Player Search

Max Ogorden class of 2025 Grayslake Central native made his way to a few SimpsonElite Runs. Ogorden is a sharpshooter who is deadly anywhere on the floor, you must keep a body near him. He does a great job getting himself open and moving without the ball, which is a much needed skill when playing at the varsity level. Ogorden is still looking for ways to insert himself and find his way offensively but the SimpsonElite coaches believes if Ogorden remains aggressive then he will see more scoring opportunities in the future. The kid can flat out play. He understands reading defensive coverages, making an extra pass, and staying on a string with his teammates. We are looking forward to having Ogorden attend more Runs. Max Orgorden can be found playing with his summer AAU club Kessel Heat 15U national team and Grayslake Central Highschool this upcoming winter.

Class of 2025 Amare Simpson from Zion Benton High School is coming into his own. Ive seen Simpson steady improvements since 7th grade. Known for his three point shooting, he has developed into a solid young point guard. With his intensity on the defensive end making it hard for defenders to find a rhythm, Simpson put that on display in the SimpsonElite runs multiple times, leaving the run with 3+ steals. Simpson has also developed a feel for the game, his IQ has reached a level to where running the point position is a walk in the park. His original position was shooting guard, over the summer his high school coaches have been preparing him for the next level in which he would be a true point guard. His ability to knock down shots and create for others is a skill every coach in the country is looking for. I expect Simpson to go through some ups and downs his sophomore season as he takes on a role for being point guard for a Zion team who was under .500 last season. Once he finds a rhythm and learn how to run a team, good luck to the other guards who tries to go around this kid, he is tough. Simpson plays summer ball with Kessel Heat 15U.

The sleeper at SimpsonElite Runs was no one other than, Logan Feller. Feller is a 6'4 shooting guard who can run the floor and put himself in position to score. His feel for the game is like no other, he isn't driven by touches or even all the hype, the kid just wants to hoop. Watching Feller play, you start to notice the little things he do such as, crashing the offensive glass for put backs, filling the lanes for a walk in three, or even just getting that hockey assist. Feller has good size, length with potential to be a good on ball defender, can shoot it very well, and plays winning basketball. New Trier has a sleeper on their roster so be on the look out for this kid. You can find Feller playing summer ball with AAU club Fundamental U.

Owen Giannoulias is the prime example of playing the game the right way. "POINT GOD" is what I refer to the 5'11 guard from Glenbrook North. A true PG at its finest. His ability to drive gaps and find the open man is what the next level is all about. He scores within the offense and can guard on the other end. His vision is second to none. He see's the floor very well. He is the kind of guard that you have to just fill the lanes with because he is a willing passer and he will hit you on time, on target. In SimpsonElite Runs he was making his teammates look good with dishing them easy baskets and allowing the game to come to him. Don't get it confused, the kid can play. He can score the ball with the best of them, that's why I can appreciate his style of play. Impacting the game without scoring is a lost art in todays game. His value is higher than what shows in the stat sheet. He made a few highlight plays that got the coaches out of their seats with up and under layups, to hitting steps backs jumpshots and making no look passes. I look forward to seeing the impact Giannoulias brings to his junior year, I know he will play a vital role.

Sacramento Kings guard DJ Steward did not disappoint, the 6'1 combo guard put on a show at the DenardBros Pro Run. With his flashy handles and quickness, he was able to create off the bounce numerous of times and even hit an unbelievable one legged shot that put the gym in awe. Steward played with Gleague affilated team Stockton Kings where he averaged 14.6 points 4.0 rebounds 4.0 assist. I expect him to make a roster spot this upcoming season or atleast a two way deal where he can thrive playing against the third string guard on the opposing team.

Youngman put her playmaking on full display last Sunday with showcasing her passing ability and quick first step. Youngman has a nice size up game that freezes the defense then blows right by them for a euro step finish. Youngman handles are tight and crisped with great footwork that it allows her to get anywhere on the floor that she wants. She has a great feel and pace for the game that it feels as if she's playing out there by herself, you can not speed her up whatsoever. With her unorthodox shooting form you'd think she wouldn't make any shots but on the contrary, she is a deadeye shooter from anywhere on the floor. I was very impressed with her IQ, outlet passes, driving in the lane doing bounce passes and hitting shooters on time, and on target, Youngman is a solid PG who is ready to run this young Warren team this upcoming season.

