Hands Team Academy: Prospects To Know

Over the past weekend I had the privilege of experiencing my first "Hands Team Academy" training session led by Coach Micah Lowe. I was very impressed with his coaching methods and how he placed an emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. Some of the drills in particular focused on reading and reacting, processing information quickly, and instilling discipline in his athletes’ approach to the game. This was without a doubt some of the best training I’ve seen conducted in the Chicagoland area, and I’m a firm believer that pass-catchers in this area are in good hands as long as Coach Lowe and the "Hands Team Academy" are around.   So without further ado, let’s get to know some of the prospects from Hands Team Academy who caught my eye.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots"/>   <h2 class="has-x-large-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:500;text-transform:capitalize">Standout Prospects:</h2>   Will Carlson | WR | Loyola Academy ’25   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium is-style-default"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/willc-scaled-e1658781378436-300x238.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-393584"/></figure> </figure>   Carlson impressed the entire workout and showcased he has the potential to be a productive playmaking possession receiver as he progresses through his high school playing career. He’s an above-average route-runner who excels in creating separation from his defender. Flashed a good pair hands by catching nearly everything thrown his way during the workout. I believe Carlson can be a security blanket type receiver who will be most effective in the intermediate passing attack.   [player_tooltip player_id=’181318’ first=’Amir’ last=’Neal’] | WR | Kenwood Academy ’23   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/amirn-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658849565.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394479"/></figure> </figure>   Neal is a fundamentally sound receiver who has the skills to give a secondary fits out of the slot. He also is a polished route-runner who possess the quicks to eat up a defensive backs cushion in an instant. Displayed excellent hip fluidity and the ability to sink his hips to create the necessary separation from the defensive back. Kenwood Academy does an excellent job in developing their athletes , so it’s no surprise how polished of a receiver Neal is.   Caden West | WR/DB | Burlington Central ’25   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/cadenw-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658852427.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394574"/></figure> </figure>   West plays on both sides of the ball as a receiver and defensive back, and during the workout, he displayed that he can be effective at either position. He’s a physical receiver with a solid build who looks like he can pile up the YAC once he gets going. Has a good burst and solid speed which bodes well for a multi-positional athlete. He unexpectedly has some pretty decent coverage skills, and If I had to project him at the next level, I could definitely see him find a home on the defensive side of the ball.       <h2 class="has-large-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:500">Other Prospects To Know:</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id=’299522’ first=’Deandre’ last=’Coates’] | Lincoln Way West ’25   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/dcoates-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658853855.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394608"/></figure> </figure>     Maha Aung | West Chicago ’25   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/mahaa-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658853983.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394612"/></figure> </figure>     Richard Hanson | DePaul Prep ’24   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/richh-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658854078.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394614"/></figure> </figure>     Jake Anto | Taft ’26   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/07/jakea-scaled-crop-1536x1009-1658854246.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-394616"/></figure> </figure>

Over the past weekend I had the privilege of experiencing my first "Hands Team Academy" training session led by Coach Micah Lowe. I was very impressed with his coaching methods and how he placed an emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. Some of the drills in particular focused on reading and reacting, processing information quickly, and instilling discipline in his athletes’ approach to the game. This was without a doubt some of the best training I’ve seen conducted in the Chicagoland area, and I’m a firm believer that pass-catchers in this area are in good hands as long as Coach Lowe and the "Hands Team Academy" are around.