ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY TOURNAMENTS

PONTIAC HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT

DECEMBER 26TH-28TH, 2019
(1ST ROUND MATCH-UPS)

9:00am – Benet Academy vs Danville

10:30am – Peoria Manual vs Warren Township

1:00pm – Bloom vs Lockport

2:30pm – Oak Park vs Plainfield North

4:00pm – St. Charles North vs New Trier

6:00pm – Chicago Curie vs West Aurora

7:30pm – Chicago Simeon vs Pontiac

9:00pm – Joliet West vs Bloomington

Notes: The state’s No. 1 Tournament will feature several of the state’s top teams & programs with Curie, Bloom, and Simeon. Curie and Simeon should collide on the 27th, Bloom could cruise to the final. Dark-horse teams shape up as Joliet West and St. Charles North, Peoria Manual will arrive with a sparkling record, while North could throw a wrench into people’s travel plans. You can anticipate a full house on the 27th & 28th. Head-liners: Minnesota recruit Martice Mitchell, Keshawn Williams (Tulsa), Donovan Newby (Milwaukee-Wisconsin), Dante Maddox (Cal State Fullerton), Christian Schumate-Top 10 unsigned senior, Ramean Hinton (S.E. Missouri), Connor Linke (Bradley), Colin O’Rourke (Wisconsin-Parkside), some notable top unsigned Saiveon Williams (Curie). Seniors, Jeremiah Williams (Simeon), Jamere Hill (Joliet West), Justin Cross (Oak Park), Colin Crothers (Benet), Axel Matola (West Aurora), then you have some really good juniors on hand: Ahmad Bynum (Simeon), Tevin Smith (Danville), Nathaniel Hoskins (Danville), Isaiah Barnes (Oak Park), Nick Owens (Curie-vastly underrated), Philip Berryhill (Curie), Josh Smith (Oak Park).


HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
MONDAY-DECEMBER 23RD – SATURDAY-DECEMBER 28TH
(1ST ROUND MATCH-UPS)

9:30am – Homewood-Flossmoor vs Maine South

11:00am – Lincoln Way Central vs St. Charles East

12:30pm – Oswego East vs Rockford Auburn

2:00pm – Stevenson vs Glenbrook North

3:45pm – St. Rita vs Willowbrook

5:15pm – Marian Catholic vs T.F. South

7:00pm – Hinsdale Central vs Westinghouse

8:30pm – DePaul Prep vs Richards

NOTES: This West Suburban destination has increasingly become an attractive venue. Organizers can proudly bolster this is the top Holiday Tourney in the Chicagoland area. Contenders for the title likely will be, Marian Catholic, DePaul Prep, Stevenson, and Homewood-Flossmoor. Dark-horse title hopefuls are Oswego East, Willowbrook, and Auburn. Some of the area’s top coaches will be placed under duress. Stevenson’s Pat Ambrose, Tony Lavorato Maine South, Auburn’s Bryan Ott, Tommy Kleinschmidt of DePaul Prep, David Weber-Glenbrook North, & Willowbrook’s Chris Perkins.

ILLINOIS HOOP TOURNAMENTS TO FOLLOW
Top players to watch: Ahron Ullis (Marian Catholic’s Iowa signee, best prospect at the event). Un-signed seniors on-hand: Oswego East 6-6 tandem of Sam Shultz and Will Wolfe, Marian Catholic counters with Yemi Elutilo 6-3 & six-footer Joe Green. Western Illinois signee Elijah Jones (Marian) will need to stay out of foul trouble to be a valuable contributor to his team. H.F. will have 6-6 R.J. Ogom arguably the third best player featured at the event, The College of Charleston recruit is a force offensively, might have just enough fuel to get his squad to the title game. Josiah Palmer has begun to assert himself as a reliable scorer on the wing. Rockford-Auburn will be armed with talented junior prospect 6-4 Josh Ausler. He’s recognized at the Spot-Liter as No. 6 hoopster in the 2020 Class. Stevenson will present some challenges for opponents with their strategic ways, led by Matt Ambrose-a University Indianapolis recruit. Westinghouse visits with a talented quadruplet’s led by senior guard Devin Davis, the high scorer has been shelved with an injury the last few weeks. He is expected to return, Davis is considered one of the top un-signed seniors in the area. Back-court mate junior Kier Jordan has shown some serious promise in recent weeks. Six-foot six sophomore forward Martell Webb has the potential to be a budding stand-out, junior forward Gary Johns at 6-7 shows blemishes of being a break-out prospect. DePaul prep has rapidly rising junior leader & play-maker Ty Johnson and senior swingman Lance Mosley who has a wealth of experience. A Marquee match-up could prevail between the Rams and Marian Catholic. Willowbrook will have the nifty left-hander Everette Stubblefield spearheading their attack. Hinsdale Central has sharpshooter Ryan Isaacson of Merrimack College recruit. Watch-out for speedy Richards guard Kajuan Wines.


