UNDER-CLASSMEN CAMP 2020-2021
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2017
• 10:00AM – 11:00AM Registration
• 11:00AM Speaker
ROBERT COLLINS – Administrator
Former Northern Illinois Associate Athletic Director
Former Assistant Coach at DePaul
Former Assistant Coach at NIU
• 1:00PM Instructional/Skills Play – Break down in groups
• 2:00PM PIERRE PIERCE – Founder/CEO DBLP Training
All-Stater from Westmont High-School, one of Illinois All-Time leaders in scoring.
Stand-Out All-Conference Guard in the Big 10 at Iowa
• 3:00PM PAT SELLERS – Former DePaul Assistant Coach
Long time player/coach in China
Former Assistant Coach at University of Connecticut Final Four Team
CAMP INSTRUCTORS
• Tom Allen – Former Founder of TBA Program
• Phil Gary – Former Thornton & Long Beach St. Star
• Pierre Pierce – All Conference Big-10
• Pat Sellers – Former College Assistant Coach
• Quinn Peterson – Current Head-Coach at Walter Payton
Event Director – Larry Butler
Site Coordinator – Greg Bayer
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE 2017 FALL CLASSIC (2)
TOURNAMENT CO-MVP – JEREMIAH HERNANDEZ & TREY CALVIN
1ST TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
Peter Lambesis 6-4 G/F SR St. Viator
DaRon Hall 5-10 PG SO Glenbard East
Jeremiah Hernandez 6-4 G JR St. Viator
Sam Shafer 6-5 G SR Lincoln-Way East
Alijah Nelson 5-11 PG SO Glenbard East
2nd TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
Isaiah Fuller 6-1 G SR Oak-Park
Cameron Blackmon 6-0 G SR Joliet Central
Taeyon Neal 6-10 C JR Providence St. Mel
Javari McClendon 6-3 G SR Hope Academy
Ethan Schuemer 6-7 SF SR Willowbrook
3RD TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
Terrance Shannon 6-7 F SR Lincoln Park
Joshua Rosenborough 5-10 G SR Thornwood
Ryan Trotter 6-2 G JR Walter Payton
Javion May 6-2 G SR Hope Academy
Fred Cleveland 5-7 PG JR Chicago Leo
NOTABLE TOURNAMENT SLEEPERS & SURPRISES
All of these players participated in the playoffs, except for the Metamora kids who played outstanding during their games while losing several close ones and Liam from Payton.
• Matt Myers 6-3 SR WG Willowbrook (shot the ball really well)
• Chase Robinson 6-1 JR G Oak-Park (coming into his own now)
• Payton Havens 5-9 JR G Metamora (strong with the rock)
• Collin Dietz 6-6 JR F Metamora (coaches gloat over him)
• Joe Buggemi 6-4 SR F Lincoln-Way East (competed hard)
• Sami Ismail 5-11 SR G Carl Sandburg (shot the ball well)
• Liam Dillon 6-5 SO F Walter Payton (was impressive)
• Connor Kochera 6-3 SO G St. Viator (he was un-heralded)
• Jalen Chavers 6-2 SR G Thornwood (displayed talent)
• Tim Ervin 5-6 JR PG Providence St. Mel (ran his team)
• Adem Osmani 6-3 SR G/F Oak Lawn (made playoffs)
• Jason Pygon 5-11 SR PG Carl Sandburg (was a lil general)
• Sami Osmani 6-1 SO G Oak Lawn (impressive)
• Sean Willis 5-8 JR PG Richards (coming along)
1ST TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
DaRon Hall 5-10 PG SO Glenbard East
Jeremiah Hernandez 6-4 G JR St. Viator
Sam Shafer 6-5 G SR Lincoln-Way East
Alijah Nelson 5-11 PG SO Glenbard East
2nd TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
Isaiah Fuller 6-1 G SR Oak-Park
Cameron Blackmon 6-0 G SR Joliet Central
Taeyon Neal 6-10 C JR Providence St. Mel
Javari McClendon 6-3 G SR Hope Academy
Ethan Schuemer 6-7 SF SR Willowbrook
3RD TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
Terrance Shannon 6-7 F SR Lincoln Park
Joshua Rosenborough 5-10 G SR Thornwood
Ryan Trotter 6-2 G JR Walter Payton
Javion May 6-2 G SR Hope Academy
Fred Cleveland 5-7 PG JR Chicago Leo
NOTABLE TOURNAMENT SLEEPERS & SURPRISES
All of these players participated in the playoffs, except for the Metamora kids who played outstanding during their games while losing several close ones and Liam from Payton.
