UP-SHOTS - TOP PERFORMERS AT PANGOS ALL-MIDWEST

Highly touted sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has grown somewhat antsy over the uncertainty of a hoop season. Reportedly he will continue to polish his game at La Lumiere Prep over in Indiana. Fears has an offer from Illinois and several other high-majors, I guess he feels he has a lot at stake with national profile.

A shoutout to my local guys out here on the hoop front lines making a conscientious effort to assure that some of our youngsters are receiving the necessary recognition and exposure they deserve during a Pandemic crisis. These guys have formed a nice partnership for sharing. These guys are: Lefty Boyd-Illinois High School Hoop Heads; Derek Ellison-National Prep Round Ball; Big Tim Coleman-Inside High School Basketball Review; Ricky Moore-Youth Junior Hoops Elite; Damion Porter Sr.-Team Illinois US Basketball; Kevin Dennis-Illinois High School Sports Central.

Six-foot six Donald Coates is on the move again, he left Thornton to attend school in Indianapolis recently. He spent his first 2 years at Thornwood and his junior year he suited up with the Wildcats.

TOP PERFORMERS AT PANGOS ALL-MIDWEST

Freshmen/Sophomore Camp @ La Grange Park District

“Over the weekend Dino Trigonis set up shop with his mobilized Pangos brand based out of Southern Cali, has seemingly given us locals the golden opportunity to size-up some of our area’s top up & coming 2023 & 2024 prospects.”

Spot-Liter’s Picks

·                     James J.B. Brown        St. Rita                         6-8       F          2023       

 “No.1 in our 2024 Class. Poised and has a very good skill set.”

·                     Christopher Riddle      Kenwood                     6-4       WF       2024       

“Top notch versatile type”     

·                     Monez Johnson Jr.      St. Rita                         6-6       F          2024   

       “Impressive youngster, flashed his potential at camp.”

·                     Andre Blakley Jr.         Marmion Academy     5-10     G         2024     

“Played well, has a gloating floor game.”

·                     Joseph White              Zion-Benton                5-9       PG        2024        

“Has some game, comes from good stock.”

·                     Javonte “J.J. Taylor     Kenwood                     6-7       WF       2023 

“Camp MVP 29pts in top 30 game.”

·                     Darrin Ames Jr.           Kenwood                     6-0       G          2023   

“Lefty can score in his sleep.”

·                     Matas Buzelis              Hinsdale Central           6-8      F          2023

“Lithuanian terrorizer is so promising.”

·                     Tevonta Jackson          Springfield Lanphier    6-1       PG       2023       

“Dynamite performer.”

·                     Dalen Davis                 Whitney Young           5-10     PG        2023      

 “Was solid.”

·                     Davius Loury               Kenwood                     6-7       WF       2023   

 “Silk-smooth talent.”

·                     Darrion Baker             St. Rita                         6-7       F          2023       

 “Game on the rise.”

·                     Bryce Coleman            St. Joseph                    6-6       G/F      2023

“Going to be lethal.”

·                     Owen Freeman           Bradley Bourbonnais 6-8       F         2023   

“Big fella can score many ways.”

·                     Jalen Griffith               Simeon                        5-7       PG        2023   

 “Slippery & nifty.”

·                     Yarell Greer                Chicago Bogan            5-9       PG        2023

“Flat-out speedster with tight handle.”

·                     Daniel Johnson            Whitney Young           6-6       F          2023   

 “Game on the rise.”

·                     Sam Lewis                   Oak Park                      6-5       PG        2023

“Going to be a standout prospect.”

·                     Maurice Thomas         DePaul Prep                5-11     PG        2023

“Showed flashes, somehow managed to get an invite to the Top 30 game.”

TOP PERFORMERS OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS

1.                  Baye Fall                      6-11     F          2023    Lutheran (Parker, CO)

“Best player at camp, a bad dude, really talented.”

2.                  Malik Olafioye            6-0       G          2023    Ecorse Community (MI)

“Athletic combo guard who can score in a hurry.”

3.                  Assane Diop                6-10     C          2023    Belleville Christian (Westminster, CO)

“Agile-front courter was impactive much of camp.”

4.                  JaQualon Roberts        6-7       F          2023    Bloomington North (IN)

“Consistently good throughout camp.”

5.                  Jeremiah Johnson        6-3       G          2023    Putnam City (Oklahoma City, OK)

“Talented combo guard, has some explosiveness in his game.”

6.                  Maki Johnson              6-4       G          2023    Huntington Prep (WV)

“It had strong floor game, made shots.”

7.                  Keary King                   6-0       G          2025    Good Pasture Christian (Madison, TN)

“Super poised for an 8^th grader playing up; more than held his own played well in the top 40 game.”

TOP PERFORMERS AT PANGOS ALL-MIDWEST

Freshmen/Sophomore Camp @ La Grange Park District

“Over the weekend Dino Trigonis set up shop with his mobilized Pangos brand based out of Southern Cali, has seemingly given us locals the golden opportunity to size-up some of our area’s top up & coming 2024 & 2023 prospects.”

Spot-Liter’s Picks

• James J.B. Brown St. Rita 6-8 F 2023           “No.1 in our 2024 Class”

• Christopher Riddle Kenwood 6-4 WF 2024       “Top notch versatile type”

• Monez Johnson Jr. St. Rita 6-6 F 2024           “Impressive youngster”

• Andre Blakley Jr. Marmion Academy 5-10 G 2024       “Played well”

• Joseph White Zion-Benton 5-9 PG 2024       “Has some game”

• Javonte “J.J. Taylor Kenwood 6-7 WF 2023     “Camp MVP 29pts in top 30 game”

• Darrin Ames Jr. Kenwood 6-0 G 2023 “Lefty can score in his sleep”

• Matas Buzelis Hinsdale Central 6-8 F 2023“Lithuanian terrorizer is so promising”

• Tevonta Jackson Springfield Lanphier 6-1 PG 2023        “Dynamite performer”

