CITY BEAT

Being an area talent scout, I tend to assess & monitor all comings and goings throughout gymnasiums including security, score keepers, janitors, etc. My attention of late has turned towards the poor officiating throughout the Chicagoland area. I was appalled recently watching two officials blatantly trying to rig a game at Marshall High-School for the host team. "Shame on them and we know exactly who they are!"

I've noticed around Chicago, long- time fans have come to an understanding that the best basketball player of all time from our state could be St. Joseph Alum Isiah Thomas. A close second would be George Mikan from Quigley Prep/Joliet Catholic. Hmmm lately in many circles around the city have asked that question, who are the Top 5 All-Time players? Carver's Cazzie Russell will have to be at the head of this discussion. Russell is arguably the Public League's best. Discussion to be continued.

Morgan Park and Fenwick hooked-up in an entertaining affair over the week-end, in which Morgan Pk prevailed 76-67. The Mustang's sophomore guard, Adam Miller raked-up 32 points, while drilling 9 treys. D.J. Steward, Fenwick's talented 2nd year standout registered 20 points & 10 rebounds. Both of these youngsters give our area some much needed excitement in a down season.

Watching Morgan Park perform a few times this season has taken me back a number of years. They often come down hoisting-up quick shots, I couldn't help but think of the entertaining 1976-77 U.N.L.V. squad, who likely was one of the more exciting College teams of the 70's with a talented line-up of NBA draft picks: Eddie Owens 21.8, Sam Smith 14.8, Reggie Theus 14.5, Glen Gondrezick 14.6, Robert Smith 12.8, Larry Moffett 8.0, Tony Smith 9.0. My reference point is that Morgan Park has the potential to keep you on the edge of your seat with their frenzy style. When Ayo Dosunmu and UAB recruit Tamell Pearson return, look-out…

Carbondale forward and Ball-State signee, Kani Acre has been out all season with a torn meniscus. A freak incident that occurred while stepping out of a vehicle in the school parking lot. He could return next month.

Springfield Southeast has captured the attention of many observers from down-state; they are now the darlings of Central Illinois. Coach Lawrence Thomas has his team rolling to a 14-2 start, behind the play of rising juniors, Anthony Fairlee, Terrion Murdix, and senior sharp shooter Kobe Medley. Coach Thomas is considered one of our better coaches in the state; he has guided and directed his troops to some huge victories this season. Southeast won the prestigious Collinsville Holiday Classic, and they just won the city Springfield Tournament over the weekend. Fairlee is vastly recognized as one of the Top 20 prospects in our 2019 Class. At 6-3 he is one of our state's best athlete. In fact, he's a big-time track guy.