fire & a 1 point loss to Meanstreets at the Nike Summer Showdown. The 16U team featured some unknown hidden gems who know how to play the game and are only getting better.
6'5 SF Zion Griffin (Hinsdale South): 20.3pts, 11.7rebs, 3.2blks, 2.8stls. Zion is arguably the best unknown talent in the area. An extremely coachable kid, who is a mismatch with is size, athleticism, and ability in addition to a motor that does not stop.
2019 5'11 CG Anthony Thompson (Bolingbrook): 13.4pts, 6.1ast, 2.6stls, 44% 3FG. Anthony's IQ, effort & great shooting ability made the move to play up an age group an easy one.