• Dalen Davis Whitney Young 5-10 PG 2023        “Was solid”

• Davius Loury Kenwood 6-7 WF 2023        “Silk-smooth talent”

• Darrion Baker St. Rita 6-7 F 2023        “Game on the rise”

• Bryce Coleman St. Joseph 6-6 G/F 2023        “Going to be lethal”

• Owen Freeman Bradley Bourbonnais 6-8 F 2023 “Big fella can score many ways”

• Jalen Griffith Simeon 5-7 PG 2023       “Slippery & nifty”

• Yarell Greer Chicago Bogan 5-9 PG 2023 “Flat-out speedster with tight handle”

• Daniel Johnson Whitney Young 6-6 F 2023       “Game on the rise”

HOOPS OUTAGE

KANKAKEE 72 - OAK FOREST 51

Wednesday night ISHA 3A Sectional Semifinal
at Thornridge

This was our last game before the coronavirus outbreak interrupted our area causing the shut-down of all sporting events. It’s looking like a Ghost Town. Kankakee rolled in and blitzed the Bengals from the on start looking like the high school version of Phi-slam-jamma. They were just too athletic and quick; in addition, they were well disciplined only committing 7 turnovers the entire ball game. Coach Chris Pickett had his squad prepared and well-oiled resembling the likes of Tubby Smith or a Nolan Richardson persona while manning the sidelines in a calming manner. Kankakee had all five starters record double digit scoring, led by Lavell McIntosh’s 18 followed by 12 points from A.J. Storr, Kevin Allen, Rashard Harris, and Dylon Johnson. This was an impressive outing by the Kankakee Program. They withstood a fine effort from the Bengals Jayson Kent’s 23 points (five 3-pointers) and Robby Avila’s 21 markers. Oak Forest had no answer and just didn’t have enough ammunition.

IN SEASON

No. 5 Bloom 74 – No. 3 Thornton 57
Made the track to the Heights Tuesday night (Jan. 28th) to this prime-time game of the week. Arrived on the scene to see a packed house. Standing room only, illustrated what kind of environment we might be destined to witness. With all the pre-game skinning & grinning, the only obvious piece missing from this buzzing gymnasium was some sizzling tracks from the likes of Jay Rock (Win), DaBaby, and Travis Scott (Heavy Camp) just to name a few. Blah, blah, blah… Bloom which as a rich basketball tradition, but has often been snake-bitten, unable to pull out the big one, this trend expands to over thirty-forty years. They’ve produced ton notable players through the years, including NBA exec Jerry Colangelo, Audie Mathews (Illinois), Claude White (averaged over 40 pts a game in College), Raymond McCoy- one-time phenom Class of 1979, McDonald All-American (San Francisco), Robert McCoy, Brandon Cole (DePaul). I couldn’t hold back standing on the side-line corner reminiscing about some of the history of this storied Program, mindfully both schools have such famed alumni. Thornton entered the game with an unblemished (21-0) record and got out the gate fast scoring the first couple baskets of the contest displaying why they are recognized as one of the top teams in the state. They’re trademark tough gritty/tenacious defensive style can discombobulate many opponents. Ball movement and outside shooting has been the fruit of their recent success. Bloom finally weathered the intense pressure and finished the opening quarter down one 13-12. Bloom (20-5) trots out five Division One players, finally took control after intermission going on a 14-5 run to close the third quarter. Tulsa recruit Keshawn Williams was just too lethal in the second half, he finished with 23 points and array of acrobatic finishes including several dunks. Cal-State Fullerton signee Dante Maddox Jr. registered 20. Christian Shumate, one of the top un-signed seniors in the state, tallied 13 points & 14 rebounds. Senior guard Ari Brown led Thornton with 23 points. “What a great hoop environment…”

Glenbrook South’s six-foot five senior guard Dom Martinelli is a bad dude; dynamite high school player who impacts games on nightly basis. All he does is win, in which he demonstrated Thursday night in a victory over No. 2 Evanston where he dialed up 34 points, 10 rebounds and dished out four assists. We’ve spoken to many locals about him in recent weeks and the masses tend to brand him as an old-school/throw-back type or noon baller, totally dismissing his impressive accomplishments. They claim D2/Small College. “We ain’t buying the fluff!” Martinelli scored 99 points in four games at the hardwood classic over the Xmas break, GB South won it. Dom averages nearly 30 points an outing. Patriot League should be watching closely, we will be visiting him this week.

Whitney Young’s senior guard Tyler Beard made a startling revelation this week, he committed to Georgetown. “Congrats to the young fella.”

Reportedly, one of the state’s top 10 players Collinsville’s silk-smooth guard Ray’Sean Taylor de-committed from his pledge to Southern Illinois Edwardsville. He’s enjoying an outstanding season and has his Collinsville squad ranked among the top 4A teams in the state. He certainly will be heavily coveted, anticipate some interest from some of our state schools and just across the river St. Louis U.

The whole Lincoln Park fiasco has been a horrendous stiff-upper-lip. One of the Chicago Public League’s gold standard Programs marred in a messy misconduct allegation steaming from a trip last month to Detroit where a student/player incident put a cloud over their remarkable season. The Lions are currently 19-3 and ranked 9th or 10th in the Chicago Sun Times weekly casting. Pat Gordon, highly regarded among his peers, has been suspended since early January but has managed to keep his program/system in place where the team is still successful despite some ugly allegations. This Program and the student body at LP doesn’t deserve this.

RESULTS FROM MLK HOLIDAY CLASSIC “VERY GOOD EVENT ON THIS SPECIAL DAY IN HONOR OF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER.”

No. 10 Lincoln Park – 56 No. 13 Joliet West – 55
LP managed to escape Joliet Central in the top card of the evening, the Lions withstood a three-pointer at the buzzer by senior Tre’Vonta Hall to send the game into overtime, then the Lions had to hold their breath in OT when Jamere Hill’s three-pointer was on mark, but a shade long. Hill, who recently gave a verbal to Toledo, was marvelous down the stretch scoring 13 of his game high 22 points. Lincoln Park (16-3) still without a head coach Pat Gordon due to suspension, still has the ship rolling, received a stellar performance from 6-foot 8 Big Man Romelle Howard who was the difference with 15 points and 15 rebounds while patrolling the paint. Ismail Habib tallied 15, while Julio Montes had 11. Great game for viewers!

