CHICAGO - The McDonalds Shootout has become a Chicagoland staple on Martin Luther King weekend with the marquee games staged all day Monday. There were over 45 schools on hand to see the 23rd edition held on Monday.
Bugg Impresses
Monday marked our staffs third evaluation of 2014 scoring guard Aysia Bugg out of Bolingbrook (Ill.) High School this high school season. The 5-foot-8 slasher has made a seem-less transition into coach Tony Smiths system after transferring from Oswego East this past summer. Bolingbrook has become one of the nations most notable programs over the past five years. Though this years roster lacks a five-star prospect like they have had in past years, Buggs play is a major reason why Bolingbrook is still playing in primetime at events like this one.
A three-star perimeter option, Bugg can score the basketball in a variety of ways. Right now, shes at her best when getting to the rim off of the bounce though she showed the ability to shoot the open 3-pointer as well during the Classic. Defensively, Buggs length allows her to play the passing lanes to a get hand on the ball forcing the opposing team.
Notes
? 2014 point guard Jackie Kemph of Rolling Meadows (Ill.) High School stole the show Monday afternoon putting up 38 points in a win over Fenwick. Kemph, a three-star prospect, got into the lane at will scoring the majority of her points at the rim as the defenders fouled and/or swiped at her to no avail. She has multiple mid-major programs recruiting her including Southern Illinois and St. Louis.
? Like Kemph, 2015 point guard Teniya Page of Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.), made an impact with her ability to push the tempo of the game with the basketball in her hands. Unlike Kemph, Page likes to do most of her damage using the freeze pull-up made so popular these days by NBA All-Star guard, Russell Westbrook. There were multiple BCS football programs on hand especially to see Pages skill on display.
? For true back-to-basket post players, consistent development is the hallmark of top- shelf prospects. 2014 center Khaalia Hillsman of Whitney Young High School (Chicago, Ill.) is a prime example. At this very event last year, Hillsman showed that she had the makings of a top 100 prospect. A year later, the 6-5 post proved it with her play. She scored using up and under moves going to her right hand and dropsteps to her left hand over her right shoulder. More impressive is that she did it with Wisconsin signee Malayna Johnson shadowing her every step. Several schools had head coaches on hand including Colorado, Illinois and Kentucky to see Hillsman on Monday.
? Western Kentucky is off to a fast start in coach Michelle Clark-Heards initial season at the helm. If her play on Monday is any indication, three-star senior post player Bria Gaines from Bloom High School (Chicago Heights, Ill.) will only help the Hilltoppers upon her arrival next fall. The 6-3 center rebounds well in her area, contests shots and showed a deft touch on her shot attempts inside of a 12 feet.
