About an estimated three hundred spectators packed the tiny Lincoln Pk gymnasium up-on Armitage to witness a double over-time thriller. This was probably one of the more entertaining games I’ve saw around these parts in years. This was extra special because it was two of the Chicago Public Leagues finer academic schools colliding head on, which once was a customary match up before the conference re-alignment occurred about 10 years or so ago. The two Programs were intertwined through the former competitive Red-West Conference. I recall some memorable match-ups between the schools when Lincoln Pk was a perennial conference challenger for a period of 4-6 years under Mike Thompson, the Montgomery brothers, Jonathan Henley, and Courtney Bell era. The cracker box gym was the place to be with it’s up-close intimate viewing which held such top-notch ball games regularly. Returning to the present, this ball-game was played at a frenzy pace, both teams went after one another with avenges, it took a 43-point effort by Lincoln Park’s junior guard Chris Roberts “the rubber band man”, to hold off the top ranked Dolphins. Roberts was un-believable with an array of acrobatic off-balance spin moves that left the standing room only crowd in a climatic rush. Meanwhile, the Lions stand out, 6-6 senior Terrence Shannon was saddled with foul trouble, he eventually fouled out in the 1st over-time with 14 points. Junior, Bill Flowers registered 10 markers for the Lions. Young’s Javon Freeman was splendid, the Valpo recruit was sleek & surgical recording a cool 22 points, Matt Lottich’s Program at Valpo nabbed a jewel of a prospect. Junior big guard Myles Baker “once again” displayed to on-lookers that he is a legitimate mid-major plus recruit, finishing the night with 22; after the Proviso West Xmas Tournament, he likely could see his stock soar. Forgotten senior Justin Boyd was real good, he had 22 points, South Florida recruit, Xavier Castenada went for 10. He wasn’t himself, he seemed discombobulated most of the night, which anyway belong to the Roberts & Co.. Long-time Public-League followers would have enjoyed this affair filled with drama (from the scorer’s table to fatigued game officials). “You can bet players from both teams will harness this game as a memorable outing.”
EVANSTON VS ZION-BENTONTuesday, December 19th
EVANSTON VS ZION-BENTONTuesday, December 19th
This match-up had the makings of some traditional old-school battles, both squads filled a roster with some of the area’s top under-classmen. Unfortunately, the Zee Bees wandered out as if they were mentally shut-off for the Xmas break. Hopefully Coach Bobby Worthington will re-group his troops before they head to the State Farm Classic in Bloomington. You can easily get tattooed early at that venue if you come-out un-inspired. Evanston’s young contingent was careless with the ball at times, but still managed a 20-point victory. Their freshman trio of 6-3 Jaylin Gibson, Isaiah Holden, and sharp shooter Blake Peters, continue to contribute significant minutes as first year youngsters; top-flight juniors Lance Jones and back-court mate Jaheim Holden form a terrific duo. We would love to see them get tangled up in a North suburban rumble with St. Viator’s junior backcourt tandem of Jerry Hernandez and Trey Calvin, that’s front-seat viewing. Evanston’s Jones, regarded as a Top 5 or 6 prospects in the 2019 Class has to improve his outside shooting! For some viewers like myself, I was bummed out that Zion’s exciting 6-5 sophomore Damontae Taylor did not dress, due to a school related incident. He along with freshman stand-out Amar Augillard have promising futures on the hardwood. Augillard suffered through a off-night offensively. His game must grow into more of just hoisting-up shots.
A couple of weeks ago the 10th Annual Team Rose shoot-out was good; the two-day affair gave teams the perfect platform to showcase where their profile stood at this juncture in the season. Unfortunately, majority of the teams failed to elevate their play/status at this entertaining venue. Most of the squads’ struggles were symptomatic of young & inexperience or just hadn’t found a groove yet in early December. But several games drew the attention of many who attended the 2-day event such as Brother Rice-Kenwood tilt; Hillcrest-Romeoville (marred by bad officiating); Danville-Chicago Orr had a down to the wire finish; Providence St. Mel-Hope Academy was a close one. All in all, Tournament directors did a really good job.
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