A FLOUNDERING 2019 CROP

Once billed as a Blue-Chip Group, has not mounted into a sagging cast. It hurts my heart as well as my evaluations to candidly speak the truth about a group of youngsters I personally like! We will identify our best 7 then move forward with some Sophomores who have performed consistently through-out this year’s campaign.

1.    E.J. Liddle                        6-7-F                       Belleville West – Consensus No. 1, had a big game Tuesday night versus Edwardsville, where they lost. Earlier in the season they tagged Edwardsville with their only loss. He’s the best scorer in the class and our state’s prized recruit.

2.    Francis Okoro 6-10-C  Normal West – hasn’t had the kind of season most of us observers had pegged for him, but he’s still a formidable force and a prized recruit.

3.    Chris Payton                   6-6-F                    Bloomington – still a terrific talent, development on par to where we once viewed him. The strength of his game is that he competes. He’s lacing-up against Marengo Tuesday night at NIU.

4.    Bryant Brown                               6-5-F                       Waukegan – he’s one of the main reasons why his squad 21-8 was heading into a huge match-up versus Evanston on Friday night where they dropped a close game. He averages 18 points & 9 boards, and he is legit!

5.    Terrance Hargrove                      6-6-WF   East St. Louis – a break-out season where he captivated observers with his athleticism and ability to make plays during crucial stages in a game improving jump shots. Prized recruit.

6.    Deng Reng                                     6-6-F                       Wheaton North – young fella, has excellent length and enormous potential. Lost Friday night to Naperville North. He’s a kid to follow during the off season.  

7.    Aaron Strong                 6-1-G                      Chicago Farragut – this combo type has the makings of a future prolific scorer. This kid dropped over 30 on Simeon in a city play-off game. Aaron, has a throw-back style offensive game which can be exhilarating at times.