Sunday, February 28, 2016

Spot-Liter’s Top 10 Freshmen
It’s been years since we’ve seen freshmen around here logging significant minutes in close games.  In some instances they have been leading scorers in ball-games.  You can add to the mix 6-10 Francis Ohibuike-Okoro currently sitting-out at Normal West, he’s already labeled as a “can’t miss talent”, he has a strong body, very good athlete who can shoot & handle.  Obviously some of us are smitten with the class of diaper-dandies.  Recently I saw where Sun-Times scribe Mike O’Brien posted his dozen or so first year wonders.  “He’s on the money!”  Well, everyone’s lenses see differently.  We already have good length with this group.
1.       Chris Payton          6-6  WF          Bloomington – High-majors are already drooling over his abilities, since his brother’s sudden departure, he’s averaging 17 points, prior to that his numbers were 12 pts, 7 rbs, 3 stls.  “One of our state’s prized prospects.”
2.       Chris Burnell          6-1  PG          Rockford East – “Big-time play-maker already has a good feel for pace & climate.  Can score & distribute well, another prized prospect.”
3.       Kahlil Whitney       6-4  WG         Chicago Solorio – “Statistically his numbers have been good (19 pts), excellent frame – good athlete; rumors swirling has him donning a Morgan Park jersey next season.
4.       E.J. Liddell    6-7     F      Belleville West – “Already a polished scorer.  Averages close to nineteen, had a big game versus Alton late last week; has uncanny feel for the game right now.”
5.       Rashawn Agee       6-6  WF          Chicago Hyde Park – “When the dust settles, he will be right at the top.  Even though he was regulated to sophomore level play, he gave observers a glimpse of what his future might hold.  A terrific talent – has the total package.”
6.       Marquise Walker   5-11 PG          St. Joseph – “Innovative creator – has mad game, knows how to lead – I love his abilities to facilitate for others.  He’s already a respectable outside threat.”
7.       Perry Cowan          6-4  WF          DePaul Prep – “High volume shooter, highly touted, still learning his way, he could have a real test versus Chicago Orr on Wed.”
8.       Martise Jacobs       5-10 G Chicago Uplift – “A special athlete, has jaw-dropping ability, I saw him record 4 dunks in a prime-time play-off game and was the contest’s leading scorer with 20.  Body already chiseled cut, he jumps out of the gym, superb elevation on his jumper.”
9.       Isaac Stanback       6-4  F Hillcrest – “A dynamite athlete with strong body, excellent shot-blocker, averages 8 points – 7 rebounds; has big-game experience.”
10.   Dashon Enoch       6-1  G Oak-Park – “A starter for a good ball-club; just went for 17 in a win versus Proviso East last week; averages 10 points a game and masks as an ace on the ball defender; mature player.”

Others to be excited about: 
  • Aaron Strong 6-0, G, Farragut – has exhilarating offensive ability right now
  • Taeyon Neal 6-8, C, Providence St. Mel – going to be one of our prized young players; agile
  • Terrence Hargrove 6-6, F, East St. Louis – excellent frame with a nice skill set
  • Andre White Jr., 5-7, PG, Loyola Academy - lightening quick gamer; high IQ
  • Kejuan Clements 5-10, PG, Simeon – we have seen blemishes of what his future could look like
  • Bryant Brown 6-4, F, Waukegan – averaged 12 a game, 7 rebounds; promising prospect
  • Fred Cleveland 5-7, PG, Urban Prep – averages in double figures in points and close in assists

Top 10 Prospects in the 2018 Class

Top 10 Prospects in the 2018 Class
Very good back-court talent

1.       Tim Finke     6-6     F             Champaign Central:  Statistically he’s put together a notable second year, his development will be closely followed.
2.       Darius Beane         6-4          G     Carbondale:  One of the jewels of our state’s underclassmen corp.  A skilled athlete, will be highly coveted. 
3.       Raekwon Drake     6-5          SF   Chicago Orr:  Doesn’t matter what level sceptics think he will max out as, but in the present he impacts a game with athleticism and winning plays.
4.       Talen Horton-Tucker    6-4          G          Chicago Simeon:  “Once he becomes knowledgeable, you lookin at a lethal scorer and defender. One of our state’s prized young prospects – Big 10 prospect.”
5.       Ayo Dosunmu       6-3  PG          Chicago Morgan Park:  Has soaked-up some big game experience this season.  Plays at a good pace, has nice offensive game.
6.       Marquan “Bay Bay” Williams  6-9       PG       Chicago Perspective MSA:  “Electric play-maker, high IQ and leadership qualities; has those PG traits Chicago was once noted for.”
7.       Xavier Castenada   5-11 PG          Chicago Young:  “Going through a process of learning how to play through big game moments, a confident young player with a bright future.”
8.       Cordell McGee       6-3  G/F         Springfield Lanphier:  Vastly under-rated, averages 11 points – 6 rebounds – 3 assists & 2 steals per outing; his team’s best defender; a potential swingman; a good lookin prospect.
9.       Landers Nolley       6-5  WF          Chicago Curie:  Has already developed a reputation as an outside threat; other parts of his game needs polish; has excellent length on the perimeter.”

10.   Cameron Donation       6-2          G          West Aurora:  A tough competitor; can make shots & plays; already demonstrates leadership & winning intangibles.