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Chicago, IL. — The War For The North tipped off Friday night and to this date it has been our largest event of the calendar year with over 100 teams are participating. Some of the top prospects from the midwest will be playing in Chicago this weekend and Prep Hoops Next has you covered throughout the weekend. Below are five prospects that were legit GameChangers on Friday night…
2026 Jaiden Anindo | Mac Irvin Fire
Mac Irvin always has some dogs on their team and Anindo seems to be the next one up from the talented Chicago program. Anindo led his team in scoring as they prevailed over ABP Athletics in a seven point win. Anindo showed whenever he has the chance to score, he is going to take full advantage of it. Anindo is primed for a big weekend at War For The North.
2026 Amare Armelin | Midwest Tarheels Select
In a back and forth game that went all the way down to the wire, Armelin led Midwest Tarheels Select in a big time win over Grind Family Chicago. Armelin has an exceptional burst of speed that had defenders flying all over the court as he was one of the fastest guards I saw all Friday night. Armelin put his team on his back Friday night and was the ultimate game change in a three point win for his team.
2026 Maks Depalo | Full Package
Depalo immediately stands out because of his size standing at 6’7 and his height was the difference maker last night as he was unstoppable for Full Package. Depalo has good hands, always active on the glass and knows how to finish well near the rim as he finished with 15 points in his team’s win. Depalo is on track to be a very good old fashioned big man by the time he is a senior in high school.
2026 Keis Johnson | Illinois Attack
Johnson started off War For The North with a near alley oop in the opening seconds of his game last night and even though it was not a dunk, it caught my attention right away. A few minutes later, he connected on a transition dunk that woke up the gym. Johnson is an athletic 8th grader that has the capabilities of finishing above the rim multiple times during a game. We are expecting a big weekend from Johnson and his Illinois Attack team.
2026 Andre Tyler | Grind Family Chicago
Even in a loss, Tyler has to be mentioned in this article as he put on a complete showing for Grind Family Chicago. Tyler carries himself with some swag on the court and is one of the better overall skilled players we will see in Chicago this weekend. He has deep range and connected on at least four triples last night. He has a handle that allows him to beat defenders off the rim and finish at the rim. His length and versatility at 6’2 allows him to guard multiple positions on defense as he showed he can be a serious defender.
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