• Matt Myers 6-3 SR WG Willowbrook (shot the ball really well)
• Chase Robinson 6-1 JR G Oak-Park (coming into his own now)
• Payton Havens 5-9 JR G Metamora (strong with the rock)
• Collin Dietz 6-6 JR F Metamora (coaches gloat over him)
• Joe Buggemi 6-4 SR F Lincoln-Way East (competed hard)
• Sami Ismail 5-11 SR G Carl Sandburg (shot the ball well)
• Liam Dillon 6-5 SO F Walter Payton (was impressive)
• Connor Kochera 6-3 SO G St. Viator (he was un-heralded)
• Jalen Chavers 6-2 SR G Thornwood (displayed talent)
• Tim Ervin 5-6 JR PG Providence St. Mel (ran his team)
• Adem Osmani 6-3 SR G/F Oak Lawn (made playoffs)
• Jason Pygon 5-11 SR PG Carl Sandburg (was a lil general)
• Sami Osmani 6-1 SO G Oak Lawn (impressive)
• Sean Willis 5-8 JR PG Richards (coming along)
ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE 2017 FALL CLASSIC
MEMORY OF MY DEAR FRIEND: WAYNE McCLAIN
In Plainfield, IL (Sept 16-17): Jeremiah Hernandez and Peter Lambesis tallied 14 points apiece as St. Viator defeated a surprising Glenbard East squad in the Final of ISL Fall Classic. Both teams played well through-out the two-day event surprising most observers with their quality team play. Viator beat a really good Oak-Park team in the semi-finals capping 6-0 finish. While East upset 2A power Hope Academy in the other semi-final contest. Hope stand-out guard Javion May was saddled with a leg injury so he did not perform. St. Viator’s cruised through pool play behind sparkling performances from Co-MVPs – Jerry Hernandez and Trey Calvin, the junior tandem provided a potent scoring duo throughout the event. Senior swingman Peter Lambesis was one of surprises at the event. The six foot four lefty was lethal; he demonstrated athleticism by finishing at the rim. He knocked-down shots consistently and displayed precision with heady floor play. Ivy League and Patriot schools should pay him a visit quickly. He’s definitely a division one talent and someone to follow this season. Hernandez validated his status as a Top 15-20 prospect in the state’s 2019 Class. He demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to score in a variety of ways when needed. Trey Calvin is a sleeper type in the “19” Class, was un-assuming threat with silky-smooth skills. He’s very talented and poise with good speed & quickness and a penchant for big play moments. In addition, he knows how to play. Glenbard East has a bright future and it all starts with un-heralded (2020) guards, DaRon Hall and Alijah Nelson. The pair was terrific all weekend. The both of them can be innovative in the open floor. And the plus part is that they take care of the ball and don’t commit costly miscues. Hall had 19 markers in the final, while senior James Peterkin went for 11 points and 10 boards. Hall and Nelson are two players to watch in our promising 2020 Class, as well as Viator Sophomore guard Connor Kochera who did his thing in the shadows of his mates through-out the tournament. This was our second official year hosting the classic in which we honor my friend and former Illinois Coach Wayne McClain, a Peoria native. I will always remember his laughter & passion for the game. As well as our many conversations regarding basketball in our state and our life experiences. His voice of reasoning is always in my thoughts!
