2014 Hinkle Holiday Classic
At Jacob High School – Dec. 22nd, 2014
An event that was considered by most observers to be down after 2 consecutive years of individual stand-outs on-display as well as quality team match-ups. This time around the first few days were mostly blow-outs, poorly played games; potentially 5 division one players suited-up at the venue while 5 or 6 D2 likes took the floor; considering bad traffic in the area, all this equaled up to a down-year at Jacobs.
Elgin-Larkin 64 – Huntley 33
Not much to report in this one, top five 2017 forward Christian Negron suited-up, but played half of the game. He looked like a stud, he wasn’t as engaged; he merely stayed out of the way and tried not to get hurt. Small college forward Tanner Gardon was quiet, but junior college bound guard Juwan Stewart will be a player one day.
Jacobs 84 – Carmel 71
The host team just routed a selfishly played Carmel squad which featured junior guard C.J. Duff a western Illinois recruit. I was impressed with Northern Michigan signee Jacob’s Kenton Mack a nice feel for the game and a good jump shooter. Soph stud Cameron Krutwig is going to be a good one once he gets his body right; he’s big 6-8, 240 and physical. Chris Orange a 6-2 guard is a D2 recruit. He brings length to the floor.
Barrington 62 – Johnsburg 39
“Not much to talk about here.” The No. 1 junior in the state Rapolis Ivanauskas displayed why he will be coveted by much of the Big 10. The six foot nine skilled forward is a treat to watch. Purdue was on-hand for this 9:00 am tip. Ivanauskas played half of the game while team-mate Chris Lester a six foot six wing can be a terrific D2 recruit, he should have tons happening with his recruiting.
Cary Grove 41 – South-Elgin 39
Junior, PG Matty Smith was the main attraction for this contest, he didn’t disappoint either, he made shots, played with team-mates didn’t try to do everything by himself, in addition he performed point-guard duties when needed, Smith’s value continues to be growing with MAC & Horizon league schools in pursuit.
Carmel 85 – Bartlett 79
Carmel’s junior guard C.J. Duff played well, he looks more like a scoring guard than actual point. He has to become more of a leader for his club. He wears a non-emotional mask most of the time. Bartlett lefty Jordan Anderson at 6-2 was a surprise, he was explosive attacking the rim, threw down a couple of dunks and made several treys, the senior guard should draw the attention of some division 2’s before the end of January. He’s an intriguing prospect.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Short Game Summary: 12/23/2014
Short Game Summary, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014
Gary Decesare’s squad was in control of this contest throughout, it was a good test for his team, against a highly regarded Auburn team which has down-state aspirations come March. St. Rita trailed 27-26 going into half-time. But then Tennessee State signee Armani Chaney showed the folks at Proviso West why he is now considered one of the elite play-makers in our Chicagoland area. Chaney, pretty much controlled the second half, gliding & sliding through and around defenders for baskets or assists, setting the table for Charles Matthews and Tulane recruit Kain Harris. St. Rita seems to be peaking at the right time, you can see the chemistry developing each outing they take the floor. Chaney is the catalyst and if future opponent’s intent on beating them, they better have a good night shooting on the perimeter. In addition St. Rita is a good defensive rebounding team. Matthew who finished with 10 points & 11 boards and 6 assists is playing at a nice pace, is floor game has been exceptional. While Kain Harris popped for 11 markers, he has been a nice addition to St. Rita this season after spending 3 seasons at the Buzz factory – known as Morgan Park. Kain has settled down playing a calming role which also allows him to showcase his accurate jump shooting abilities, Harris committed to Tulane after the upset victory over Simeon last Friday. Chaney, clearly out-played Auburn’s guards Laytwan Porter and Antoine Pittman both headed to Northern Illinois and Wisconsin-Green-Bay respectively. Porter competed and tried to make something happen offensively, but he was cold on the perimeter. Pittman, however had a quiet 13 1st half points, but never was into the game from the start AWOL. Chaney led all scorers with 25, now St. Joe’s awaits in the semi-final game Friday (Dec. 26th) a rematch from 2 weeks ago when St. Rita routed them 80-61 – St. Joe was without Glynn Watson and Joffery Brown in that ball game.