JACK TOSH HOLIDAY CLASSIC
AT YORK H.S.
DECEMBER 26TH – 31ST

GYM 1
9:00am – Highland Park vs Solorio

10:30am – Downers Grove South vs Schaumburg

12:00pm – St. Francis vs St. Laurence

1:30pm – Carl Sandburg vs Lyons

3:30pm – Batavia vs Andrew

5:00pm – Conant vs Rolling Meadows

6:30pm – Nazareth vs St. Ignatius

8:30pm – Montini vs York

GYM 2
8:30am – Elk Grove vs Hinsdale South

10:00am – Providence Catholic vs Lemont

11:30am – Stagg vs Riverside-Brookfield

1:00pm – Palatine vs Wheaton North

3:00pm – Glenbard East vs Brother Rice

4:30pm – Naperville North vs St. Patrick

6:00pm – Lake Forest vs Timothy Christian

7:30pm – Minooka vs Bolingbrook

Notes: Ritzy Western Suburban venue will feature head-liner Max Christie, the No.1 prospect in the junior class and arguable the second-best player in the state regardless of class. Wisconsin recruit, Junior forward Chris Hudges (Schaumburg) is a player to see, Batavia’s Jaden Johnson is considered one of the top un-signed seniors in the state. Billy Durkin (Hinsdale South), Aaron Tims (Hinsdale South), Darius Burford (Bolingbrook), Devon Ellis (Conant), Dom Galati (St. Patrick), Daron Hall (Glenbard East), Kai Evans (Bolingbrook), Nate Shockey (York).


PROVISO WEST HOLIDAY CLASSIC
AT PROVISO
DECEMBER 26TH-30TH

9:30am – Morton vs Leo

11:00am – Hyde Park vs Hillcrest

12:30pm – Chicago Uplift vs Proviso West

2:00pm – Fenwick vs Elgin-Larkin

4:00pm – Lane Tech vs St. Joseph

5:30pm – Bogan vs Crete-Monee

7:00pm – Dunbar vs Zion-Benton

8:30pm – Proviso East vs Perspective

Notes: The nearest event that resembles a Chicago flavor. This venue is on a gradual path towards restoring its once lofty status as the top Holiday Event in the state. Bogan is the favorite.

Top players to watch: Louisville recruit Bryce Hopkins will be the marquee player on hand. Hopkins is the No.2 prospect in our 2021 Class. Teammate Trey Pettigrew, a talented sophomore, has enjoyed a really nice start. Bogan’s Antione Bloxton, Kyndall Davis (Long Island), and a junior guard Darion “D.J.” Jones will give crowds some excitement. Hillcrest has talented junior guards Jakobi Heady and Julius Rollins, both are highly regarded Division One recruits. Hyde Park junior point guard Jalen Houston has elevated his rep as a top 25 prospect in the 2021. His play thus far has been splendid. Sophomore shooter Lamont Williams averages over 20 an outing. Newcomer Zion-Benton trots in with cagey six-foot five senior Damontae Taylor and junior standout Amar Augillard. Leo’s Kendale Anderson will pose a difficult task for opponents on the block.


WHEELING HARDWOOD CLASSIC
OPENER DECEMBER 23RD-28TH

9:00am – Libertyville vs Elgin

10:30am – Geneva vs Maine West

12:15pm – Notre Dame vs Mather

2:00pm – Prospect vs Deerfield

3:45pm – Niles North vs Waukegan

5:30pm – Buffalo Grove vs Fremd

7:15pm – Wheeling vs St. Viator

8:45pm – Glenbrook South vs Ridgewood

Notes: Day 2 (Thursday-26th) should offer some interesting games as well as scenery. The North-Shore’s finest will stroll through fashionably.