Oak Park – 73 Lincoln Way East – 69
Pretty rare for a West Suburban and South Suburban team to stroll into a South Side Public League gymnasium for physical scrappy square off. Junior Isaiah Barnes and Josh Smith combined for 49 points to propel the Huskies past Lincoln Way East in an entertaining affair that was close the entire game. East actually held a one-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but with under a minute left to play, Oak Park forced a turnover with score 67-63, that pretty secured the win for the Huskies. Lincoln Way East received 22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, & 3 steals from junior guard Jhei-R Jones. Oak Park’s talented wing Isaiah Barnes finished with 27 points and rising prospect Josh Smith recorded 22 markers.

Chicago Crane – 62 Plainfield Central – 55
Crane, a West Side White Division Program, opened the game with a sizzling stretch where they drained 9 threes and ran out to a 41-13 lead, but then that pace eventually subsided to a 45-28 half-time score. Crane shot a scorching 11 for 13 from the three-point arc in the first half. The second half was totally a different vibe, Crane’s shooter was now covered closely, went 1 for 5 due to some adjustments from Central Coach Gregg Bayer who kept his squad in striking distance with heads up scrappy play and was able to close the gap to 57-54 with 1.30 left, but couldn’t finish several contested driving lay-ups. Crane sealed the game by knocking down foul shots. Senior Robert Hobbs led the Cougars with 18 points and 10 rebounds, 6-4 junior shooter Marcus Gaston tailed 16 points, forward Jimarius Sneed chipped in with 11. Central, who did not play bad at all throughout the contest, had to fight up-hill from such a huge early deficit because Crane was hitting on all cylinders. Central was led by senior guard Tavari Johnson 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. Fellow senior guard Brandon Shoemaker finished with 16 & Javari Johnson at 11 points.

Chicago Phillips – 72 Hyde Park – 68 OVT
This battle was marked as two historical neighborhoods, Bronzeville versus Jackson Park colliding on MLK Day, my only hope was the tussle would not turn chippy. The Wildcats came into the game without a loss to Chicago area team all year. The contest was tight throughout with several lead changes, but with Phillips ahead 58-57 with the ball and 50.1 second remaining, Philips’s Coach Lawrence Briggs had the dubious distinction of receiving a technical, Hyde Park split the two free throws to tie the game, which went into overtime. The Thunderbirds missed 5 foul shots in OT which pretty much doomed their fate. Philips freshman guard Jaheim Savage was impressive he recorded 27 points and 10 rebounds, he’s definitely a top 10 first year player and one to watch. Un-signed senior 6-3 Keyon Joiner demonstrated he’s a marvelous passer who sees the floor extremely well netted 14 points & 7 assists, Davion Jordan added 14 points as well. Junior Jalen Houston finished with 13 points, freshman guard Raeshom Harris hit three 3s in the overtime period which kept the Thunderbirds close, led them in scoring with 19 points.

Hammond High (Ind) – 84 Peoria High – 59
The Wildcats trounced Peoria in our only disappointing/blow-out of the day, they veered into town not ready to play, which was so disheartening. Seemingly though this was pegged to be a barnburner, a great match up on paper. You would think that Lions would be prepared and ready to play in Chicago. It was obvious from the on-set that they weren’t ready, mostly due to the exhilarating performance of 6-foot 7 junior forward Darrell Reed who threw down 3 devastating flushes in the mist of traffic. This game was a wash by half-time with Hammond jumping out to a 42-23 cushions. The lone bright spot for Peoria was the determined play of 6-4 junior Dionsyious Hogan, he went for 21 points & 6 boards. Wildcats Coach Larry Moore Jr. had his team re-tooled and ready, they looked well in tuned from when we watched them in early December in a home-opener against Hyde Park where they dropped a close one. Moore’s group has vastly developed some identity since that debacle. Reed finished with 19 points, followed by senior guard Tim Wilder’s 18 points, junior Harold Woods added 14 points and senior Jamar Styles grabbed 8 rebounds & 11 points.




Chicago South Shore – 61 Walter Payton – 52

Two academic schools squaring off to open-up the venue, South Shore came into the game winners of the last 9 games and jelling at the right time. Coach Troy Farrow has done admirable job re-vitalizing the culture of his Program despite of being faced with numerous challenges daily. Now on the other side first year Coach Phil Gary Jr. is re-shaping his Program with resemblance of a youth movement, headed by talented freshman Luke Newhall, but presently senior Jabari Chiphe (23 points) is the leader and main go to guy. South Shore sophomore point guard Nathaniel Lee had a game high 25 points while hitting 5 three pointers. The game was close for a while, then the Tars went on a 25-9 run to take a 48-32 lead and the rest was history. Senior Small College gem Andre Stewart had 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, sophomore wing Chris McDonald finished with 10 markers as well. Payton received 10 points from junior Eamon Glasscott.

MLK Basketball Classic

VISIONS - MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY CLASSIC

Entering year two with a vision that will incorporate our brand in growth towards adding the necessary ingredients to propel our MLK event to be recognized as one of the premier Classics in the Midwest.

MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY CLASSIC
MONDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2020
SITE: HYDE PARK ACADEMY

GAME TIMES
11:00am – Walter Payton vs South Shore
12:30pm – Peoria High vs Hammond High (Ind)
2:00pm – Plainfield Central vs Chicago Crane
3:30pm – Lincoln Way East vs Oak Park
5:00pm – Joliet West vs Lincoln Park

ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE 2019 FALL HIGH SCHOOL CLASSIC

This event was revitalized in 2015 which was once recognized as a venue for identifying up n coming individual talent across our state. Our mission now for the this particular is branded as team play. At the Spot-Liter we are angling to have this two-day event become one of the premier fall events in the Midwest. Plainfield Central High School has top-notch facilities and has been a frequent destination for local Club and School teams for many years. It’s been the hub in the southwest suburbs for grass roots hoops. We look forward towards working hand n hand with the Plainfield staff and well as the community to make this entertaining event where sportsmanship will be held in the highest degree/regard. We will only invite 32 teams to this rising school hoop fest.