Gary Decesare’s squad was in control of this contest throughout, it was a good test for his team, against a highly regarded Auburn team which has down-state aspirations come March. St. Rita trailed 27-26 going into half-time. But then Tennessee State signee Armani Chaney showed the folks at Proviso West why he is now considered one of the elite play-makers in our Chicagoland area. Chaney, pretty much controlled the second half, gliding & sliding through and around defenders for baskets or assists, setting the table for Charles Matthews and Tulane recruit Kain Harris. St. Rita seems to be peaking at the right time, you can see the chemistry developing each outing they take the floor. Chaney is the catalyst and if future opponent’s intent on beating them, they better have a good night shooting on the perimeter. In addition St. Rita is a good defensive rebounding team. Matthew who finished with 10 points & 11 boards and 6 assists is playing at a nice pace, is floor game has been exceptional. While Kain Harris popped for 11 markers, he has been a nice addition to St. Rita this season after spending 3 seasons at the Buzz factory – known as Morgan Park. Kain has settled down playing a calming role which also allows him to showcase his accurate jump shooting abilities, Harris committed to Tulane after the upset victory over Simeon last Friday. Chaney, clearly out-played Auburn’s guards Laytwan Porter and Antoine Pittman both headed to Northern Illinois and Wisconsin-Green-Bay respectively. Porter competed and tried to make something happen offensively, but he was cold on the perimeter. Pittman, however had a quiet 13 1st half points, but never was into the game from the start AWOL. Chaney led all scorers with 25, now St. Joe’s awaits in the semi-final game Friday (Dec. 26th) a rematch from 2 weeks ago when St. Rita routed them 80-61 – St. Joe was without Glynn Watson and Joffery Brown in that ball game.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Off-The-Cuff: Top 10 2015 Players
Off-The-Cuff
We have a growing number of 2016 prospects off to a dismal start. Not a good sign for a class billed already as subpar. “I can’t even tell you who the top 10 are as of today.” Hopefully the Xmas break will provide a sense of new hope. Meanwhile, I know who the top 10 2015 players are. Let me identify them.
We have a growing number of 2016 prospects off to a dismal start. Not a good sign for a class billed already as subpar. “I can’t even tell you who the top 10 are as of today.” Hopefully the Xmas break will provide a sense of new hope. Meanwhile, I know who the top 10 2015 players are. Let me identify them.
- Jalen Brunson 6-1 PG HM Stevenson “Nationally rated Villanova recruit has his team lifted to No. 1 status in the state; Proviso West awaits.”
- Marcus LoVett 6-1 PG HM Chicago Morgan Park “A 4 star recruit has the likes of Georgetown, Illinois, Kansas & others in hot pursuit; Xmas tournament in Carbondale will draw plenty of admirers in the southern part of our state.”
- Ed Morrow 6-7 SF HM Chicago Simeon “Nationally ranked, headed to Nebraska; a cat quick baseliner; will terrorize the Big 10 before his career ends.”
- Luwane Pipkins 5-10 PG MM+ Chicago Bogan “The U Mass recruit showed in a head to head tilt with LoVett that he is a stud; he went for 28.”
- Charles Matthews 6-5 WG HM St. Rita “Nationally rated Kentucky-bound talent, has strung together 3-4 straight quality games enough to silence critics. Sometimes expectations can be overwhelming. He should be daunting at Proviso!”
- D.J. Williams 6-7 G/F HM Chicago Simeon “Illinois recruit, nationally ranked, very versatile performer-better playing off-the-ball; needs consistency.”
- Aaron Jordan 6-4 WG HM-MM+ Plainfield East “Illinois-bound jump shooter, has proven over the last 4 months, he is a feared offensive threat; at Pekin.”
- Glynn Watson 6-1 PG HM-MM+ St. Joseph “Has what it takes to be a key contributor for Nebraska next season; hopefully he is ready to play again at Proviso.”
- Jordan Ash 6-2 G HM-MM+ St, Joseph “Northwestern bound, will shine in Chris Collins system, he brings some quality dimensions to the floor.”
- Joshua Stamps 6-5 WG HM-MM+ Chicago Curie a“Unsigned senior has some academic work to complete. His motor continues to improve there is no question about his talents; Memphis, DePaul, UIC, Texas El Paso these schools could be his place of destination next season.”