Top players on hand: the top uncommitted prospect in the senior class, Aquan Smart will dazzle the swanky audience with his scoring ability. Favorite to win is Niles-Notre Dame with junior trio of Louis Lesmond, Troy D’Amico, Anthony Sayles, and senior forward Jason Bergstrom (Illinois-Springfield recruit). Hot-shot shooter/scorer Kam Craft will sparkle for Buffalo Grove; St. Viator guard Connor Kochera (William & Mary) is flat-out surgical and worth the price of admission, watching him slice-up opponents. Glenbrook South’s 6-4 swingman Dom Martinelli is the guy many be fixated on. “Got old-school floor game.”

BIG DIPPER AT RICH SOUTH
DECEMBER 23RD – 28TH

Day 2 (Thursday the 26th should be livelier than the opening day.

Notes: Thornton will be the favorite; they are currently ranked No.10 in the Chicago area. Farragut might see them in the finale. Rich East, Central, and South will pack the house, with the Thornton faithfuls.


HINKLE HOLIDAY CLASSIC AT JACOBS
IN ALGONQUIN
DECEMBER 22ND-28TH

MATCH-UPS FOR 26TH-THURSDAY
9:00am – Prairie Ridge vs Grant

10:30am – Johnsburg vs Streamwood

12:00pm – Marian Central vs Grayslake Central

1:30pm – Chicago Prosser vs Bartlett

3:00pm – Waubonsie Valley vs Walter Payton

4:30pm – Rockford Jefferson vs Crystal Lake South

6:00pm – Barrington vs Cary Grove

7:30pm – South Elgin vs Jacobs

Notes: Quality event out in the northwest suburb. Most Chicago hoop buffs aren’t making the track out to this eccentric environment. The Spot-Liter is a usual visitor.

Top players to watch: Frank Jakubicek 6-8 forward-Cary Grove, signed with Belmont and silver smooth teammate Beau Frericks, a Lewis University recruit. Payton’s Jabari Chiphe (un-signed), Marcus Skeet (Waubonsie), topflight junior prospect Ben Schwieger (Waubonsie), Jaden Henderson (Jacobs).

6 UN-SONG 2021 PROSPECTS TO FOLLOW

• Ismail Habib 6-6 PG MM 20 Lincoln Park
All Tournament in Peoria where he had some big outings. Averaged 21 points in 3 games.

• Ty Johnson 6-2 PG MM 21 DePaul Prep
Sparkled in a prime game with 36 markers vs Niles Notre Dame. All Tourney.

• Nick Galati 6-1 G LM+ 40 St. Patrick
All Tournament at St. Pat’s, shot the ball well, one of the best shooters in the area.

• Jalen Houston 6-1 G MM 36 Hyde Park Academy
Made a huge 3-pointer at Hammond, potential budding standout, needs to be more visible and engaged during a course of a game. Leadership role.

• Bennie Slater 6-5 F MM 25 Springfield High
Averaged 18 points & 15 rebounds, made All Tournament at Lincoln, IL.

• Quani Rudd 6-6 F ----- --- Mount Vernon
All Tournament in Carterville, big time athlete starting to draw attention. One of the best prospects in Southern Illinois.

• Marcus Gaston 6-5 WG 46 MM Chicago Crane
He was all tourney in Rockford & shot the ball really well.

6 UN-SONG SENIOR PROSPECTS

“Brings winning intangibles, can likely play at a low D1 setting. Heady, every team needs a guy like him. All Tournament at DePaul Prep.”

• Yemi Elutilo 6-3 G/F LM 46 Marian Catholic“Flat-out hooper, stat stuffer. All Tournament at the Chicago Heights Classic.”

• Jackson Connor 6-6 F LM 48 Marion, IL“All Tournament, led the field in scoring; unsigned senior.”

• Bryson Tatum 6-4 G LM --- Urbana“Drew wave reviews from spectators and opposing teams; made All Tourney in Peoria. We will pay this silk smooth performer a visit soon.”

• Jabari Chiphe 6-5 F LM 44 Walter Payton“All Tournament at St. Pat’s. Recorded outings of 35, 28, 30, & 11 in four games.”

• Josiah Palmer 6-1 G LM --- Homewood-Flossmoor“Played well at the Chicago Heights Classic, good outside shooter.”

TOP UN-SIGNED SENIORS IN THE STATE

“We will have some quality guys to follow.”

NAME / HT / POS / LEVEL / RANK / SCHOOL

• Jeremiah Williams 6-4 G MM+-MM 6 Simeon
“Will take the floor on Tuesday for his Public League debut.”

• Brandon Weston 6-5 WG MM+-MM 9 Morgan Park“Smooth jump shooter was impressive vs Whitney Young in the city opener.”