Saturday, September 14th & Sunday September 15th, 2019

Site: Plainfield Central High School

611 West Fort Beggs Dr.

Plainfield, IL

The cost for this entry will be $225.00

GUARANTEED: 

• 3 Games – Pool Play format

• With our experience and knowledge of all of our teams participating, pools will be matched and paired accordingly. 

• Top two teams in each pool will advance to playoff round.

• With the single game elimination format, the winner will be crowned with championship trophy at the finale. 

PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS OF THE ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE FALL CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
2018 – Richards defeated East Aurora 58-39

2017 – St. Viator toppled Glenbard East 48-32

2016 – Zion-Benton squeaked by Marshall 39-34 (1st Wayne McClain Classic)

2015 – Metamora outlasted De LaSalle 53-48


NOTABLE HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS PARTICIPATED IN 2018
Metamora, Cary Grove, Walter Payton, Chicago De LaSalle, Plainfield North, Hyde Park Academy, Oak Lawn H.S., Farragut, Carl Sandburg, Simeon, T.F. South, East Aurora, Rockford-Auburn, Niles North, Joliet Central, Plainfield Central, Corliss, Glenbard East, Lincoln Park, Oak Park, Lincoln Way East, Rich Central, Hillcrest, Richards, Crane Tech, Prosser, Plainfield South

EXTENDED INVITE FOR NEW ARRIVALS
Bogan, East St. Louis, St. Laurence, North Lawndale, Joliet West, Oswego East, Peoria High, Romeoville, Hope Academy, Galesburg, Minooka, Calumet Perspective, South Shore, Springfield High, Danville, Conant, Evergreen Park, Thornridge, Leyden, Latin School of Chicago, Legal Prep

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CURIE 65 – MORGAN PARK 60
(At Chicago State-Sunday-Feb 17)

With City bragging rights at stake, both teams came out of the tunnel at the south-side arena dialed-in and ready with a visual chip on their shoulders. Junior Justin Harmon’s three-point play with twenty plus seconds remaining pretty much sealed the victory and city title for Curie, who fought from behind majority of the game. Strong play from Dajuan Gordon, a six-foot four Kansas State Signee, was magnificent throughout the contest finishing with a game high twenty-eight points, Gordon made every huge play imaginable at both ends of the floor. In fact, his game was a familiar symbol of what Chicago hoopers often looked like! “Flat-out just ballin, an all business approach.” (No in-game chatter or celebratory theatrics). Gordon debatably could be the city’s top player this season, he demonstrated why he is on the Public Leagues largest platform; now Morgan Park’s junior sharp shooter Adam Miller is no slouch, the Peoria Manual transfer cemented his status as a top national acclaim prospect and the No.1 junior in Illinois. Miller’s remarkable display of shooting while under-duress was impressive. He tallied 23 points in a tough loss; Morgan Park was saddled with 21 turn-overs and managed to hold a half time cushion of 38-31; despite of a few questionable calls, the game was well played. Curie’s junior swingman Ramean Hinton recorded 14 points and six rebounds. Sturdy senior point-guard Trevon Hamilton (7pts) was terrific. He made several huge plays down the stretch that ultimately changed the complexion of the game.

“Most intuitive observers often anticipate a scrape or altercation/confrontation between teams/fans/officials after most city ball games, well its business as usual as CPS security and Chicago State Police had to step in to calm down & manage some unhappy spectators. Oh, we love Chicago hoops!”

Saturday night we took in an awfully quiet contest between Geneva-Hampshire. Geez, I couldn’t take my lens off of Geneva’s dynamite point-guard Jack McDonald. “This kid is surgical, his pace, precision and uncanny ability to distribute pin-point passes to his mate’s off the dribble is astonishing. McDonald listed at 5-foot 11 is one of the five best players we’ve observed all season, he’s oiled in that certain hooper mystique. “Ivy League/Patriot Leaguers you might have missed one here.”

It could be time for high-majors to take a closer look at Simeon’s slender scorer Antonio Reeves. The 6-4 senior has poured in over 25 points per game the last month or so, Wisconsin & DePaul has started to take on a more serious approach with the young fella. He could be a unheralded gem in the right system at the next level.

Ronald “Chops” Billinger Memorial Classic

February 1st & 2nd, 2019

Friday Site: Wells High-School
Saturday Site: Whitney Young High-School

On Friday night I walked into Wells H.S. to take in some ball games at the Annual Chops Classic and was instantly connected to a vibe/frequency that embodied just how special this event has been, particularly in recognizing our friend and remembering his true love & passion for the game. Just to mentally process that he’s been gone since 2004 is mind-boggling.

Nothing but love, respect & admiration for event head Vince Carter and his storied Demon Program/foundation they have eloquently cultivated Chicago through the years with their charitable work and the abilities to connect & empower individuals in need. In fact, many of us around the city tend to be awfully impressed with the collection of fine young men that has grown-up in the Demon Program. Founder Vince Carter has proudly assembled a very special alumni listing. The event featured local boys & girls’ games, sprinkle in several California teams out of Oakland and you have a recipe for innovative venue. Just imagine if you could pencil in yearly, perennial figures Curie, Westinghouse, & Crane to go along with supportive participants Farragut and Marshall it would totally solidify “Chop’s” West-Side supremacy.

