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