“Some un-heralded players we are anticipating having a break-out season. We identified 10 of them with brief comments.”
There’s been enormous amount of conversation of late regarding this group. Who are the top guys, whom must we see/view out the gate-opening the season. We here, will stay on the positive/optimistic side in an effort to identify our elite prospects. Several notable defections have hampered the depth of this once touted cast.
NAME HT POS LEVEL RANK HIGH-SCHOOL
D.J. Stewart 6-3 WG HM 1 Whitney Young
Adam Miller 6-3 WG HM 2 Morgan Park
Martice Mitchell 6-10 F/C HM 3 Bloom
Keshawn Williams 6-2 PG MM+ 4 Bloom
Tyler Beard 6-3 WG MM+-MM 5 Whitney Young
Isiah Rivera 6-4 G MM+-MM 6 Geneseo
Will Wolf 6-6 WG MM+-MM 7 Aurora Christian
Marcus Watson 5-9 PG MM 8 Morgan Park
Romelle Howard 6-8 F/C MM 9 Lincoln Park
Demarius Splunge 6-4 WG MM 10 Chicago Orr
Destin Whitaker 6-6 WF MM 11 Romeoville
Dante Maddox 6-2 PG MM 12 Bloom
Davis Walker 6-3 PG MM 13 “Home School-Aurora Area”
Aquan Smart 6-3 PG MM 14 Niles North
Bryce Hall 6-3 G MM 15 Chicago Simeon
Antoine Bloxton 6-2 WG MM 16 Chicago Bogan
Jimarius Sneed 6-5 WF MM 17 Chicago Crane
Seryee Lewis 6-7 PF MM 18 Chicago Kenwood
Nate Shockey 6-0 PG MM 19 York
Ahron Ullis 6-2 PG MM 20 Marian Catholic
Kaleb Fenelus-Williams 6-5 WF MM 21 Plainfield North
Kenny Sallee 6-4 G MM 22 Chicago Crane
Tarone Kirkwood 5-10 PG MM 23 East Aurora
Beau Frericks 6-2 PG MM 24 Cary Grove
Kee Hargrow 6-7 G/F MM 25 Hyde Park Academy
“Has a new lease with an opportunity to prove to critics he’s a good kid, who just made poor decisions in his past. Challenges bring on growth. No question he has talent. The CPL will provide us with a clear tale of who he is as player.”
Micah Schnyder 6-4 PG MM 25 Lincoln-Way West
Connor Kochera 6-4 G MM 26 St. Viator
Paul Zillinskas 6-6 F MM 27 Richards
Jayson Kent 6-4 PG MM 28 Oak-Forest
Elijah Watson 6-6 WF MM 29 T.F. South
Colin O’Rourke 6-6 WF MM 30 Plainfield North
Isiah Burrell 6-4 WF MM 31 Morgan Park
Tremear Fraley 6-7 PF MM 32 Chicago Bogan
Frank Jakubicek 6-8 PF MM 33 Cary Grove
Ramean Hinton 6-3 G LM+ 34 Chicago Curie
Ricky Kirby 6-7 PF LM+ 35 North Chicago
Collin Wood 6-3 G LM+ 36 Hampshire
“Mostly plays in obscurity. Big year for this talented prospect.”
Johnny Close 6-4 WG LM+ 37 Rockford Boylan
“Consistent out-side shooter. History & tradition is on his side.”
Kendale Anderson 6-5 PF LM+ 38 Chicago Leo
Devon House 6-7 PF LM+LM 39 Sterling Newman Catholic
Nate Seputis 6-8 PF LM+LM 40 Lincoln-Way East
“This kid has tools to be a special player. He should have a break-through year. Plays for one of the area’s top coaches who has a history of developing his players.”
Josh Holmes 6-1 PG LM+-LM 41 DeLaSalle
“New scenery, time to shine.”
Donovan Newby 6-2 PG LM+-LM 42 Bloom
“Playing in shadows of others, this time around he will have a stage for him.”
Kyndall Davis 6-4 G LM+-LM 43 Chicago Bogan
“Change of scenery will help him expand his game. He has nice skill set.”
Grant Hall 6-4 G/F LM+-LM 44 Thornridge
“Un-known high-level athleticism.”
Semaj Williams 6-5 WF LM+-LM 45 Chicago Prosser
“Un-tapped talent. Handles himself well on the perimeter. Has good length. Plays for one of our area’s top young coaches.”
