I was pondering something recently and my inspirational vices/voices transmitted to the innovative mind of Hall of Fame Coach/leader/speaker/historian/life Coach George Raveling. I read an excerpt from some of his literature that I was bound by the fact that most of us could exhibit and share in our daily worlds. “Life is about imperfections not about chasing the perfect. The exciting part about our lives is that every part of it is always under construction. Many times change knocks at the door, but we do not welcome it as a positive growth opportunity. We all need truth-tellers in our lives…”
Aquan Smart the six-foot three guard from Niles North committed to Maryland a week ago after taking an official visit. The Terrapins’ swooped in landing one of our top prospects in the 2020 Class. The slithery scorer had numerous high-major Programs displaying interest. Despite of his lofty 23 points per outing statistic, majority of the Big Schools did not shower him with the love that Maryland wooed him with. Iowa State, TCU, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, & Texas A&M was reportedly seen visiting the North Suburban star.
On a Tuesday wintery night, I took in a Missouri Valley contest at Valparaiso catching famed Illinois Warrior Alum Matt Lottich (New Trier) lead his squad to a victory over Missouri State. Valparaiso is such a unique place to watch a College game, it has that cozy cuddly vibe. Sitting there it donned on me that I haven’t been in these parts in 5 years but watching 6-foot 7 freshman guard Donovan Clay exploit his all-around game on this night, the moment was exhilarating. Clay hails from downstate Alton High, we knew last season that this late bloomer could develop into a special player in the right Collegiate setting. Now NBA guys will begin a trail to this Northwest Indiana School. Clay was the sleeper prospect in our 2019 Class.
CLARK 68 – CRANE 64
Fri-night, Feb 28th – Spot-Liter’s game of the week
Top game of the night happens to be on the West Side of Chicago at Christ the King, it was a great vibe and the tracks were just alright. The ball game was a 2A Regional Final in which Clark sputtered a 12-point cushion with less than five minutes remaining but managed to hold on tightly for the four-point victory where they will advance to another all-out collision this upcoming week. Darrius Perryman finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds but his two huge three-pointers in the fourth quarter really took the air out of the Cougars. The lefty sophomore’s play was impressive from the very start. He demonstrated a lot of poise and confidence for such a young player. Crane received a stellar outing from senior guard Jalen West, he recorded 21 points & 9 rebounds. His play in the last few weeks has been phenomenal. Robert Hobbs registered 13 points & 15 rebounds but missed several point-blank attempts throughout the contest, in addition several miscues at the foul line, which is a recipe for defeat especially in the playoff environment. Congratulations to long time Public League Coach Terry Head. He possesses the leadership qualities to construct and rebuild sagging Programs. His track record validates my point.
As I embark on a new chapter, my sights are now set on utilizing my vision as well as experience to accelerate a gold standard blueprint for the Hyde Park Academy Program. We will use a dosage of Terry Head’s formula to construct the necessary ingredients we seek in potential incoming student athletes, those who will value education and look to flourish in the classrooms/hallways as well the hard-wood. My target will always be to up pend Red South rivals: Bogan, Curie, Simeon, and Morgan Park…
UNION (TN) 82 – MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE 76
Saturday, Feb 22nd
Traveled to Jackson, Tennessee to watch my kid play on Senior Night, I was overcome with so many emotions, while recognizing the opportunity to experience such a memorable occasion. Anytime a parent can participate on a Senior Day, it’s a gratifying honor. My family and I are appreciative to Union University Head Coach David Niven for making this day possible. Niven manages a tight ship, holding his guys accountable on and off the floor which provides life-learning lessons with growth attached. On this day we watched Niven’s squad beat an undermanned Mississippi Team guided by highly respected Veteran Coach Mike Jones. He had a short roster due to injuries & other unforeseen circumstances. Union had five players reach double digit scoring. They play in a tough Gulf South Conference that resembles some lower level Division One Leagues. Their Conference compare slightly to the Great Lakes which is where Southern Indiana, Lewis University, and Wisconsin Parkside play. Now the Gulf South seem to have more overall depth with teams & more individual fire power. Union (18-9 – 13-7) has one of the more talented teams in the League and can roll out a line-up of eight deep in its rotation led by high scoring guard Tyree Boykin, and talented swingman Terrandus Smith, they space the floor with 6-6 sharp shooter Cooper Meadows, floor general/ catalyst Bryson Butler ignites them with energy and toughness, 6-10 Big Man Sam Gueye is skilled & can score, and his talented little brother 6-8 freshman Ousmane Gueye is a promising prospect, sophomore Ty Parks gives them versatility in scoring when he’s on the floor, red shirt sophomore guard Payton Stovall provides a stabilizing presence when engaged. Collectively they tend to sleepwalk through stretches of a ball game, surveillance indicates tendencies where they are slow scrambling back on defense and not locking down & getting stops when needed. This pattern will have to change immediately because they will need some easy baskets where runouts and transition play will be a must against the highly octane 3-guard attack of West Alabama. Coach Niven will have the monumental task of managing and identifying a lineup that matches up accordingly in this important Regional Playoff Opener Tuesday night on West Alabama’s court. Hopefully all of them will be on a different frequency in terms of being mentally ready to play. “Just a few observations, we’re big game ready.”
EVANSTON 61 – GLENBROOK SOUTH 60 OVT
Fri-Feb. 21st – (Spot-Liter’s game of the week)
Over-flow crowd watched the Wildkits narrowly escape a well tooled G.B. South squad with a Conference title on the line. Glenbrook South just knocked off Evanston a month ago at home, so this game was billed as a high stake’s affair. A full house was entertained to a 25-25 tie at intermission. Dom Martinelli was held in check with 10 points, but then he erupted for 22 second half points. He manufactured the feat, impressively playing on one leg. Martinelli seemed to have banged knees or sprained an ankle early in the first quarter. This kid re-arranges his moves & motions while attacking defenders. He slithered & slid around Evanston players for layups or short jumpers. Drama filled the last minute of the contest when Martinelli drove the length of the floor through congestion for a lay-up with 6.0 seconds left to force an overtime at 54-54 apiece. The suspense continued when junior Blake Peters buried a three-pointer with 50 seconds remaining in overtime and he was fouled converting the 4-point play to put the Wildkits ahead 58-56. Then after a couple exchanges in the waning seconds Junior Big-Man Nick Martinelli was fouled attempting a 3-pointer in overtime with no time left, he needed to make all three to force a second overtime but made the first two while the third rattled in & out in a heartbreaking defeat. Great High School game and environment.
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