• Tyler Beard 6-2 G MM 14 Whitney Young“Had a so so outing vs Morgan Park in the city opener. Couldn’t get untracked.”

• Savion Williams 6-6 F MM-LM+ 21 Curie
• Christian Shumate 6-5 F MM-LM+ 20 Bloom“Came up huge in the final at Chicago Heights Classic; MVP of the event.”

• Jayson Kent 6-6 G MM-LM+ 24 Oak Forest“Was terrific at the Ottawa Tourney where he made All Tournament.”

• Armond Williams 6-8 F MM-LM+ 27 East St. Louis
• Micah Schnyder 6-4 G LM+-LM 36 Yorkville Christian“Co-MVP at the Lisle Classic, rising prospect.”

EARLY SEASON CANDIDATES FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE

“Not to be critical nor judging or lumping guys.”

• Damonte Taylor 6-5 WF MM 19 Zion-Benton

• Antoine Bloxton 6-3 G MM 15 Chicago Bogan

• Donovan Taylor 6-4 G/F ML+LM 64 Chicago Fenger

• Tremear Fraley 6-8 F/C LM+-LM 41 Chicago Bogan

• Kendale Anderson 6-6 PF LM 68 Chicago Leo

• Chris Williams 6-1 G LM 75 Peoria High

• Romelle Howard 6-8 F/C MM 47 Lincoln Park
“Played well in his 2 games in Peoria in which he became eligible.”

TOP 5 HIGH MAJOR PLAYERS IN STATE

“We viewed three of them within the last 5-6 days. I like the way our State is starting to take shape again. We’ve got a good surplus of talent, developing in key parts of the area.”

NAME / HT / YR / POS / RANK / SCHOOL / COLLEGE CHOICE

1. D.J. Stewart 6-3 SR G 1 Whitney Young Duke
“He was splendid on a slippery surface vs Morgan Park opening night.”

2. Max Christie 6-6 JR PG 1 Rolling Meadows uncommitted
3. Bryce Hopkins 6-7 JR G 2 Fenwick Louisville
“Has already recorded some 30-point outings, marvelous talent.”

4. Adam Miller 6-3 SR G 2 Morgan Park U. Illinois
“Recorded 9 points opening night vs Young but we know he can play.”

5. Luois Lesmond 6-5 JR WG 3 Niles Notre Dame uncommitted
“Has the package, intelligence, skill set, smooth jump shooting, and leaping ability.”

HOLIDAY ROUND-UPS

The high school season around the State of Illinois has opened with a bang. It’s been some really good early games and individual performances. We’ve witnessed some guys hoop’n this week, which is what we all lust for. We will share a few memorable outings/games & feats from the week.

Hyde Park’s Jalen Houston’s deep three pointer with 8 seconds left in regulation tied the score at 71-71 which fueled the Thunderbirds comeback win over host Hammond High (Ind) 75-71. The junior guard finished with 20 points. While Six-foot seven junior Darrell Reed had 20 points, 12 boards, & 5 blocks for Hammond. Reed played last season at T.F. North.

With Northwestern and Loyola-Chicago in the house taking on the final at DePaul Prep Friday night, they had a birds-eye view of Niles-Notre Dame talented junior Luois Lesmond. The 6-5 wing was impressive recording 24 points & was named Classic MVP, he’s a top 5 prospect in the State regardless of class. Smooth performer has the package equipped with star quality. Junior guard Ty Johnson went for 36 points in a loss to Notre Dame. He opened some eyes with his scoring & long-distance shooting display.

Games were terrific over at the Chicago Heights Classic, where Bloom managed to escape Marian Catholic in the final 63-57. Christian Shumate for Bloom was a monster, he registered 28 points & 14 rebounds. The un-signed senior is a big-time athlete, just flat out hoops. In fact, he’s a primetime shot swatter probably had 8-10 blocks during the contest. Low to mid recruit. MVP at the event.

Over at the Lisle Tournament in the Western Suburbs, Yorkville Christian’s six-foot four senior guard Micah Schnyder averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and was named Co-MVP of the Classic with teammate Jaden Schutt, a 6-5 junior with a wealth of potential. Schnyder spent last season in obscurity at Lincoln-Way West. He’s recognized now as one of the State’s top 10 unsigned seniors.

Former Kenwood stand-out Seryee Lewis departed the area in August. Prior to his departure he’d been suiting up in Morgan Park threads. Lewis is at compass prep in Chandler, AZ; his recruiting looks like St. John’s, Washington St., Utah, University California, & Arizona State.