Atharva Atreya 6-2 PG LM 46 Carl Sandburg
“-A under-the-radar- exciting player who can’t wait to see perform at the Spot-liter MLK Classic in January.”
Jamari McClendon 6-1 G LM 47 Chicago Hope Academy
“Competitive thrives in clutch, one of my favorites.”
Robert Hobbs 6-4 F LM 48 Chicago Crane
“An under-sized stud, playing on a talented junior Laden squad. A sleeper dude.”
Levell McIntosh 6-3 WF LM 49 Kankakee
“A rising player, big-time athlete, this season he will have opportunity to express himself.”
P.J. Edwards 6-4 G/F LM 50 Springfield Lanphier
“Lost some steam within the last year. The swingman has an opportunity to redeem himself as well as game this season.”
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Friday, November 9, 2018
OUR STATE’S TOP 20 PRIZED UNDER-CLASSMEN
“Vast majority of our players today has become so fixated on rankings & hype, instead of focusing on growth & improvement. The youngsters we will identify aren’t finished products but have a wealth of potential. At the Spot-Liter we will observe closely with a watchful lens on the development of many of our prized youngsters. We’ve noticed in recent years a growing trend in our area where players have become cool & nonchalant on the court, compared to what Chicago once was noted for producing, kids whom were tough and played hard. There used to be a sense of urgency to their game. Now I witness dudes just strutting around on the hardwood not going hard. The sad irony is most don’t even understand the game, I’ll assume a lot contributes from reading their press clippings. This diminishing climate of hoops looks to been cultivated by the last few previous class. Hopefully we can create a new culture with this up-coming crop of prospects. We are certainly out in front of these two Classes 2021 & 22, as well as the next batch of up-comers.”
NAME HT POS RANK CLASS HIGH-SCHOOL
Ahamed “Black Cat” Bynum 6-2 G 1 2021 Chicago Simeon
“Exciting player already possess the ability to score; terrific perimeter shooter; MVP of the Pangos All-Star game a few weeks ago.”
Max Christie 6-4 G 2 2021 Rolling Meadows
“Has enormous potential, like most young players he tries to do too much at times; hype machine needs to tone it down a tad.”
Brandon Weston 6-4 WG 3 2021 Lake Forest Academy
“This talented New York native has a promising floor game to go with athleticism. Showed up one day at the Pangos event where he received a mixed views from national & area scouts.”
Jaylen Drane 6-1 PG 1 2022 Chicago Simeon
“Right now, No.1 in the class; electric floor game & innovative finisher at the rim. He & Bynum will pair up to form a frightening back-court in the next few years.”
Kimahri Wilson 6-0 PG 5 2021 Carmel
“Exciting prospect, floor game fun to watch, has tools to grow into terrific recruit.”
Chris Hodges 6-7 PF 8 2021 Schaumburg
“Has excellent frame & some promising offensive skills that exhibits high-major interest.”
Scottie Ebube 6-8 F 9 2021 Mundelein
“Already resembles a stud, a sharp good lookn prospect with a terrific demeanor & a game to cast along with it. A loyal kid which is a plus in today’s climate.”
Khaillied Terry 6-5 WF 4 2021 Champaign Central
“One of the state’s top athletes regardless of class; this high jumper can be a high-light reel performer some nights. Needs to improve some necessary skill areas.”
Kanye Smith 6-5 G/F 5 2022 Chicago Young
“Good shooter & rebounder, even though he’s a swing-man clone, he was impressive at the Pangos event. We like his game and up-side.”
Grant Newell 6-7 WF 7 2021 Chicago Young
“Slithery silk-smooth floor game; respectable perimeter shooter; stock is soaring.”
Bennie Slater 6-5 WG 10 2021 Springfield High
“A rising stand-out in Central Illinois, the best elite prospect in that area. Wiry fella who can drop 25 a night eventually. Confidence starting to emerge.”
Anthony Sayles 6-0 PG 6 2021 Niles North
“Slippery scoring guarding PG who has demonstrated star quality at times. Already possesses a pretty good understanding of how to play. Once pegged as the next Derrick Rose. Not so after being sized up closely, especially at his current state. D’Rose was a beast entering year two of high-school.”
Kameron Kraft 6-4 WG 6 2022 Buffalo Grove H.S.
“Some observers view him as the best pure shooter in the area; we are high on this kid’s potential.”
