AWARENESS

 Talented play-maker Davonte Hall has departed T.F. North, he will play his junior season for coach Jamere Dismukes at Hyde Park Academy. Hall, recognized as one of the top point guards in the 2022 Class, will now form a terrific young backcourt tandem with sophomore whiz Cam Willford a consensus top 10 prospect in the 2023 Class. Hall & Willford give Hyde Park a really good nucleus as they build for the future.

Former T.F. North forward Darrell Reed decided to elude the Covid recruiting process opting to commit early to Alabama State. The six-foot eight talent returned to Hammond High (Ind) last season to play for coach Larry Moore after spending his sophomore year with T.F. North.

 Several city Programs have an abundance of young talent in its League quarters. Now the key component is for their coaches to turnover that promising potential. Teaching & development has to be at the forefront of their process/plan.

Chicago St. Rita

They’ve assembled a nice collection of promising players, quite a few have some length. The Mustangs could have a strong hold on the Catholic League South for the next few years. Coach Roshawn Russell has restored some faith again for this proud alumni which will gravitate towards the Program for years to come. So much buzz has been spilled over 6-8 freshmen James Brown and 6-6 ever improving Morez Johnson. Brown is ultra-skilled and poised beyond his years. He’s been impressive the times we first caught a glimpse of his physical abilities which was in August at the Ricky Moore Event housed out in Dundee. Checking in at 6-7 is 2023 prospect Darrien Baker, a skilled young lad with a wealth of potential, in which he displayed at the Pangos Event last fall. Kaiden Space has shown the ability to shoot it well while displaying maturity & understanding of situations. He gained a ton experience on the varsity last season as a freshman, as did fellow frosh six-foot seven Solomon Mosley, he could be the one to watch closely. Evan Jackson is another 6-6 sophomore that the coaches are high on. Looks like this Program is built for sustaining long-term success.

Chicago Kenwood

This Program is going through another layer of re-birth, the recent arrival of new coach Mike Irvin has revived the fan-base in a form of hip & fashionable. Three of the top sophomores in the state have made their way over, led by  ringleader Javonte “J.J.” Taylor, the No.1 player in the 2023 Class, his departure from Morgan Park paved the way for Darrin Ames “No.7” to join him. Ames is a superb shooter. The stunner of the trio joining forces was Davius Lowry leaving Simeon. He very well could be tagged as the dude with the most up-side in the Class. 6-8 versatile wing viewed as No.2 in the group, already has offers from Illinois and DePaul.

Peoria Notre Dame

Looks to be the Program that most local hoop connoisseurs will gravitate towards in Central Illinois. The leader of their impressive roster is senior Noah Reynolds, a 3-year starter and a Division One recruit. He will spearhead the attack; Reynolds is recognized as No.19 in the 2021 Class. Little brother junior guard Nelson has come on strong in recent months, emerging as a Division One recruit. The younger Reynolds is also a smooth general with reliable shooting ability on the perimeter and has some pepe & bounce in his play. Notre Dame also had the good fortunes of landing two of the top incoming freshmen in the State, a six-foot eight Lathan Sommerville and 6-6 Cooper Koch. Sommerville arrives highly touted, a very skilled youngster with enormous potential, he is arguably No.1 or 2 in the 2024 Class. Koch is a bright young prospect, pegged by long time observers as a future wing player with the potential to provide an offensive threat on the perimeter.