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.