There are some areas with this event I will address and tighten in moving forward. I’m always looking for ways of improving while assisting our area coaches in helping them provide a positive environment where they can evaluate their program in a reflective, positive way. Special thanks to the Plainfield Central Staff. I am extremely proud of our lengthy relationship we have built over the course of twenty plus years. I consider Principle Dave Stephens a close friend who was once boys varsity Coach at Plainfield Central, then Athletic Director, and now Principle. Newly appointed Head Coach, Greg Bayer has stardom scripted all over him. His energy and spirit reminds me so much of Dave during his early tenure in the 90s. Greg actually played for Dave in the early to mid 2000s. I thank them for all their support.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
St. Viator 48 – Glenbard East 32
In Plainfield, IL (Sept 16-17): Jeremiah Hernandez and Peter Lambesis tallied 14 points apiece as St. Viator defeated a surprising Glenbard East squad in the Final of ISL Fall Classic. Both teams played well through-out the two-day event surprising most observers with their quality team play. Viator beat a really good Oak-Park team in the semi-finals capping 6-0 finish. While East upset 2A power Hope Academy in the other semi-final contest. Hope stand-out guard Javion May was saddled with a leg injury so he did not perform. St. Viator’s cruised through pool play behind sparkling performances from Co-MVPs – Jerry Hernandez and Trey Calvin, the junior tandem provided a potent scoring duo throughout the event. Senior swingman Peter Lambesis was one of surprises at the event. The six foot four lefty was lethal; he demonstrated athleticism by finishing at the rim. He knocked-down shots consistently and displayed precision with heady floor play. Ivy League and Patriot schools should pay him a visit quickly. He’s definitely a division one talent and someone to follow this season. Hernandez validated his status as a Top 15-20 prospect in the state’s 2019 Class. He demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to score in a variety of ways when needed. Trey Calvin is a sleeper type in the “19” Class, was un-assuming threat with silky-smooth skills. He’s very talented and poise with good speed & quickness and a penchant for big play moments. In addition, he knows how to play. Glenbard East has a bright future and it all starts with un-heralded (2020) guards, DaRon Hall and Alijah Nelson. The pair was terrific all weekend. The both of them can be innovative in the open floor. And the plus part is that they take care of the ball and don’t commit costly miscues. Hall had 19 markers in the final, while senior James Peterkin went for 11 points and 10 boards. Hall and Nelson are two players to watch in our promising 2020 Class, as well as Viator Sophomore guard Connor Kochera who did his thing in the shadows of his mates through-out the tournament. This was our second official year hosting the classic in which we honor my friend and former Illinois Coach Wayne McClain, a Peoria native. I will always remember his laughter & passion for the game. As well as our many conversations regarding basketball in our state and our life experiences. His voice of reasoning is always in my thoughts!
There are some areas with this event I will address and tighten in moving forward. I’m always looking for ways of improving while assisting our area coaches in helping them provide a positive environment where they can evaluate their program in a reflective, positive way. Special thanks to the Plainfield Central Staff. I am extremely proud of our lengthy relationship we have built over the course of twenty plus years. I consider Principle Dave Stephens a close friend who was once boys varsity Coach at Plainfield Central, then Athletic Director, and now Principle. Newly appointed Head Coach, Greg Bayer has stardom scripted all over him. His energy and spirit reminds me so much of Dave during his early tenure in the 90s. Greg actually played for Dave in the early to mid 2000s. I thank them for all their support.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE 2017 FALL CLASSIC
MEMORY OF COACH WAYNE MCCLAIN
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH & SUNDAY, SEPT. 17TH
PLAINFIELD CENTRAL HIGH-SCHOOL
NEXT LAYER
• Xavier Pinson 6-3 PG MM Chicago Simeon
“Had a strong summer, now Public League foe’s await; this slithery scoring threat will have to share playing time & the Spot-Lite in a crowded back-court. Top 12 – in the class, he has Kent St., George Mason, Cleveland St, Buffalo, Indiana St., W- Milw, Evansville.
• Tyronn Mosley 6-5 G MM Chicago Orr
“Excellent open-court threat, where his athleticism is on full throttle. He had a sizzling spring, summer was somewhat subpar. DePaul, Duquesne, Bradley, UIC, and Chicago St. all in the hunt for his services. Dayton still in the picture.”
• Drew Peterson 6-7 WF MM Libertyville
“Has that Pistol Pete Maravich floppy Hairdo. A versatile player with a good understanding of how to play. Rice, William & Mary, and Yale head his list.”
• Massiah Jones 6-5 SF MM Chicago Simeon
“This kid is a gifted athlete, exceptional quick leaper. Face-up game from 12-15 feet has started to evolve. Superb shot-blocker, a true fit for the Mac and Horizon League. NIU, W- Milw., Cleveland St., Chicago St., and Evansville head-line his list.”
• Maurice Commander 5-8 PG MM Chicago Curie
The lil lefty was nifty and effective all summer. His floor game certainly silenced his critics. He has a slew of mid-majors looking for him to pledge his allegiance. Eastern Ill, Wis- Milw., Evansville, Missouri St., Wofford, SIU-E, Cal-Davis, and Youngstown St.
• Cardell McGee 6-2 G MM Springfield Lanphier
Wrapped-up the summer on a strong note, after some adjustments with a new club team. Silver quick guard with a promising floor game, out-side shooting should be his focus of improvement before the season. Top 16 guy in the class. Offers from DePaul, Illinois St., Ut-Martin seem to be ancient.
• Quinlan Bennett 6-3 G MM Proviso East
“This kid was hampered by a leg injury all of July, but managed to play his way through the summer with-out sitting. Wiry athlete with a huge up-side, one of the true sleepers of the class. Deadly mid-range shooter. We view him as a top 15-20 prospect right now. Robert Morris, Lewis, Manhattan, and Albany. Watch him blowup during the season.”
