Top 10 Players in the 2017 Class

Top 10 Players in the 2017 Class

A class once considered top notch, lost some of its luster with the departure of nationally ranked recruit Jeremiah Tilman, Alonzo Verge, and Joe St. Pierre.  While Verge is back in the area after leaving the prep-school in Florida, he’s enrolled in Proviso West just bracing for an opportunity to display his jaw-dropping talents.  A Tilman return at East Louis next season would spark a frenzy within the fan base there after such a dismal season. “There lays hope he’s returning.”

1.       Jordon Goodwin   6-4     G/F       HM      Belleville Althoff – A stud, knows how to activate an audience, has winning intangibles, he’s a formidable recruit to any program.  The ultimate winner, primed to have is ball-club ready for a 3A title.  DePaul, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Missouri in hot pursuit.”

2.       Alonzo Verge Jr     6-4     PG        HM      Proviso West – “Sitting out at the West Suburban School since returning from Florida.  We miss his dazzling show!  Hope his academics will have him marketable.”

3.       Justin Smith 6-6     WF     HM       Stevenson -    “A marvelous talent, aligned with academics, size, athleticism and perimeter shooting; Big 10 schools in pursuit.”

4.       Charles Payton      6-7     WF        HM      Bloomington/Olympia H.S. – “Bazaar twist with 2 games left in the regular season, this talented prospect bolted for a little school in central Illinois, talk about obscurity. Everyone is hoping his academics will have him on par.”

5.       Christian Negro     6-7     F           HM      Elgin-Larkin – “Intriguing athlete, starting to look engaged often on both ends; offensive game is starting to take some shape.”

6.       Da’Monte Williams       6-3       G          HM      Peoria Manuel – Not always engaged, but when he is, he’s a terrific talent.  “A big summer awaits.”

7.       Nojel Eastern         6-5     G/F       HM      Evanston – Potentially he could be a versatile player who could mask in a variety of roles, so I’m indicating he’s a system type.  High-majors have been present; he will be closely viewed this spring & summer!

8.       Javon Pickett         6-5     G          HM      Belleville East – Illinois recruit is smooth operator with enormous potential and he’s starting to develop into a prime time scorer and leader.

9.       Evan Gilyard 5-10   PG           MM+-MM Chicago Simeon – “A gamer – lefty knows how to bring-it; great energy; can make big shots or create for mates.”

10.   Manny Patterson   6-8          SF   MM+-MM      Chicago Kenwood – He’s a valuable piece, not much of a scorer yet, but he impacts games with shot blocking, hitting the glass and patrolling the paint; he’s an intangible asset.”