The Top Prized Under-Classmen in our State

The Top Prized Under-Classmen in our State

In my lens these guys are the prize possessions we have brandished in our state; we envision the likes of Kansas, Michigan State, Duke, Indiana, N.C. State, Oklahoma rolling through.  “The front men in the band Jeremiah Tilmon and Alonzo Verge, the picture isn’t quite clear yet with their status.”

1.                               Jordon Goodwin 6-4        JR        G/F      HM      Belleville Althoff – He’s a stud, more importantly a winner, he’s the face of a program, the No. 1 player in the 2017 class.  He will be one of the feature guys this weekend at the 3A/4A State Tournament.

2.                               Talen Horton-Tucker   6-4        SO       G          HM      Chicago Simeon – Big Ten scripted across his chest; the Illini can’t let him leave the state.  He’s a strong body, offensive threat and going to be a stout defender.  All the big boys will be in here for him.

3.                               Darius Beane       6-4        SO       G          HM      Carbondale – The slender graceful prospect migrates in the southern part of our state so our northern viewers don’t get a chance to eyeball his feats.  Very talented.

4.                               Chris Payton        6-6        FR       F          HM      Bloomington – At times he looks daunting, since his older brother’s departure with 2 weeks left in the season he became one his team’s key weapons.  This kid’s game is activated at a high level most outings.  His presence resembles a junior or a senior.  Big 12, Pac 12, ACC will come in for him.

5.                               Ayo Dosunmu     6-3        SO      PG       HM      Chicago Morgan Park – Young fella is sleet and smooth, in transition he is dynamic, already activates his game in big settings, he can score and create for others.  Will be a 4 or 5 star recruit.

6.                               Da’Monte Williams        6-3      JR        G          HM      Peoria Manual – Recently committed to the Illini.  The sometimes moody performer has his game in high gear the last few weeks, he’s primed to have his Rams squad playing at home in the state finals this weekend.

7.                               Charles Payton    6-7        JR        F          HM      Olympia H.S. – A mind boggling decision to transfer with a couple games left in the season was one of the all-time wackiest moves we’ve seen around here in ages.  But that doesn’t diminish any of his talents, he is a jumping-jack interior player who hits the glass with a vengeance and his offensive game is starting to take shape.  Now we need to see what his academics are going to look like.