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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.

Dejaun Graise had a great showing at SimpsonElite Top Prospects Run last week. He is better than advertised. The 6'2 Wisconsin native is considered to be ranked 15th in the state of WI, per "Prep Hoops". His smooth ball handling, tough shot making, and ability to create off the bounce is what separates Graise from his peers. I stamp him as a consistent bucket getter, he is exciting to watch. He can score from all 3 levels on the floor. He can score from deep, the mid range game area, and if you guard him too close, he will blow right by you. With his skinny frame he is still able to take contact finish over the top of you. What shocked me most about the 6'2 guard was his athleticism. During the combine drills Graise was throwing down all types of dunks, that was the final touch on his game that I loved. This kid can be real special if he continues to learn the game, play with a little more pace, and stay in the gym. You can find Graise on the circuit playing with well known Mac Irvin Fire 16U EYB and Kenosha Tremper for his high school games this upcoming winter.

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 6'7 Glenbrook South standout will have a break out season this upcoming winter, I'm sure of it. I wouldn't be shocked that his stock moves up in the rankings mid season. For a big guy he has great size, great hands, he's mobile on the perimeter, and he can knock down consistent shots from deep. Taylor has a great feel for the game with reading defensive schemes, knowing when to slip, pop, or roll. I was very impressed with his decision making ability. With his size, he handles the ball really well and his passing ability is very underrated. Taylor has made a huge impression on the SimpsonElite staff with his showing in just two open runs. Coach Ford had this to say about Taylor, "I think he has a well rounded game. Very versatile honestly think he can guard 2-5 position as well. Maybe work on his shot a little more but for the most part, the kid got it!" Taylor can easily lead the state in rebounds, blocks and points, he's that good but is that what Titans need from the 6'7 junior. I have a prediction of Taylor averaging 14pts, 3ast, 7rbs 1blk per game with a solid .500 wining percentage for the team. I look forward to seeing Taylors improvements and leap in his Junior season.

Can Dalen Terry have an impact on the Chicago Bulls? Can he crack the rotation with guys like Demar, Ball, Lavine, White, Ayo, and Caruso? I think so. The Arizona Wildcat, 6'7 frame, ability to guard 1-4 is going to make the Bulls front office make some decisions right away. Terry ability to handle the ball, shoot the ball, create for himself and others is something the Bulls can benefit from. I got a chance to watch Dalen Terry play in Chicago at the DenardBros Pro Run and I can honestly say, I was blew away at this kid abilities. He's long, athletic, fast, and of course he can gain a few pounds but if we are talking just flat out talent, the kid has GAME. On a Thursday night where the crowd was anticipating Terry's debut and a first look at the Chicago Bulls first round 18th pick, the fans left with a little hope in the organizations decisions. Terry got right to it with two fast break tomahawk throw downs. Had the crowd on its feet. With his slick ball handling skills and impeccable footwork, he was able to dribble around defenders as if they were cones. He shoots really well off the bounce, plays with a nice pace, and he can see the floor with the best of them. We were able to catch up with Terry after the game was over and he had this to say per SimpsonElite Media "This is big for me, I just love playing basketball" the 6'7 guard said, "This isn't new, I had to come here, I just wanna hoop." This upcoming season we will keep tabs on Terry and we are sure that mid January with All Star break approaching that Terry will make an impact.

Mariah Phelps 2024 is peeking at the right time. The Warren transfer who made a huge impact on a young Warren team was forced to be a leader once team star Zion Levy went down with a crucial injury. Phelps pulled in a few games in double digit scoring in just her sophomore stint. The 5'9 combo guard plays at her space and can not be sped up. The smooth lefty is seen as a deadly shooter and a playmaker. She was recently called up to play on the circuit with Mac Irvin Fire, who is known to be the most competitive team in the state of IL. Phelps started training with SimpsonElite 2 years ago and she's already developing at a rapid pace. She loves to work and love to get better. Our goal this year for Mariah is to be nominated All County team this upcoming high school season, is she ready for that pressure? I think so.