Nick Harrell 6-5 F 7 2022 Brother Rice
“Highly touted, the best lookin prospect to enter the South-Side Catholic School in recent years. Very skilled, has high I.Q. should see significant minutes immediately on the varsity.”
Xavier Amos 6-4 WG 4 2022 Chicago Young
“This kid plays above the rim, shoots the rock with a high efficiency. My reliable sources swear he will develop into a high-major recruit.”
A.J. Casey 6-8 F 2 2022 Chicago Simeon
“We need to turn-off the hype machine & give him time to develop into what his game will eventually entitle too. A raw talent but promising. He will add strength & his confidence will continue to grow. I personally want to see him shine.”
Jaylin Gibson 6-3 PG 11 2021 Evanston
“A big physical lead guard with a wealth of potential; it’s time for Gibson to separate himself from others. We are hoping he can channel himself away from the wild frenzy style that several of his mates thrive on. Understanding flow & pace should be his focus. If he does, you would see a modern-day Quinn Buckner.”
Marquan Jones 6-3 WG 9 2022 Chicago Farragut
“A youngster with potential to be a high scorer. Some observers compare him to former Simeon stand-out Talen Horton Tucker. Jones plays for coaches who do a fine job of developing their players. Things look good for him.”
Robby Avila 6-7 F 10 2022 Oak Forest
“A good lookin skilled prospect who people in the South Suburbs peg to be a break-out star one day.”
Jalen Butler 6-6 WF 12 2021 Niles North
“This versatile 15-year-old has awfully bright future. Presently he can defend four positions effectively. Offensive game coming along.”
Ismail Habib 5-10 PG 13 2021 Lincoln Park
“Ismail has demonstrated many times last season he may be ready to be un-leashed soon. A talented play-maker with the ability to hit huge baskets and make clutch plays.”
NAME HT POS RANK CLASS HIGH-SCHOOL
Ahamed “Black Cat” Bynum 6-2 G 1 2021 Chicago Simeon
“Exciting player already possess the ability to score; terrific perimeter shooter; MVP of the Pangos All-Star game a few weeks ago.”
Max Christie 6-4 G 2 2021 Rolling Meadows
“Has enormous potential, like most young players he tries to do too much at times; hype machine needs to tone it down a tad.”
Brandon Weston 6-4 WG 3 2021 Lake Forest Academy
“This talented New York native has a promising floor game to go with athleticism. Showed up one day at the Pangos event where he received a mixed views from national & area scouts.”
Jaylen Drane 6-1 PG 1 2022 Chicago Simeon
“Right now, No.1 in the class; electric floor game & innovative finisher at the rim. He & Bynum will pair up to form a frightening back-court in the next few years.”
Kimahri Wilson 6-0 PG 5 2021 Carmel
“Exciting prospect, floor game fun to watch, has tools to grow into terrific recruit.”
Chris Hodges 6-7 PF 8 2021 Schaumburg
“Has excellent frame & some promising offensive skills that exhibits high-major interest.”
Scottie Ebube 6-8 F 9 2021 Mundelein
“Already resembles a stud, a sharp good lookn prospect with a terrific demeanor & a game to cast along with it. A loyal kid which is a plus in today’s climate.”
Khaillied Terry 6-5 WF 4 2021 Champaign Central
“One of the state’s top athletes regardless of class; this high jumper can be a high-light reel performer some nights. Needs to improve some necessary skill areas.”
Kanye Smith 6-5 G/F 5 2022 Chicago Young
“Good shooter & rebounder, even though he’s a swing-man clone, he was impressive at the Pangos event. We like his game and up-side.”
Grant Newell 6-7 WF 7 2021 Chicago Young
“Slithery silk-smooth floor game; respectable perimeter shooter; stock is soaring.”
Bennie Slater 6-5 WG 10 2021 Springfield High
“A rising stand-out in Central Illinois, the best elite prospect in that area. Wiry fella who can drop 25 a night eventually. Confidence starting to emerge.”
Anthony Sayles 6-0 PG 6 2021 Niles North
“Slippery scoring guarding PG who has demonstrated star quality at times. Already possesses a pretty good understanding of how to play. Once pegged as the next Derrick Rose. Not so after being sized up closely, especially at his current state. D’Rose was a beast entering year two of high-school.”
Kameron Kraft 6-4 WG 6 2022 Buffalo Grove H.S.