1ST ANNUAL MLK HOLIDAY CLASSIC

ILLINOIS SPOT-LITE PRESENTS 

1ST ANNUAL MLK HOLIDAY CLASSIC

MONDAY, January 21st, 2019

(DOORS OPEN AT 11:00AM)

General Admission: $10/person

SITE: CHICAGO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

12001 S. Oak Park Ave

Palos Heights, IL 

GAME SCHEDULE
NOON - Chicago Christian vs. Reavis
1:30pm - Peoria High vs. Rich Central
3:00pm - Bloomington vs. Lincoln Park
4:30pm - Peoria Richwoods vs. Sandburg

Download PDF

Press Notes

As we gear-up for our MLK event, we will provide game notes as well as identify key players to watch. We are extremely excited about the future of this event and our vision is to revitalize it each season, to where the Classic is recognized as one of the premier MLK events in the Midwest. We appreciate everyone’s support.

Game FactsSeveral participating teams enter with quality wins and pretty good record thus far. Bloomington holds a 13-5 record and is rated 5th in our state rankings. The Raiders are coming off a strong showing at the prestigious Highland Shootout with a convincing 76-63 victory over a good East St. Louis squad. They will take on Lincoln Park at the MLK Classic, who currently owns a 12-6 mark. Both teams will match-up as our main attraction. Bloomington’s leading scorer is 6-foot 8 SIU recruit Chris Payton, who averages 22.8 and 8.9 rebounds. 6-4 guard Caleb Donaldson is one of the state’s top unsigned seniors, he averages 13.8 a game and brings high-wire ability. The Lions from Lincoln Park counters with senior forward Tahir Thompson, who averages 10 points a game but has been on a roll of late averaging 15.7 his last four games. They also suit-up unsung seniors Tavis Stampley a rising prospect and outside shooting threat Mike Robinson. Lincoln Park also has two promising sophomores.

Peoria Richwoods currently has a 12-5 mark. They grabbed a huge victory last week against Bloomington at home. They will go head up against Carl Sandburg (10-8), a squad who’s been playing extremely well of late after a slow start. The Eagles won the consolation Tournament at York over the Holiday break, finishing 4-1. They’ve won 6 out of 8 including a tough loss against state ranked Bolingbrook last week. Marvin and Kevin Agwomoh lead them in scoring with 12 points per game. While exciting six-foot three junior guard Atharva Atreya averages 10 per outing. Atreya had a really nice game versus Bolingbrook. Richwoods has played well of late except for dropping a game last week against city rival Peoria High. They are led by one of the state’s top un-signed seniors Cortez Mosley who averages 19 points a game, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Their second leading scorer, Jaydion Davis who chips in with 11 points and 6 rebounds. The Knights have shown promise in their team-oriented system and they have several good young players that play significant minutes. Their top player, Mosley is a transfer from Peoria High. 

Our opening game will feature host team Chicago Christian who has an impressive 15-5 record and winners of 8 consecutive games. The Knights have really shined recently playing well together. They are led by three sport senior stud, Matt Stuursma, who averages 15 points per game, and junior forward Brian Anderson, who records 15.5 markers a game and 10 rebounds. Reavis will be the Knight’s opponent, they presently own a 6-9 record and have fought hard in some close games. The Rams all-purpose performer is senior Sami Hajjar. Our 1:30pm game will feature Peoria High versus Rich Central. Two programs still trying to capture some identity before looming into the month of February. Peoria Lions is coached by legendary native Dan Ruffin. They currently hold a 6-13 mark and winners of their last several games. Chris Williams, a 6-foot junior, has been a bright spot averaging 17.2 points per game. Rich Central off to a disappointing start after lofty early season expectations. Their unforeseen start was due to eligibility issues with several key players. They’ve played a tough schedule at this point in the season losing to ranked teams Bloom, Marian Catholic, and Homewood-Flossmoor. The Olympian’s top player is 6-5 senior, Chance Love, who is still available and averages close to 12 a game and is paired with fellow senior Bryonte Washington, who registers 12.3 a night. We look for both of these teams to turn their season around soon.

DREAMERS

We are extremely excited about the future of this event and our vision is to revitalize it each season, to where the Classic is recognized as one of the premier MLK events in the Midwest.

1ST ANNUAL MLK HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Monday, January 21st, 2019
SITE: Chicago Christian High-School

GAME SCHEDULE
Noon – Chicago Christian vs Reavis
1:30pm – Peoria Central vs Rich-Central
3:00pm – Bloomington vs Lincoln Park
4:30pm – Peoria Richwoods vs Carl Sandburg

ILLINOIS HIGH-SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENTS

PONTIAC HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
December 27th – 29th, 20189:00am – Simeon vs Lockport
10:30am – Danville vs St. Charles North
1pm – Curie vs Joliet West
2:30pm – New Trier vs Plainfield North
4pm – Bloomington vs Warren Township
6pm – Benet Academy vs Peoria Manual
7:30pm – Bloom vs Pontiac
9:00pm – Oak Park vs West Aurora

Notes: The State’s No. 1 Tournament, Curie should roll in un-defeated with a wave of scrappy hard playing athletes led by Kansas State recruit Dajuan Gordon. Supporting cast of Ramean Hinton, Damari Nixon, Josiah Hammons, & Armond Williams Jr. New Trier looks to present some problems for opponents with its towering front-court of Ciaran Brayboy, a Harvard recruit and 6-8 SR Spencer Boehm, under-the-radar floor general Sam Silverstein. Bloom-Curie match-up would make this venue a frenzy affair to view. The Trojan’s Junior Trio, Keshawn Williams, Donovan Newby, & Martice Mitchell will exhilarate an audience. Watch-out for guard Justin Moore. Benet Academy will be angling to knock-off someone behind the play of Senior forward Kendrick Tchoua one of the state’s top un-signed seniors and Junior Colin Crothers. Usual perennial favorite Simeon having a slow start with a line-up of young players logging significant minutes will still be a much-watched squad, with senior scorer & top un-signee Antonio Reeves, senior guard Kejuan Clements, junior Bryce Hall, soph wiz Ahamed Bynum. Two prized freshmen A.J. Casey & Jaylen Drane. Bloomington will be a tough squad to deal with featuring SIU recruit Chris Payton and top un-signed guard Caleb Donaldson. Oak-Park comes in with a senior laden quartet of Chase Robinson, Anthony Roberts, Charlie Hoehne, & Dashon Enoch, and soph guard Isaiah Barnes should be someone to watch. Dark-horse team is Plainfield North who has a line-up of impressive juniors Kaleb Fenelus Williams and Colin O’Rourke.

HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
December 26th
9:30am – Willowbrook vs Richards
11:00am – Marian Catholic vs Glenbrook North
12:30pm – St. Charles East vs Stevenson
2pm – DePaul Prep vs Urban Prep Englewood
3:45pm – St. Rita vs Rockford Auburn
5:15pm – Oswego East vs Westinghouse
7:00pm – Hinsdale Central vs Homewood-Flossmoor
8:30pm Lincoln Park vs Maine South

Notes: This will be a good tournament to view, the location is in close proximity with the Proviso West Xmas event as well as York. DePaul Prep is playing at a high-level right now and could be the early favorite with Brown recruit Perry Cowan performing like an All-Stater un-song junior Lance Mosley. Sophomore to watch 6-8 Brian Matthews. Marian Catholic has junior Ahron Ullis averaging close to 20, senior Chris White junior guard Joe Green. Oswego East comes in with Boise State recruit Raymond Dennis & junior forward Sam Schultz. St. Rita will have un-signed senior Jeremiah Oden. Richards, Lincoln Park, and Homewood-Flossmoor should be entertaining to watch as well.

HARDWOOD CLASSIC HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
At Wheeling – December 26th, 2018
1st Round Match-Up
9:00am – Waukegan vs Grayslake Central
10:30am – Fremd vs Libertyville
12:15pm – Notre Dame vs Prospect
2pm – Glenbrook South vs Taft
3:45pm – St. Viator vs Ridgewood
5:30pm – Buffalo Grove vs Deerfield
7:15pm – Wheeling vs Geneva
8:45pm – Niles North vs Maine West

Notes: The St. Viator squad should be the favorite with a line-up of Wright State recruit Trey Calvin and Kent State signee Jerry Hernandez and promising junior Connor Kochera. Buffalo Grove has sharp shooting frosh Kam Kraft, he’s a player to watch. Waukegan will be local heart-throb at the event with Bryant Brown, Jordan Brown, and Andre White Jr. Anthony Sayles of Notre Dame will likely draw the interest from College Coaches & Scouts. Geneva will have shooter Mitch Mascari. Glenbrook South has under-valued all-purpose performer Dom Martinelli who can score a variety of ways. Niles North carts in talented junior Aquan Smart and promising 6-5 sophomore Jalen Butler.

45TH ANNUAL JACK TOSH 2018 CLASSIC AT YORK H.S.
December 26th – 31st, 2018
1st Round Match-Up
SOUTH GYM
8:30am – Palatine vs Metea Valley
10:00am – Lake Forest vs Lyon Township
11:30am – Carl Sandburg vs Naperville North
1pm – River-Side-Brookfield vs McHenry
3pm – Timothy Christian vs Wheaton North
4:30pm – St. Francis vs Brother Rice
6pm – Elk Grove vs Batavia
7:30pm – Downers Grove South vs Highland Park

NORTH GYM
9:00am – Providence Catholic vs St. Patric
10:30am – Minooka vs Conant
Noon – Hinsdale South vs Lemont
1:30pm – Nazareth vs St. Lawrence
3:30pm – T.F. South vs Schaumburg
5pm – Glenbard East vs St. Ignatius
6:30pm – Stagg vs Rolling Meadows
8pm – Andrew vs York

Notes: A few of teams housed at this Holiday destination, one thing is for certain the head-liners will be Marquise Kennedy of Brother Rice heading to Loyola-Chgo. He’s a Top 5 player in the State. Another Rambler recruit Tom Welch (Naperville North) on-hand. State’s No. 1 sophomore Max Christie is sure to fill the stands. Drake Univ. recruit Nate Ferguson (Lemont) will be some-one to view closely. Schaumburg stud, 6-7 Chris Hodges is legit. T.F. South will feature the Stewart twins Elijah & Andrew. St. Lawrence is one of the area’s surprising teams with break-out junior guard, Jeremiah Williams. River-Side-Brookfield has a solid team-oriented cast and will contend for the title. Wheaton North has talented senior forward Deng Reng who’s un-signed. York has Top 25 Junior PG Nate Shockey, an exciting player. Don’t be surprised at 6-7 soph Julian Campbell of Palatine, a rising player has some success.

JACOBS HIGH-SCHOOL HINKLE HOLIDAY CLASSIC
December 22nd, 2018
1st Round Pairings
3:00pm – Johnsburg vs Dixon
3:00 pm – Cary Grove vs South Elgin
4:30pm – Crystal Lake South vs Chgo Walter Payton Prep
4:30pm – Bartlett vs Waubonsie
6:00pm – Barrington vs Prairie Ridge
6:00pm – Chgo King Prep vs Steamwood
7:30pm – Rockford Jefferson vs Marian Central
7:30pm – Jacobs vs Grant

Wednesday December 26th, 2018
Day 2 Match-Ups
9:00am – South Elgin vs Marian Central
10:30am – Prairie Ridge vs Johnsburg
Noon – Grant vs Chgo King Prep
1:30pm – Cary Grove vs Rockford Jefferso
3:00pm – Barrington vs Dixon
4:30pm – Chicago Walter Payton vs Bartlett
6:00pm – Crystal Lake South vs Waubonsie Valley
7:30pm – Jacobs vs Streamwood

Notes: This is a Holiday venue that I was a frequent visitor there, an event where you could potentially notice some sleeper prospects. Cary Grove’s pair Beau Frericks a stellar junior guard & six-foot eight junior forward Frank Jakubicek. Northern Illinois signee Keenon Cole will be attraction coming in with his Streamwood squad. Quinn Peterson one of the area’s top young Coaches will be on-hand with his Walter Payton team, Barrington, South-Elgin, Dixon, & Rockford Jefferson has promising young talent.

