College coaches need to become more familiar with these men and their respective programs. Majority of them have been successful throughout the years and not many have taken notice particularly outside of their schools and communities. “These guys have flourished!” We’re going to identify who they are in briefing.
• William Nelson - Farragut
“This math teacher is long overdue, for the message he represents daily with his players. He probably has the longest tenure of any city coach. well respected bench coach, vastly recognized for developing Big Men, in addition to teaching the necessary fundamentals. Coach Nelson doesn’t harbor a bus-load of talent that once walked the halls at Farragut, but he still manages to develop & produce Division One talent, while winning his share of big games. A mentor for his players, we all admire him & Ron Estridge’s dedication for all the years and the hours they’ve put in.
• Bobby Worthington – Zion Benton
Highly regarded in his community as well as the basketball circles. He’s been the backbone for the Zion Program for close to 20 years. Many of those seasons B Worth was an Assistant under long time Zion Coach Don Kloth. Now entering year three as the head-man, expectations could expand into a lofty projection with the arrival of talented youngsters DaMonte Taylor (2020) and Amar Aguillar (2021). B Worth is the right man guiding this program in a rapidly changing climate. He’s tough enough to handle the masses!
• Henry Cotton – Marshall
Undisputed manager/leader has quietly gone about his business of developing and mentoring his players through all types of hardship. Most city hoop connoisseurs outside of the city west end, aren’t dialed in to what this program has accomplished in the last six years or seven years with their student athletes. No program in their area can bolster that they’re players are moving on getting College degrees while thriving in the professional hoop culture. Marshall H.S. has produced Alfonzo McKinnie (Toronto Raptors), Milton Doyle (G-League, New Jersey), Keifer Sykes landed a lucrative package in China after bouncing NBA camps, and now Vincent Garrett just landed a roster spot with the G-League/ Minnesota T-Wolves.
Now remember NBA Veteran, Patrick Beverly is from the Marshall Program also. Coach Cotton has talented pair of juniors: Henry Coleman and Johnsal Harris to continue his magical run. Hats off to Cotton!
• Anton Harmon – Hope Academy
Took his school down-state for the very first time last season. Harmon, a classy demanding tactician has set lofty goals for his program & his kids and academics is a huge part of his mission at Hope. A one-time Hyde Park Academy and Northern Illinois stand-out, has three potential Division One players suited-up in his Program led by seniors: Javari McClendon, Javion May, and highly touted sophomore Jamari McClendon. I’m surprised Harmon hasn’t been lured away by College opportunities. “A heck of a Coach & individual.”
• Brett Nishidayashi – Taft
He’s come full circle in his career path, wasn’t so long ago he was the toast of the school as a stand-out Point-Guard at Taft. Since returning to his alma-mater, he’s come to be recognized as a Coach & mentor with an “all hands on deck approach”. Excellent teacher with the ability to communicate with his players & families. Brett doesn’t have program changing talent manning the halls as some others, but he manages to keep his teams in contention. He’s viewed as one of our finer coaches in the public league. Sophomore Guard Matthew Lesch is a promising prospect and someone to watch.
• Don Houston – Hillcrest
My man has ruled the South-Suburban Conference for years. This up-coming season might be challenging as he looks to reload with a stable of young talent. Houston has always been regarded as one of our successful Coaches in the South Suburbs, but he doesn’t attract the fan fare outside of the daily south town news outlet. He’s revered by his peers, players and families, and highly regarded by school officials. It wasn’t long ago he took his Hillcrest squad down state 2012, finishing 3rd in Class 3A. “One of my favorite guys…”
• Rich Kolimas – Lincoln-Way East
“Churned out several sparkling seasons at Gordon Tech, which is now called DePaul Prep. Coach K was always recognized as a sharp x & o strategist and a terrific teacher of fundamentals. His work has become more noticeable as we witness the emergence of SIU recruit, Sam Shafer and the rapid development of sophomore Big-Man, Nate Seputis. Coach Kolimas is certainly one of the Top 10 Coaches in the Chicagoland area and viewers will have opportunity to attest to that fact this season. He’s brought that program back to life in a community that’s never satisfied!
