The NCAA Live Showcase in Edwardsville, Illinois, gathered more than 70 high school boys basketball teams for a three‑day competition that prioritized growth over trophies. The event, held in early June, offered a family‑friendly atmosphere where coaches could assess their squads before the regular season begins in November.
Development Over Victory
Alton High coach Dylan Dudley highlighted the importance of summer basketball for team evaluation, noting that the showcase provides a rare opportunity to test lineups against a variety of opponents. "It’s about seeing where we stand and figuring out what we need to improve," Dudley said, while balancing his coaching duties with family responsibilities.
The atmosphere was as much about community as competition. Parents cheered from the sidelines, and coaches like Jamauri Sorrels, Bishop Stotler, Dewayne Jones, Pete Hayes, Steve Medford, Kavon Lacey Jr., Kavon Lacey Sr., and Ty Laux took advantage of the platform to showcase their programs to scouts and peers alike.
On the court, Alton High posted a mixed record, dropping games to Lincoln and Confluence but securing a win over St. Louis MICDS. Staunton High went 2‑2, defeating Lincoln and MICDS before falling to Westminster and Lincoln‑Way East. Marquette Catholic High School, a late addition to the field, used the exposure to test its roster against top Midwest talent.
The showcase also served as a springboard for teams eyeing the upcoming season. With the regular season looming, programs left Edwardsville with a clearer sense of strengths and weaknesses, ready to fine‑tune strategies before November’s first games.