• Eddie Creal 6-3 G/F MM Romeoville
“A impressive July opened some doors. Can flat-out play, great energy & good athlete. Thrives defensively, fun to watch; another sleeper in the group, unfortunately he plays for coaches who rarely return calls or messages. Southern U., Lewis.
• Jalen Shaw 6-10 C MM Elgin-Larkin
“Has enormous potential, we envision him being a player with impact at both ends of the floor one day. He’s demonstrated shot-blocking ability & rebounding. In fact he runs the floor exceptionally well for a big fella. SIU & UIC are in deep. A player to watch;”
• DeAndre Heckerd 6-1 G MM Romeoville
“I can see what the buzz has been about him; floor game is still in the refining stages. Still plays as if he’s un-sure of situations. Likely could blossom after high-school years. Coppin St, Southern, Bethune Cookman, while Drake Univ. may have vanished since Kendle Moore committed there.”
A SWIFT GLIMPSE AT THE 2017 CLASS
“Seemingly we all recognize who our State’s Top 10 players are. After a sobering summer, we will identify our next layer of Division One Prospects.”
FROM MY BIRDS EYE VIEWING
OUR TOP 10 PLAYERS
1. Talen Horton-Tucker – Simeon
2. Ayo Dosunmu – Morgan Park
3. Zion Griffin – Hinsdale South
4. Javon Freeman – Whitney Young
5. Xavier Castenada – Whitney Young
6. Darius Beane – Carbondale
7. George Conditt – Corliss
8. Tamell Pearson – Morgan Park
9. Tim Finke – Champaign Central
10. Kezo Brown – Simeon
FROM MY BIRDS EYE VIEWING
OUR TOP 10 PLAYERS
1. Talen Horton-Tucker – Simeon
2. Ayo Dosunmu – Morgan Park
3. Zion Griffin – Hinsdale South
4. Javon Freeman – Whitney Young
5. Xavier Castenada – Whitney Young
6. Darius Beane – Carbondale
7. George Conditt – Corliss
8. Tamell Pearson – Morgan Park
9. Tim Finke – Champaign Central
10. Kezo Brown – Simeon
2017 EARLY COMMITTMENTS
NAME / HT / POS / HIGH-SCHOOL / COLLEGE
• Kezo Brown 6-2 G Chicago Simeon Chicago State
• Darius Beane 6-3 G Carbondale Southern Illinois Univ.
• Sam Schafer 6-4 WG Lincoln-Way East Southern Illinois
• Tamell Pearson 6-8 SF Morgan Park U.A.B
• Javon Freeman 6-3 G Whitney Young Valparaiso Univ.
• Kendle Moore 6-0 PG Danville Drake Univ.
• Zion Griffin 6-6 F Hinsdale South Iowa State
Well, Mr. Tyger Campbell, DePaul’s most recent heralded recruit has elected to re-open his recruitment. Campbell, a nifty 6 foot general from LaLumiere Prep in LaPorte, Ind. has a current list of schools in pursuit, such as: Illinois, Iowa, and Purdue. Tyger, seems to be looking for more affection, like so many young dudes these days who think they are destined for stardom. A few months back Campbell reclassified to the 2018 Class, he was once profiled as Top 25 prospect in the 2019 casting. “So much for indecisiveness…”
More DePaul news; Chicago Native Tim Anderson returns to the College Coaching Ranks, landing a spot on Dave Leitao’s staff. Anderson, will be thrust into action immediately.
University Illinois at Chicago gave former Illinois stand-out Dee Brown another opportunity to build his profile in the College Coaching carousel. Kudos to UIC head Coach Steve McClain. Brown, replaces Assistant Brendan Mullins, who departed for (Red-Bird Country) Illinois State recently. Brendan will be missed in the Chicagoland Area.
Former Penn-State guard and St. Joe’s stand-out Brandon Watkins returned to Mark Montgomery’s staff at Northern Illinois. Montgomery, being the stand-up character that he is, rewarded Watkins who was a director of operation for several seasons with the Huskies.
• Kezo Brown 6-2 G Chicago Simeon Chicago State
• Darius Beane 6-3 G Carbondale Southern Illinois Univ.
• Sam Schafer 6-4 WG Lincoln-Way East Southern Illinois
• Tamell Pearson 6-8 SF Morgan Park U.A.B
• Javon Freeman 6-3 G Whitney Young Valparaiso Univ.
• Kendle Moore 6-0 PG Danville Drake Univ.