BIG SHOTS
Our area lost one of all-time great high-school players when former St. Francis De Sales stand-out Eric Anderson passed away last week-end at 48. Anderson led De Sales to a 29-2 record and a second-place finish in the Class AA 1988 Season. He went on to become a heck of player at Indiana where he led the Hoosiers to the 1992 Final Four.

The two-day Team Rose event at Mount-Carmel December 8th & 9th was a really good event. Some match-ups attracted a huge viewing with Bloom vs Morgan Park; St. Viator vs Oswego East; Brother Rice vs Uplift; Bloomington vs Leo; Kenwood vs Hillcrest; and Oak-Park vs Orr all were prime games and highly competitive. “It was the place to be in Chicago last week-end.”

TOP UN-SIGNED SENIORS TO FOLLOW
• Myles Baker 6-3 WG MM Young – “Playing extremely well, stock-climbing.”
• Tujautae Williams 6-6 G MM Orr – “Nice length, likes to get up & down.”
• Kendrick Tchoua 6-6 F MM Benet – “Patriot League really interested.”
• Deonte Billups 6-4 G MM Moline – “He & his team are playing well.”
• Rashawn Agee 6-7 PF MM Bogan – “Had a monster week with double/doubles in some big victories.”
• Cortez Mosley 6-4 WG MM Peoria Richwoods – “Sleek player who can score.
• Antonio Reeves 6-4 WG MM Simeon – “Has game & savvy. Pontiac will be his outing to shine.”
• Dylan West 6-7 PF LM+ Hillcrest – “A sleeper type; rising prospect.”
• Jeremiah Oden 6-7 F LM+ St. Rita – “Xmas venue will provide answers.”
• Greg Outlaw 6-5 WF LM+ Orr – “A raw promising talent. Good defender.”
• Caleb Donaldson 6-5 G LM+ Bloomington – “Nice length, can handle & create for mates, good finisher.”
• Bryant Brown 6-4 G/F LM+ Waukegan – “Just a hooper.”

PROVISO WEST HOLIDAY CLASSIC
December 26th, 2018 – First Round Pairings
9:30am – Leo vs Longwood
11:00am – Uplift vs Elgin-Larkin
12:30pm – Proviso East vs Hyde Park
2:00pm – Bogan vs Niles West
4:00pm – Fenwick vs Dunbar
5:30pm – Hillcrest vs Proviso West
7:00pm – Whitney Young vs Crete-Monee
8:30pm – St. Joseph vs Morton

Notes: Not as strong as its been in previous years but a couple of match-ups might lure a sizeable crowd. New addition Chicago Leo could provide some healthy fireworks for this venue. Leo’s Fred Cleveland Jr. and Uplift’s Markese Jacobs (DePaul signee) will be fun to watch if the match up occurs, now the Anderson Brothers (Dechaun-Kendale) could be too much for Uplift. Bogan probably boasts more talent than anyone in the field with Rashaun Agee, Jeremiah Washington, Jordan Booker, Kyndall Davis, & rapidly improving junior forward Kennedy Brown. They could be the favorite. Whitney Young rolls in with top notch juniors D.J. Steward & Tyler Beard. Senior leader Myles Baker has been consistently good. Colleges will flock to this venue as well to get a close-up look at a few of these standout prospects, including highly touted sophomore Bryce Hopkins a 6-5 scorer from Fenwick.

BIG DIPPER AT RICH SOUTH H.S.
December 26th, 2018 – First Round Pairings
7pm - Morgan Park vs Bowen
Noon - Hammond High (Ind) vs Rich-East
4pm - Marshall vs Romeoville
1:30pm - Michigan City, Ind vs Rich Central
8:30am - Thornton vs Hope Academy
9:00am - Vocational vs Clark
10:30am - Farragut vs Butler Charter
5:30pm - Bowman vs Rich South

Notes: It will be a plenty of skin’n & grinning with laughter at this event. Morgan Park will likely be the favorite, even though they’ve hit some bumps of late. Some name Coaches will make things real colorful: Tai Streets (Thornton), Donnie Kirksey (Vocational), William Nelson (Farragut), Larry Moore Jr. (Hammond), Henry Cotton (Marshall), Marc Howard (Romeoville), Terry Head (Clark), Anton Harmon (Hope Academy), a couple of young up-coming Coaches Cornelius Crossley (Rich Central) & Paul Hobson (Butler Charter).

CENTRALIA HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
December 27th – 29th, 2018
(1st Round Pairings)
8:30am – Champaign Central vs T.F. North
10:00am – Mt. Vernon vs Arlington, TN
12:30pm – Belleville West vs Cahokia
2:00pm – Centennial, TN vs Chatham Glenwood
3:30pm – Alton vs Lausanne
6:15pm – Carmel vs Confluence
7:45pm – Centralia vs Marist
9:15pm – Evanston vs Germantown

NOTE: The State’s best player is on-hand – Belleville West E.J. Liddle who signed with Ohio State. High-jumping Champaign Central sophomore Khaillid Terry will also be a player to watch.

BLOOMINGTON HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
10:30am – Thornwood vs Springfield High
Noon – Kenwood vs Plainfield South
1:30pm – Zion-Benton vs Normal U-High
3pm – Metamora vs Harlem
5pm – Normal vs Mahomet-Seymour
6:30pm – Joliet Central vs North Chicago
8pm – Rock Island vs North Lawndale
9:30pm – Peoria Central vs Wheaton-Warrenville South

COLLINSVILLE PRAIRIE FARMS HOLIDAY CLASSIC
December 27th, 2018 – 1st Round Pairings
9:00am – Springfield South-East vs Oakville (MO)
10:30am – Edwardsville vs Quincy
1:00pm – Rockford East vs Decatur Eisenhower
2:30pm – East St. Louis vs Belleville Althoff
4:00pm – Decatur Macarthur vs O’Fallon
6:30pm – Collinsville vs Chicago Hansberry
8:00pm – Lincoln (IL) vs Madison
9:30pm – Belleville East vs Granite City

Note: Usually a pretty good event, draws nice crowds. The teams to watch: Southeast, Edwardsville, Lincoln and East St. Louis always bring out the fashionable masses. Rockford East Junior Sincere Parker may light-up the score-board, he’s been terrific early on.

