Bleacher Shots

Rapolis Ivanaukas the six foot nine forward from Barrington H.S. a highly regarded 2016 prospect gave the Northwestern’s program a commitment recently.  These are exciting times in Evanston, nabbing the multi-skilled scorer was a signal that the Wildcats are serious about adding a nice blend of young talent to bolster their roster for long term success.  The incoming 2015 class has St. Joe’s guard Jordan Ash, highly touted Massachusetts forward Aaron Falzon and 6-8 post-man out of Cleveland Dererk Pardon.  It’s certainly a new era worth of waiting.

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The Illinois State tragedy a few weeks ago was painful.  It truly illustrated things in the proper perspective.  The daily basketball grind is just a small fragment of our life despite of the monetary rewards, this was a huge reminder of how fragile everyday life can be.  Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.

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New Southern Illinois Edwardsville head-coach Jon Harris hired Mount Vernon native and SIU alum Kent Williams as his top assistant.  They have their work cut-out for them but at least they understand the landscape in the area.

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John A Logan Junior College Forward Russell Woods will be headed to the University Missouri.  This will be a true test to see if he is disciplined enough on and off the floor to handle the structured environment that awaits within coach Kim Anderson’s system.  The 6-8 former Leo/Simeon performer will have to prove himself this time around.

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Kansas State released six foot seven forward Malik Harris after one season.  The former Carl Sandburg alum has often been plagued by suspensions and other off the court issues.  He is just coming off shoulder surgery a month ago and wouldn’t be available for live contact until August which will give him time to think about if he is really serious about cleaning up his act.  Where ever he lands he will have three years of eligibility, now the tricky part is finding the right fit for him meaning a coach who can mentor him and get him on-track off the court.  Leonard Hamilton and the Florida State program may just be the second chance Harris could survive in.

Hampton University signed high scoring guard Kalin Fisher out of Proviso East.  He was one of our areas top unsigned 2015 prospects.