This past weekend NY2LA hosted the 2019 Futures Camp in Mequon, WI at Homestead High School. This prestigious fall camp has included a long list of Division 1 and NBA talent in the past. This year the competitive event again was at a very high level with multiple top prospects in the Midwest region. Here are some of the 2022 and 2023 standouts from Futures Camp.

Asa Thomas - 2023 - 6’4 - Lake Forest High School 
A clear standout this weekend was Asa Thomas of Lake Forest High School and the Man Up grassroots program. Thomas showed the ability to score the ball efficiently and in a variety of ways. Whether it was by getting to the rim or knocking down an outside jumper, opponents were not able to stop Thomas from scoring.  Along with his ability to score the ball, Thomas showed a willingness to rebound the ball. Thomas was physical inside and did a great job being strong with the ball. Thomas connected on multiple long balls over the weekend and went home with the Sharpshooter award for the camp. Thomas has a bright future and is primed for a breakout season this year.

Aries Hull - 2023 - 6’7 - Homeschool 
This year at the NY2LA Futures Camp, there were multiple talented big men that all competed very hard with one another inside the paint. Aries Hull was one of these big men that did not shy away from the challenge. The Flossmoor, IL talent had a breakout weekend as he ran the floor and used his body to make a difference in multiple games. Hull scored most of his points within the paint as he seemed to always be in the right spot at the right time. When Hull was at his best he was cutting to the basket and when he had a full head of steam he was a challenge to stop.  Hull is a very physical big man who rebounds the ball with authority and is a sure bucket around the rim. Based on his play Aries Hull was named to the Top Big Man team for the camp. 

Owen Smith - 2023 - 6’6 - West Bend West HS
During attending offseason camps you do not always see players giving a full effort. This was not the case at the NY2LA Futures Camp, many players played extremely hard and showed an incredible amount of hustle. An example of this was Owen Smith of West Bend West HS and Phenom University. Smith showed he was going to hustle up and down the floor and do the little things to help his team win and show the value that he brings to any team that he is on. One of the best qualities on the floor for Smith was his ability to be a leader and his basketball IQ, by telling teammates where to go and what to do to be successful.  Smith scored in a variety of ways and always seemed to make the right play. He definitely earned his spot on the top performer list.
 
Terrance McClendon - 2022 - 6’2 - Wauwatosa West HS
Terrance McClendon played like he had something to prove this weekend. McClendon was constantly attacking the rim and finishing at a very high rate. The 6’2 wing guard is a very talented slasher who was very good with the ball on Saturday afternoon. McClendon was a primary scoring option for his team and created open shots for himself and his teammates. There were not many forced shots by McClendon and he made the right decision when defenses stepped up to stop him. McClendon will be a prospect to keep an eye on this year at Wauwatosa West HS.

Bryce Tillery - 2023 - 5’7 - Hillcrest HS
This year’s 2023 Co-MVP award went to Bryce Tillery of Hillcrest HS and Meanstreets. The 5 foot 7 point guard was on a mission to prove he was ready to take his game to the next level. Tillery was very hard to guard as he used his ball handling skills and quickness to blow by defenders. Point guards are supposed to see multiple levels of the floor all at the same time and Tillery showed his ability to do so as he set his teammates up for easy baskets. Tillery was able to score when he was able to as well. When his team was able to get into transition Tillery was at his best as he got to the paint with ease and made the right call the majority of the time. When Tillery has his feet set, he has a nice jump shot and has a nice pull up to compliment the long ball. Tillery was very impressive and will be fun to watch for years to come as he continues to improve. 

Kaden Monroe - 2022 - 6’8 - Bayview HS
Bayview HS will be fortunate to have a player like Kaden Monroe this season. Standing at 6’8 and a strong frame Monroe does all of the little things and is a tremendous hustler. There is not a loose ball Monroe will not attempt to get and most times will get. Monroe does a great job working to get position and uses his body to keep the position. Monroe’s is an improved score but plays within himself. He lets the game come to him and does not force many shots. Monroe continues to get better every time he steps onto the court. 
 
Simeon Murchinson - 2023 - 6’8 - Bayview HS
Another Bayview young talent that made an impression as a top performer was Simeon Murchinson. Murchinson, who plays for Phenom University in the spring and summer, has added to his game. The potential and upside for Murchinson is through the roof and he showed has been working on his game. Confidence was key for the young 6 foot 8 prospect as he did not back down from anyone. He was not worried about who was on him or who was on his team he played hard and was always in an attacking mode. Murchinson is extremely talented inside the paint but was also able to connect on multiple jump shots including a handful of three point baskets. Murchinson is strong with the ball and has a natural ability to rebound the ball. Murchinson is without a doubt an up and coming prospect. 

Ty Pence - 2023 - 6’4 - St. Joe-Ogden
Another Co-MVP of the 2023 age group was Ty Pence from St. Joe-Ogden who plays for Mid Pro Elite grassroots during the spring and summer. Pence was impressive on Saturday as he was able to show his ability to be an all-around player. On both sides of the ball Pence was a force that was difficult to stop. Pence blew by his defenders and finished around the rim at a very high level and then complimented his offense skills with a solid defensive showing. He was able to play above the rim and brought an athletic ability that was unmatched by most of his opponents. Pence is an exciting player to watch who has the ability to be a top prospect in the future. 
 
Ethan Thomas - 2023 - 6’7 - Greenfield HS
Ethan Thomas of Greenfield HS and Phenom University is becoming someone that opponents dread playing against. Thomas is very active at 6 foot 7 and runs the floor well. This Saturday, Thomas was able to change the game at both ends of the floor as he was able to flush multiple dunks, block shots and rebound at a very high level. Thomas continues to grow and his improve on his skills. Thomas was one of the three Big Man award winners. The potential for this 2023 big man is something to keep a very close eye on this upcoming season. 

Chevalier Emery - 2022 - 6’0 - Neenah HS
A player who was caught the eye of many this weekend was Chevalier Emery of Neenah HS and the WI Blizzard. The ball was in Emery’s hands when he was on the floor and that was a good thing for his team. Emery found his way to the basket and attacked with authority. Emery was able to connect on open jump shots and he did a great job of finding teammates for open shots. Emery was the winner of the Floor General award at Futures Camp and it was very well deserved as he set the pace for his team, moved the ball and was a leader on the floor. Emery will be an interesting guard to watch this season.