Here are 7 players to keep an eye on at the 32nd Annual Highland Optimist Shootout
Over the past 32 years, the Highland Optimist Credit Union Shootout has become one of the top high school basketball events in Illinois.
Among those to have participated include several current NBA players, including the Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Chaminade), Jordan Goodwin (Althoff) and Bradley Beal (Chaminade) of the Phoenix Suns, and E.J. Liddell (Belleville West) of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Caleb Love of the University of Arizona (CBC), Ryan Kalkbrenner of Creighton (Trinity Catholic), and Jordan Pickett (Belleville East) are among the current college standouts to have competed on Highland High School’s hardwood.
The 2024 Shootout, which tips off Saturday at 9 a.m., will offer another great opportunity for local fans to see some of the top high school basketball talent in the nation up close.
Here are seven players to keep your eyes on:
Cooper Koch, Metamora
Koch, a 6-10 senior post is ranked 71st nationally among big men and has helped the defending Class 3A champions to a 12-3 start this season. He is committed to play at the University of Iowa next year.
Chris Riddle, Chicago Kenwood
Riddle, a 6-6 senior forward is rated the No. 6 player in Illinois, according to 247Sports. He is a strong and athletically skilled player nationally ranked 150th overall. Riddle will continue his basketball career at DePaul University next season.
Malachi Moreno, Great Crossing, Kentucky
Moreno is a 6-11 junior center that is averaging 16.1 points per game. He is ranked 57th nationally among top prospects and has 24 offers from Division I programs such as Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Cincinnati, Creighton, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri.
Antonio Munoz, Chicago Whitney Young
Explosive off the dribbles and quick, the 6-6 Munoz has the ability to get to rim and score in a hurry. The junior small forward, who is ranked 161st in his class has offers from the University of California, Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois-Chicago, and Northern Illinois University.
Lathan Sommerville, Peoria Richwoods
Sommerville, a 7-foot senior center, has been a dominant force in the paint whether he’s scoring, rebounding, or blocking shots for Richwoods.
He was recruited by 29 major programs including Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio State, LSU, Tennessee, and Texas. Sommerville has committed to Rutgers for next year.
Nick Randall, Vashon
A talented 6-8 junior power forward who can shoot, defend, rebound, and handle the rock when needed. Randall has offers from Illinois, Kansas State, Louisville, Ole Miss, Missouri, Saint Louis University, and VCU.
Morez Johnson, Thornton
A muscular 6-11, Johnson is bruising and relentless with the ball around the basket and a deft passer as well. He is strong defensively and can score from long-range on occasion. The senior big man is headed to the University of Illinois to continue his basketball career.
Others
Jake Ottensmeier, Highland, 6-1 senior guard. Illinois top 100 prospect.
Larissa Taylor, Highland, 6-1 senior forward. Offers from Stephens College and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Mason Schubert, Breese Central 6- senior guard. Illinois top 100 prospect.
Ben Winkler, Chaminade, 6-11 junior forward. Offers from Southeast Missouri State University, Florida Gulf Coast University.
Luke Walsh, Vianney, 6-2 junior guard. Offers from Saint Louis University, Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Lindenwood University.
Bradley Longcor, Quincy, 6-3 junior guard. Offers from Illinois State, Northern Iowa, UCSD, Western Illinois, SEMO, SIUE.
Highland Shootout Schedule
Saturday, January 6 at Highland High School.
Game 1 (Girls) Highland vs. Father McGivney, 9 a.m.
Game 2: Highland vs. Breese Central, 10:30 a.m.
Game 3: Quincy vs. Cardinal Ritter, 12 p.m.
Game 4: Peoria Richwoods vs. Vashon, 1:30 p.m.
Game 5: Whitney Young vs. Vianney, 3 p.m.
Game 6: Great Crossing vs. Chaminade, 4:30 p.m.
Game 7: Kenwood vs. Normal Community, 6:15 p.m.
Game 8: Thorton Township vs. Metamora , 8:00 p.m.
