Danka Basketball League Week 1 Coverage

Javon Swinnie July 15, 2022 @ 03:34 PM

I took a drive to the West Suburbs of Chicago and ended up at the Proviso West High School In Hillside IL for some middle school summer league action. Danka Basketball League (DBL) is hosting a FREE middle school summer…

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The first game was full of big-name players that are going to make instant impacts in their respected high schools this up-and-coming season and some that are going to have a big 8th-grade year to end their middle school careers.

Here are some standouts for week one

Michael Thomas 2026 (Christ The King) Mike took advantage of Proviso West having an NBA three-point line and extended his range and showed why he is one of the best shooters in his class. Knocking down 6 threes including a game-winning AND 1 three from the corner pocket to seal the deal after being down 10 points with 2 minutes left.

Nolan Rivera 2026 (DePaul College Prep) Nolan is the glue guy that keeps any team together with his all-around play, running the floor to get open in transition makes him hard to keep up with. Using his athletism to crash the offensive glass and finish over the top of bigs is an added bonus to his game. Finishing with 25 points without many dribbles showed why Nolen will be a valuable asset to the DePaul family.

Rajan Roberts (2026 Joliet West) Jon Jon is always fun to watch and seeing his game mature over the years has become something to watch. Improving his playmaking with the added ability to stop and pop from deep has made him ready to play at the highest level and allowed finishing with a game high 35 points and an impressive 4/6 from three. Jon Jon is Varsity ready!

Gerald Walton 2027 (Learn Charter School) Gerald Is a high IQ Three Level scorer that is looking to guard the best player on every team and take opponents out of the game mentally. Always communicating with teammates with the ability to hold himself accountably made me fall in love with Gerald’s game. No matter what jersey he puts on he is a primary ball handler and an Alpha Dog on any and every court finishing with 18 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists, Gerald flirted with a triple-double.

I am looking forward to following up with coverage from week 2 and go check out these games and see what other talent DBL MIddle School Exposure League will have.

Rankings

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143 Players Ranked

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About Our Rankings

Prep Hoops Next prospect rankings have been compiled by our staff with input from high school and club coaches from across the country. Players are ranked formulaically based on their current production as well as their long-term potential as collegiate prospects. We aim to expand and update our prospects rankings several times per year to continue to maintain the most comprehensive, accurate prospect rankings in the country. Feel like we are missing someone? Let us know here and get on our radar by submitting your profile!