The COVID-19 pandemic has put a number of things on pause and as the numbers trend upward the games across the Midwest are at a standstill.  That being said at some point and time basketball will move forward whether it’s the winter, spring, or even summer and when that happens a number of prospects will be looking to take the next step in their progression.  Two talented 2022’s that fit that description perfectly are Brady Ruggles and Elijah Reese respectively, and both are primed to continue to show their abilities on the hardwood.

Ruggles is an intriguing 6’5 shooting guard from Danville High School in Indiana.  The talented guard moved with his family to Indiana this past fall and it only further served to enhance the talent level in the state of Indiana.  He has nice size and length that he pairs with instincts and feel to make for a quality prospects with a nice ceiling.  His range extends beyond the arc, he sees the floor well, and his overall impact to the game can be felt in his ability to contribute with and without the basketball by filling the box score.  Really just starting to stretch his legs as a prospect, Ruggles best basketball lies ahead and when it all comes together look for him to open a lot of eyes at both the Division 1 and the high Division 2 level.  

Another impressive sleeper is Elijah Reese of Rock Island in Illinois.  Equipped with a solid 6’3 frame, Reese is a glue type guy who does all the little things and is willing to take the big shot when needed.  A solid marksmen from beyond the arc, Reese has shown an ability to score at multiple levels and do so in efficient and impressive fashion when it matters the most.  As 2022 prospects go he’s just really starting to put his name on the board in Illinois but when it’s all said and done he, like Ruggles, will be a scholarship caliber player that Division 1 and high caliber Division 2 schools will be tracking closely.  

Ruggles plays for the Mercury Elite grassroots travel program while Reese hits the hardwood with the Mid-Pro Academy program, both of which are based out of Illinois.