2013 NY2LA Invitational

Recon Reggie is picky when it comes to breakfast.

Recruiting has turned into a social media juggernaut, and I'm as guilty as anyone for fueling that fire. We know a player, their stars, their school, their summer team, their pros and cons and everything in between. It's so hard to shake that first impression which, most of the time, comes from a recruiting page or highlight video. It's refreshing seeing a young player and creating a first-hand first impression before the swarm of 'recruiting experts' get a hold of him. With that in mind, here is my long-overdue list of intriguing prospects from the 2013 NY2LA Invitational.

2014

• Marcus Bartley, 6'4 PG, Peoria Irish (Decatur (MacArthur), IL): Gets better every time I see him. His ability to make decisions on the break, with his head up, avoiding tunnel vision, was the thing that really caught my eye this go around. His stock is soaring, and the trickle of high-major offers coming in will turn into a flood during the July evaluation period.

• Denzel Smith, 6'7 SF, Peoria Irish (Danville, IL): This bouncy 3-man will be a hot commodity among juco coaches this coming year. He is developing a solid mid-range game to go along with his ability to finish and rebound around the rim.

• Lamonte Bearden, 6'3 PG, Wisconsin Swing (Germantown, WI): Smooth and speedy lead guard that can score in a multitude of ways, the most valuable being his ability to draw contact, finish, and knock down the extra free throw. Also very skilled at finding an open teammate when drawing heavy attention.

2015

• Obediah Church, 6'7 F, Peoria Irish (Springfield, IL): Played up with 17U and didn't disappoint. Bartley threw a lob toward the basket which, to everyone in the gym but Church, looked overthrown. Instead Obi pulled a Stacey King and went 'HIGHER' for a one handed slam! Still very raw (nothing but air on a few jumpers) but oozes with athleticism. Dan and/or Dana, if you're reading this, get on this kid!

• Levi Bradley, 6'6 F, T.P. Elite (Milwaukee, IL): Was shocked to find out he was a 2015 recruit. He was easily the best player on the floor in a game played in the 17U division. Long, active, strong and plenty of room to grow. Rivals shows interest from the Redbirds. Expect this kid to blow up in July.

2016

• Devon Sams, 6'0 G, Illinois Celtics (Bolingbrook, IL): Physically developed and can score at will against slower/weaker opponents. Deadly from mid-range when left open as well. If he's grows another 2 or 3 inches, the high-majors will start calling. If not, look for him to be a hot mid-major prospect.

• Joseph Sieger, 5'11 G, Illinois Celtics (Neuqua Valley, IL): Not much to look at yet as far as physical ability, but this young fella can LIGHT IT UP from long range. This sharp-shooting zone killer is definitely one to keep an eye on going forward.

• Ty Ederesinghe, 5'10 PG, Playground Elite (Milwaukee, WI): Nearly unstoppable true point guard against some good talent his age. He uses his lack of size and gift of speed to dissect defenses to score and dish at his mercy.

• Dakota Bennington, 6'1 G, Peoria Heat (Peoria Christian, IL): One of those kids way ahead of the curve as far as skill and athleticism are concerned. Needs to grows physically and mentally to play all facets of the game like he does when he's looking to score.

• Daniel Hoekstra, 6'3 W, Peoria Irish (Kankakee (Bishop McNamara), IL): Long, bouncy player that could be a D-I prospect if he grows to 6'6 like his brother who now plays at Augustana. Smooth stroke from the perimeter with a knack for hitting big shots.

• D'Angelo Hughes, 5'10 G, Peoria Irish (Springfield (Southeast), IL): Made his mark at the varsity level as a freshman in the Central State 8. This wiry guard has all the tools to be very successful these next 3 years; good from deep and quick with the rock. Also a kid that just hates losing.

• Lou Griffith, 5'7 PG, Peoria Irish (Washington, IL): I saved my favorite for last. Yes, he's small, but his court savvy combined with his "I know what he looks like, but did you see what he just did!?" skill set makes him a must-see if you're a high school hoops fan in Central Illinois.