Chi-Town Tip Off: New Names Emerge 15U and 16U

The Chi-Town Tip Off in Chicago featured many of the top prospects in the state of Illinois.  We examine the event from all angles including here in Chi-Town Tip Off: Illinois New Names Emerge 16U and 15U!

Brad Blackmon ( Chicago Grinders 16U)

Blackmon had a breakout performance against Meanstreets ‘ last=”] 2026.  Slick ball handler that slithered through the lane for scores at the rack.  The 6’3” guard used his length to get on the offensive glass for put backs and finished out of the dunker spot.  Plus shot blocker for a guard that can defend an array of backcourt positions.

Zion Wilkins Zion Wilkins 5'8" | PG Lindblom Math And Science | 2026 IL ( Chicago Grinders 16U)

Wilkins is a smaller lead guard from Lindblom that put himself on the radar with a strong showing.  Controls the pace of the game, makes solid reads, and is so quick off the bounce converting at the rim for layups while also getting to the line.

Thomas Moffett Thomas Moffett 6'4" | SF William Fremd | 2026 IL (All In Athletics 16U)

Moffett was a standout sharp shooter for AIA.  The 6’4” small forward poured in threes at a high rate.  Nailed four of them in the game that we saw.  Plus three point shooter that can really stretch it with solid size.

Charlie Pomis ( Full Package 16U)

Pomis had his coming out party at the Chi-Town Tip Off!  He is a scoring guard from Hersey that brings versatility being able to score both in the lane and shooting from three.  Finishes well through contact.

Ethan Matz Ethan Matz 6'2" | SG Carmel Catholic | 2026 IL ( Full Package 16U)

Matz is a guard out of Carmel that can really shoot it from three.  Plays with a lot of grit and moves well without the ball in his hands.

Devin Meier Devin Meier 6'0" | SG Centralia | 2026 IL ( Illinois Bears 16U)

Meier also impressed us at a camp earlier in the month.  In that setting it was his shot making that stood out.  Here we liked the athleticism he used to score in the paint and get to the free throw line combined with taking and making tough shots in the 15-18 foot range along with threes.

Jalen Clardy Jalen Clardy 6'2" | SG Bremen | 2026 IL ( Meanstreets ‘ last=”] National 16U)

Clardy was the star for Meanstreets ‘ last=”] National 16U team.  The Bremen point guard has a ton of pop in the open floor and is a good pull up jump shooter.  Plays with speed and is a good scorer that can also distribute when he needs to.

Lucas Bowers Lucas Bowers 6'5" | PF Vandalia | 2027 IL ( Illinois Bears 15U)

This Vandalia 6’5” power forward is a back to the basket scorer that seals really well getting his buckets in the paint.  Good hands and touch around the basket.  Can also slash from the wing a little bit as well and rebounds well in his area.

Nonye Onuchukwu Nonye Onuchukwu 6'1" | SF Waubonsie Valley | 2027 IL ( Illinois Attack 15U)

This Waubonsie Valley wing has a projectable frame with a smooth offensive game.  He is a sound three point shooter that can drain shots off the catch from distance.  Plays in the open floor with fluidity and is a rangy defender.

TJ Eaton (Mac Irvin Fire 15U)

Eaton was a standout for the EYBL Fire 15U squad with his shot making before going down with an arm injury.  He can really shoot the rock from beyond the arc and was on a heater before he went down with the injury.  Clean and easy release for the Rich Township 2027 guard.