TEAM ROSE SHOOT-OUT

Sunday & Saturday – December 8th & 9th, 2018
SATURDAY GAMES
11:00am – Von Steuben vs Eduprize Charter

12:30pm – Farragut vs River-Side Brookfield

2:00pm – Lemont vs Providence St. Mel

3:30pm – St. Viator vs Oswego East

5:00pm – Brother Rice vs Uplift

6:30pm – Bloom vs Morgan Park

SUNDAY GAMES
10:45am - Mount-Carmel vs Romeoville

12:00pm – Oswego vs Downers Grove North

1:30pm – Bloomington vs Chicago Leo

3:00pm – Kenwood vs Hillcrest

4:30pm – Oak Park vs Chicago Orr

6:00pm – Curie vs DeLaSalle

“Some under the radar High-School teams I’m looking to crack the area Top 20 racket.”

*Richards*Corliss*T.F. South*Rich-Central*Lincoln Park*Plainfield North*Cary Grove

IN THE PAINT PRODUCTIONS will host...

IN THE PAINT PRODUCTIONS
will host 

Chicago Basketball Icons

Honoring A.B. “Tree” Stoner/Hales Franciscan “1963”
Also, special tribute to Billy Harris-Dunbar “1969”
Site: Foster Park – 83rd Loomis, Chicago, IL
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 – 12:30-4pm

“Celebrating individuals that have made a lasting impact on Chicago hoops history/scene.”

EXPRESSIONS - PANGOS ALL MIDWEST FROSH/SOPH CAMP

PANGOS ALL MIDWEST FROSH/SOPH CAMP
SATURDAY-SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH & 21ST, 2018
LAGRANGE (IL) PARK-DISTRICT

Dinos Trigonis came in town saddled-up for few days armed with my favorite contingent of national scouts including Van Coleman, Clark Francis, Frank Burlinson, and Nike’s top observer John Stovall. Scouting observers caught a birds-eye view of some of the top up-coming talent in the Mid-West. For us locals it was a golden opportunity to size up some of our areas’ highly touted 2021 & 22 prospects. The only sobering aspect for us local viewers was watching the nation’s No. 1 player – Pat Baldwin Jr. strut his game; the young fella grew up in the Chicago area and was often recognized as our up-coming phenom, now resides in Sussex, Wis. where he has reaffirmed his status as a prized recruit. We can’t help but create thoughts of what packed gymnasiums would look like when he suited up to perform nightly. Baldwin is a re-birth of former NBA star and University Tennessee stand-out Alan Houston. Now Chicagoans starting to feel really good about the development of Simeon’s six-foot one high scoring guard Ahamed “Black Cat” Bynum, who claimed camp MVP after recording a thirty-point performance on 6 of 8 shooting during the All-Star Game finale. Bynum is a terrific talent, he was draining jumpers from thirty, arguably the best player in our state’s 2021 Class. He has the perfect demeanor for stardom. Springfield-Missouri native Anton Brookshire was impressive, demonstrated excellent poise & court savvy while brandishing skills of a polished ball-handler/shooter & decision maker. He drew some MVP considerations. Good lookin’ prospect.

TOP 15 PLAYERS WE SAW DURING THE PANGOS CAMP
NAME HT POS YR CITY/H.S.

A.J. Casey 6-8 F 2022 Chicago Simeon

“Waiting on him to take next step in growth/game.”

Kimahri Wilson 6-0 PG 2021 Carmel

“Terrific young talent. Fun to watch, top 10 in our Class.”

Cameron Cleveland 5-9 PG 2022 Chicago Leo

“Promising prospect, a player we’re going to see express himself soon.”

Reggie Ward 6-4 WF 2021 St. Rita

“Has a scorer’s mentality, gave us a glimpse of what his future could look like.”

Jaylin Gibson 6-3 PG 2021 Evanston

“Now has to separate himself from the pack.”

Kanye Smith 6-4 WG 2022 Chicago Whitney Young

“Smooth player showed ability to knock down shots on the perimeter.”

Kai Evans 6-2 G 2021 Montini

“Athletic & aggressive attacking the rim.”

Byron Hobbs Jr. 6-3 WG 2022 Chicago Hyde Park Academy

“A sleeper clone, a player we will follow closely.”

1ST TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT

1ST TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
• BEAU FRERICKS 6-2 PG JR CARY GROVE
• TARONE KIRKWOOD 5-10 PG JR EAST AURORA
• CARTER THURMAN 6-5 G SR PLAINFIELD NORTH
• TREVON JONES 6-4 F SR RICHARDS
• DHASHON DYSON 6-1 G SR CHICAGO CORLISS


2ND TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT
• AQUAN SMART 6-3 PG JR NILES NORTH
• JULES WILLIAMSON 6-5 G/F SR EAST AURORA
• FRANK JAKUBICEK 6-8 PF JR CARY GROVE
• COLIN O’ROURKE 6-6 WF JR PLAINFIELD NORTH
• LONDON DENMAN 6-9 C SR T.F. SOUTH

PLAYERS NOTE WORTHY OF MENTION & RECOGNITION FOR THEIR PLAY AS WELL
• Kenny Sallee 6-4 JR Crane
• Josh Pryor 6-4 SR East Aurora
• Matt O’Boye 6-3 SR Plainfield North
• Dekwan Turner 5-11 SR T.F. South
• Leondre Townsen 6-6 SR Corliss
• Joshua Ausler 5-10 SO Rockford Auburn
• Elijah Steward 5-11 SR T.F. South
• Jalen Butler 6-6 SO Niles North
• Jimarious Sneed 6-5 JR Crane
• Norvell Meadows 5-10 SO Prosser