• Lawrence Thompson – Joliet Central
The Joliet native has generated some buzz back into a program that had been in a sagging state for years. Now, he’s got some talent to mound together, starting with a nucleus of senior Guards: Cameron Blackmon and Don Joachim, while 6-5 sophomore Kee Hargrow could become a budding star one day. Thompson’s trade-mark has often been his ability to develop un-tapped talent, his body of work at Lockport where he coached for many years speaks for itself; under his guidance Alando Tucker blossomed into a NBA player for several seasons, Karrington Ward plays professionally overseas and Richaun Holmes currently plays for the 76ers. Larry continues to be the shining star of Joliet.
• Scott Miller – Glenbard East
Miller’s Blue Print on his program the last eight years speaks high volumes. His teams are always prepared and fundamentally sound. His rise to success through the years contributed to his ability to bring along his younger players at a good pace while developing a culture that exhibits a winning environment. His accomplishments haven’t gone un-noticed with many of us. This time around he will build with the tandem of sophomore guards DaRon Hall and Alijah Nelson, while senior Korvante Davis will provide some toughness & stability.
• Tim Ervin – Providence St. Mel
One of the ultimate good guys. Hasn’t received nearly the credit he deserves with his program. His labor of work bounces to a different beat then others surrounding him, especially when it comes to landing the kind of student-athlete that excels in a school setting noted for academics. Ervin has thrived on the hardwood as well as in the classroom, you seldom see a kid leaving St. Mel for another program. Ervin, pinned in the Catholic League white division, should do some damage with a squad spearheaded by his son, Tim Jr. and promising six foot ten Center Taeyon Neal.
• Tom White – De La Salle
This guy has been a mainstay, a pillar of success for years in a highly competitive Catholic League. The coaching & administrative work he’s put in has been under-valued by outsiders and media types. Tom has developed a really good culture at the school and runs a close-knit operation. His forward method of thinking has transformed De La Salle as one of our popular hubs to view quality games on Tuesday & Friday nights. Coach White who I consider a dear friend has produced a dozen or more Division One players through the Meteor Program in recent years.
• Rick Runaas – Lemont
Vastly under-rated, once the Head Coach at T.F. North. His name doesn’t resonate with very many people outside his suburban hoop circles, but his peers recognize his talents. Runaas has been District 7 3A/4A Co-Coach of the year by IBCA Coach’s Bureau. His system is a testament to the culture he’s created at Lemont. Rick will have a potent squad this up-coming season led by senior Big Man- Paul O’Leary and 6-7 junior- Nate Ferguson.
• Tim Trendel - Providence Catholic
Highly respected, hasn’t received the accolades in the Catholic League for his success, nor has he had a flood-gate of talent to work with, but his teams are well coached and prepared. Tim runs a well oiled discipline scheme that keeps his ball club in striking contention every game. He will have a fine nucleus to build around this season with a host of football players and senior guard, Scott Slocum while rising junior, Adam Taylor will be a prospect to watch.
• Matt Maloney – Oak Park-River Forest
His close-knit cast is a reflection of who he is and what he’s built in recent years. Despite of being surrounded by more notarized rivals such as – Fenwick, St. Joseph, and Proviso East, Maloney has managed to keep his program at accelerating rate. He’s done an excellent job of branding his young core and overturning their talent to where scouts/colleges and media types all recognize their potential. Expectations loom with the core of Isaiah Fuller, Dashon Enoch, Charlie Hoehne, un-song juniors Anthony Roberts and Marist transfer Chase Robinson.
• Deryn Carter – Elgin-Larkin H.S.
Already entering his 9th season as head varsity Coach at the North-West Suburban School. DC has tremendous energy & passion for the game, his close-knit bond with his kids is a true testament to the culture he’s built during his tenure. Senior, Jalen Shaw at six foot ten with a rapidly improving all-around game, and senior guard Anthony Lynch will provide leadership for this year’s talented group. Junior guard, Vic Perez and sophomore wiz Lorenzo Coney will be players to keep an eye on. Carter is one of the best Coaches in the North-Suburban area.
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