“Some observers view him as the best pure shooter in the area; we are high on this kid’s potential.”
Nick Harrell 6-5 F 7 2022 Brother Rice
“Highly touted, the best lookin prospect to enter the South-Side Catholic School in recent years. Very skilled, has high I.Q. should see significant minutes immediately on the varsity.”
Xavier Amos 6-4 WG 4 2022 Chicago Young
“This kid plays above the rim, shoots the rock with a high efficiency. My reliable sources swear he will develop into a high-major recruit.”
A.J. Casey 6-8 F 2 2022 Chicago Simeon
“We need to turn-off the hype machine & give him time to develop into what his game will eventually entitle too. A raw talent but promising. He will add strength & his confidence will continue to grow. I personally want to see him shine.”
Jaylin Gibson 6-3 PG 11 2021 Evanston
“A big physical lead guard with a wealth of potential; it’s time for Gibson to separate himself from others. We are hoping he can channel himself away from the wild frenzy style that several of his mates thrive on. Understanding flow & pace should be his focus. If he does, you would see a modern-day Quinn Buckner.”
Marquan Jones 6-3 WG 9 2022 Chicago Farragut
“A youngster with potential to be a high scorer. Some observers compare him to former Simeon stand-out Talen Horton Tucker. Jones plays for coaches who do a fine job of developing their players. Things look good for him.”
Robby Avila 6-7 F 10 2022 Oak Forest
“A good lookin skilled prospect who people in the South Suburbs peg to be a break-out star one day.”
Jalen Butler 6-6 WF 12 2021 Niles North
“This versatile 15-year-old has awfully bright future. Presently he can defend four positions effectively. Offensive game coming along.”
Ismail Habib 5-10 PG 13 2021 Lincoln Park
“Ismail has demonstrated many times last season he may be ready to be un-leashed soon. A talented play-maker with the ability to hit huge baskets and make clutch plays.”
TOP AVAILABLE 2019 PROSPECTS
“Most indicators lead to these players opting to commit or sign later”
*Chris Payton
*Rashawn Agee
*Kejuan Clements
*Tujautae Williams
*Myles Baker
*Cortez Mosley
*Deonte Billups
*Terrion Murdix
*Antonio Reeves
*Jermaine Hamlin
*Bryant Brown
UN-YIELDING
The loss of many close to my heart in a short period, including a family member in a span of 3 or 4 weeks have left me reflective & baffled, but mindful of many things in my daily surroundings. This last one has taken its toll on many of us, it’s a sharp reminder that every-one must have an expiration date at some point…
North Lawndale basketball Coach Lewis Thorpe passed away unexpectedly a week or so ago, leaving many us still mourning. His loss leaves a huge void not just in the Chicago hoop circles but in the North Lawndale neighborhood where he was the face of their school and a pillar in the community. Lew was a role model, and instrumental in influencing & guiding many students not only athletes. He was admired & loved through-out Chicago, it was on full display when over 1,400 people showed up to memorialize this beloved husband, father, and coach, it re-affirmed the affection so many had for Coach Thorpe. Lew accomplished some amazing achievements at the West-Side School where he was the architect behind the schools 30-4 State Title team in 2007-08; State Runner-up in 2006-07 with a 26-10 mark and the North Lawndale squad that captured the city title in 2008-09 finishing 30-6 record. We may have lost our friend for now, but he will always be fondly remembered for his kind spirit and compassion for others; I certainly will never forget the times we shared.
North Lawndale basketball Coach Lewis Thorpe passed away unexpectedly a week or so ago, leaving many us still mourning. His loss leaves a huge void not just in the Chicago hoop circles but in the North Lawndale neighborhood where he was the face of their school and a pillar in the community. Lew was a role model, and instrumental in influencing & guiding many students not only athletes. He was admired & loved through-out Chicago, it was on full display when over 1,400 people showed up to memorialize this beloved husband, father, and coach, it re-affirmed the affection so many had for Coach Thorpe. Lew accomplished some amazing achievements at the West-Side School where he was the architect behind the schools 30-4 State Title team in 2007-08; State Runner-up in 2006-07 with a 26-10 mark and the North Lawndale squad that captured the city title in 2008-09 finishing 30-6 record. We may have lost our friend for now, but he will always be fondly remembered for his kind spirit and compassion for others; I certainly will never forget the times we shared.