• Zion Griffin 6-6 F Hinsdale South Iowa State
Well, Mr. Tyger Campbell, DePaul’s most recent heralded recruit has elected to re-open his recruitment. Campbell, a nifty 6 foot general from LaLumiere Prep in LaPorte, Ind. has a current list of schools in pursuit, such as: Illinois, Iowa, and Purdue. Tyger, seems to be looking for more affection, like so many young dudes these days who think they are destined for stardom. A few months back Campbell reclassified to the 2018 Class, he was once profiled as Top 25 prospect in the 2019 casting. “So much for indecisiveness…”
More DePaul news; Chicago Native Tim Anderson returns to the College Coaching Ranks, landing a spot on Dave Leitao’s staff. Anderson, will be thrust into action immediately.
University Illinois at Chicago gave former Illinois stand-out Dee Brown another opportunity to build his profile in the College Coaching carousel. Kudos to UIC head Coach Steve McClain. Brown, replaces Assistant Brendan Mullins, who departed for (Red-Bird Country) Illinois State recently. Brendan will be missed in the Chicagoland Area.
Former Penn-State guard and St. Joe’s stand-out Brandon Watkins returned to Mark Montgomery’s staff at Northern Illinois. Montgomery, being the stand-up character that he is, rewarded Watkins who was a director of operation for several seasons with the Huskies.
JUST A VIBE
We could’ve have been more thrilled to see Northwestern’s Chris Collins hire former Peoria Central & Indiana University stand-out A.J. Guyton. The former Chicago Bull will be an instant splash with the Wildcat Program. Guyton, has always been one of my favorite Illinois Warrior Alum’s.
The 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Ceremony over this past week-end in Springfield,Mass was highly impactful. Head-lining the star power occasion were inductees Rebecca Lobo, Bill Self, Mannie Jackson, the late Jerry Krause, George McGinnis, Muffet McGraw, and Tracy McGrady. I thought the speeches that were presented captivated the audience leaving an empowering message. This Ceremony was one to remember.
Kudos to Chicago Phillips football Coach Troy McAllister for having the wisdom as well as the confidence to push his program for excellence, instead of opting for small school titles. McAllister has elected to petition the IHSA to move his Program up to Class 5A, his Phillips squad currently competes in 3A. Which leads me to several basketball programs in the area performing in the State 2A and 3A format, while clearly having far more superior talent than their opponents and happy to amass multiple titles. Hopefully McAllister’s vision will set a trend of goal-standard for our hoop Coaches.
It’s un-fortunate that the once customary scouting service bureau has lost its value in recent years, much to the wave of social media outlets & analytic tools which allegedly provides a rapid source for data. Today, scouting services are viewed as a misty-eyed venture especially for minorities/Afro-Americans, simply because most of the Blacks in the College Coaching don’t look to lift/support or empower their own. Mannie Jackson’s Hall of Fame speech was enlightening, it stroke a cord in some of us, that fellow Hall Fame Coach George Raveling resonated in my head years ago. We have so many guys in the business today zoned out; their mission is landing the next gig! Afro-Americans take out each other so often; just look at the general service industry communicating with the population they serve can be emotionally draining. “I’m not instigating trail blazer either.”
The 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Ceremony over this past week-end in Springfield,Mass was highly impactful. Head-lining the star power occasion were inductees Rebecca Lobo, Bill Self, Mannie Jackson, the late Jerry Krause, George McGinnis, Muffet McGraw, and Tracy McGrady. I thought the speeches that were presented captivated the audience leaving an empowering message. This Ceremony was one to remember.
Kudos to Chicago Phillips football Coach Troy McAllister for having the wisdom as well as the confidence to push his program for excellence, instead of opting for small school titles. McAllister has elected to petition the IHSA to move his Program up to Class 5A, his Phillips squad currently competes in 3A. Which leads me to several basketball programs in the area performing in the State 2A and 3A format, while clearly having far more superior talent than their opponents and happy to amass multiple titles. Hopefully McAllister’s vision will set a trend of goal-standard for our hoop Coaches.
It’s un-fortunate that the once customary scouting service bureau has lost its value in recent years, much to the wave of social media outlets & analytic tools which allegedly provides a rapid source for data. Today, scouting services are viewed as a misty-eyed venture especially for minorities/Afro-Americans, simply because most of the Blacks in the College Coaching don’t look to lift/support or empower their own. Mannie Jackson’s Hall of Fame speech was enlightening, it stroke a cord in some of us, that fellow Hall Fame Coach George Raveling resonated in my head years ago. We have so many guys in the business today zoned out; their mission is landing the next gig! Afro-Americans take out each other so often; just look at the general service industry communicating with the population they serve can be emotionally draining. “I’m not instigating trail blazer either.”
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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