Loughlin 2028 is considered to be one of the top 10 players in the state of IL and 62 in the country, per Top25Scouts. Loughlin has been with SimpsonElite training for 2 years now and he's made a tremendous impact in the organization. With his raw talent of ball handling and soft touch floater, Loughlin feels as though SimpsonElite played a part of his skill development. Owner of SimpsonElite Aaron Simpson had this to say about Loughlin. "Luke already had raw talent when we met him at Limitless (AAU program), we saw the potential in Luke and wanted to polish his game up just a little, everything you see him doing is just a product of work he puts in and Luke puts in the work." Luke has been to Chris Paul National Middle School combine "Top 25 All star", MSHTV National Camp "Top 20 All star, and most recent he was at MADE Hoops Middle school academy "Top 20 All star"Luke can be seen playing on the circuit with the Chi-town Bulldogs who is considered to be the top 25 team in the country. To follow Luke's progress, follow him on instagram @LukeLoughlin2028

Here at SimpsonElite we offer strength and conditioning, skill development, and a mentorship that will last the kids a life time. Simpson Elite training is off to a great start with the addition of Keith Ford. The North Chicago native decided it was time to give back and that's exactly what he is doing. He brings another dynamic to SimpsonElite Training with his knowledge of the athletes body, alongside strength and conditioning. Mike Simpson who is also a North Chicago native is giving back by doing skill development and being a mentor for the kids. Simpson is deemed one of the best point guards to ever come from North Chicago and his championship moment with Cardinal Stritch, he's familiar with winning and we are excited to have him. If you're interested in training, please email Simpsonelite15@gmail.com or call 224-419-2969.

Week two was filled with bucket getters and some big time names. Derek Bishop 2025 ranked #15 in the state of IL. Yaris Irby 2025 ranked #21 in the state of IL. Dejaun Graise 2025 ranked top 15 in the state of WI. It was a bucket affair. Nick Tayler 2024 the 6'6 Glenbrook south native had a great showing with his athletic ability, shooting ability and he also has a nice handle for his size. Irby showcased why he is sought out to be one of the top players in the state. His high IQ plays, his street ball handle and his shot making ability is going to separate him from the pack once his senior year hits. Dejaun Grasie and his brother Dontrell Graise from Wisconsin was a shocker! Dejaun with his smooth play left the gym in awe with ball handling ability, his hesitation dribble and his ability to get a bucket from anywhere on the floor. While his brother 2023 Dontrell Graise was doing all his work in the paint with highlighted dunks and cleaning the glass. Dontrell even showed that he can play on the perimeter and make timely shots. Through it all, there was the Wauconda standout Braeden Carlson 2024 went for a SimpsonElite Runs record with pouring in 53 points. He was clicking on all cylinders with scoring all over the floor. Transition 3's, pull up 3's, off the dribble 3's, doing his work in the paint, hitting the mid range, the kid was unstoppable. With this performance the kid was deemed MVP of the SimpsonElite Runs. Be on the look out for week 3, it only gets better.

The gym was blazing with talented players from all over the state from Wauconda, Lake Zurich, Antioch, Buffalo Grove, etc. The first week tipped off with a combine feel for the kids. We had agility drills, 4 cone lane drill where we tested the kids lateral footwork, to see how quick they could recover after getting beat. Another drill I enjoyed was the 3 cone curve drill where we had the kids head hunt around the arc as if they were walking into a jump shot and had to release to the other basket for a sprinted layup/dunk. SimpsonElite welcomes strength and conditioning coach Keith Ford as he led the agility drills. After the water break we broke the kids into groups of teams, black vs white as we put them through team concept drills, where they learned passing and cutting, one more pass, moving without the and more. The game itself was a joy to watch. Lake Zurich standout Nick Popovic went home with the MVP while pouring in 23pts, 3ast, and 3rbs. SimpsonElite Runs are taking steps to becoming the biggest Highschool open run in IL. Make sure you stay tuned for any updates.

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.