The high energy point guard is exciting to watch with his hang time, mid air layups and shifty crossovers. Divito does a great job finishing in the lane through contact, no matter the difficulty of the shot attempt. The lefty has a mid range game and can shoot deep if you lay off of him. The young point guard plays fast and and at his own pace it's really hard to speed him up. His playmaking ability is underrated as he does a great job of handling pressure and making teammates better with putting them is situations to score. He pushes the ball in transition, his read and react skills are sharp and you can tell the game comes natural to him. Divito is no slouch on the defensive end, he has active hands and quick lateral movements to stay in front of ball handler. It'll be interesting to see Divito progression throughout his career.

This upcoming winter boys basketball season for Niles North will be exciting with the addition of Yaris Irby. Irby is currently ranked 21 in the state of IL in the class of 2025, per "Illinois Hoops Report". The 5'11, 2 way combo guard is very exciting to watch with his shifty ball handling, flashy passes and his mid range shooting. The kid is vicious on the defensive end, at the beginning of the run, he was the only guy picking up full court and he wanted to guard the best player. Irby feel for the game is what caught the gyms attention. Catching the ball on the left wing, allowing the defense to shift then making a shovel pass through the defense, right between two defenders are the type of highlight plays Irby was making. We will follow Irby very closely as he makes his debut with the Vikings, this upcoming season. The Vikings finished last season 20-8, losing 9 seniors and 10 underclassman returning. I expect a solid year from Irby impacting both ends of the floor and making plays that will leave the audience in awe. I predict that Irby will finish being top 15 players in his class by the end of the year. You heard it here first.

The 6-foot junior has a arsenal of moves and is a very athletic big who can guard multiple positions. Moore has great size that guards can't do anything with her and good speed that bigs can't guard her off the bounce. The way she handles the ball with her size is something special to watch, she plays with her head up and she makes the right reads. She is very dominant in the post area, she grabbed 17 rebounds in the SimpsonElite Runs. She does well with finishing on the low block, she can finish with either hand and that makes her special to watch. Moore has a great touch shooting around the mid range area and she can shoot the three but rather dominate in the post. Moore rim protection is unmatched as well, she was dominate with blocking shots all over the court. Moore will be making noise this upcoming season, be on the look out.

The hometown kid was exciting to watch at SimpsonElite Runs. Very surprised that he is still on the market, college coaches need to get him quick, he's a steal! Malone is athletic, a driving guard, and mid range killer who has deceptive speed. He uses his athleticism really well to finish around the rim and he had a few highlight dunks. The athletic guard shooting ability is very underrated, he has such great lift on his jump shot and his form isn't too bad to say the least. Time after time in a pick & roll situation, Malone used the ball screen while the defender was in a drop and Malone would get to his two dribble pull up which he hit consistently. Malone is a blue collar player that you want on your team. His toughness and mental edge is what separates him from the pack, the kid is a worker. This year can be a breakout year for the senior that can put him in a situation where coaches will be calling for his service. His lateral quickness is solid, he wants to guard, he makes it very difficult to pass the ball because he has active hands. His defense is what sparks his offense and with his solid ball handling, he's able to get anywhere on the floor that he wants.

Josh Stewart was apart of that Carmel Catholic team that reached super sectionals last year with a heart break loss to St. Patrick (Chicago) that went into a thriller 3OT. Josh role was limited with being a defensive minded guard who need was to faciltate. With transferring Warren Township who finished last season 15-15. Stewart can find a home at Warren being the leader that this Warren team desperately needs. Stewart is a 5'10 guard who can control the pace of the game. His ability to break down defenders, facilitate, score the ball, and finish in traffic, will be a valuable asset that he will be bringing to the team. With him playing AAU ball with Fundamental U this past summer, he was able to play amongst other studs, where he can share knowledge and insight on what it takes to make that next step.

Week three was amazing and it was filled with talented players from all over. The players who stood out the most was Anestis Hadjistamoulou, Simon Weisserman, Brady Sehlhorst, Marko, Visnejevac, Jacob Rice and Trevon Roots. The gym was filled with high energy guys, it was electric. Guys were flying around, talking, diving for loose balls and playing the right way. What it boiled down to was the players who rise to the challenge it was Hadjistamoulou and Rice. Both did everything they could to help their team to a victory and that exactly what they did. Each week these runs get more intense and it only gets better from here.