Game Day Look: 12/20/2014: Northwestern 67 – Western Michigan 61
Game Day Look – Saturday, December 20th, 2014
Northwestern 67 – Western Michigan 61
Just being around Welsh-Ryan arena for decades, I can feel the make-over just in the atmosphere alone these days as the second season of the Chris Collins era uncoils it’s recipe for long-term success. “I’m on-board” – After getting clipped by MAC conference foe Central Michigan on Wednesday night 80-67, on this day Steve Hawkins Western Mich squad would encountered some early foul trouble which may have diminished any hopes the Broncos would have pulling off-the-same feat as their conference rivals a few nights back and besides Central Michigan shot extremely well. Junior guard Tre Demps led all scorers with 17 points and freshmen Gavin Skelly and Scott Lindsey provided a spark off the bench as well as sophomore Nathan Taphorn a 6-7 sophomore from Pekin finished with 10 points. Rockford native David Brown tallied 11 points for the Broncos.
Northwestern 67 – Western Michigan 61
Just being around Welsh-Ryan arena for decades, I can feel the make-over just in the atmosphere alone these days as the second season of the Chris Collins era uncoils it’s recipe for long-term success. “I’m on-board” – After getting clipped by MAC conference foe Central Michigan on Wednesday night 80-67, on this day Steve Hawkins Western Mich squad would encountered some early foul trouble which may have diminished any hopes the Broncos would have pulling off-the-same feat as their conference rivals a few nights back and besides Central Michigan shot extremely well. Junior guard Tre Demps led all scorers with 17 points and freshmen Gavin Skelly and Scott Lindsey provided a spark off the bench as well as sophomore Nathan Taphorn a 6-7 sophomore from Pekin finished with 10 points. Rockford native David Brown tallied 11 points for the Broncos.
Game Summary: 12/19/2015 No. 5 St. Rita 51 – No. 2 Simeon 46
Game Summary Fri, Dec 19th, 2014 at Moraine Valley College
No. 5 St. Rita 51 – No. 2 Simeon 46
The Mustangs clipped Simeon in a game nationally televised on ESPN 2. It took four late free-throws by guard Kain Harris with minute or so remaining to seal the victory for the Mustangs. Simeon’s full-court press in the final six or seven minutes closed the gap to a 44-40 margin behind numerous miscues by the Mustangs, but Simeon could never capitalize enough to take the lead, plagued by missed foul shots and horrific outside shooting which doomed the Wolverines from the start. St. Rita exposed Simeon outside shooting, daring them to shoot while collapsing inside on Simeon forward Ed Morrow. St. Rita coach Gary Decasare had his troops prepared and ready to go from the tip, give him credit he was masterful, they executed a game plan at both ends of the floor. Kentucky bound Charles Matthews was splendid though-out the contest silencing critics (including myself), his plan of attack was precise, he created plays for his mates and he rebounded and competed hard. Matthews, Harris and Armani Chaney combined for 43 of St. Rita’s 51 points. Morgan Park transfer Kain Harris kick-started the Mustangs with 2 opening three pointers to make it a 6-2 start, finished with 16 points. Matthews finished with a double/double 17 points – 13 rebounds, four assists; Chaney was steady throughout tallying 10; Zack Norvell scored 12 markers while 10 came in the 4th. Nebraska recruit Ed Morrow managed 11 points and 16 rebounds, he spent the night surrounded by defenders. “A big win for St. Rita and the catholic league.”
No. 5 St. Rita 51 – No. 2 Simeon 46
The Mustangs clipped Simeon in a game nationally televised on ESPN 2. It took four late free-throws by guard Kain Harris with minute or so remaining to seal the victory for the Mustangs. Simeon’s full-court press in the final six or seven minutes closed the gap to a 44-40 margin behind numerous miscues by the Mustangs, but Simeon could never capitalize enough to take the lead, plagued by missed foul shots and horrific outside shooting which doomed the Wolverines from the start. St. Rita exposed Simeon outside shooting, daring them to shoot while collapsing inside on Simeon forward Ed Morrow. St. Rita coach Gary Decasare had his troops prepared and ready to go from the tip, give him credit he was masterful, they executed a game plan at both ends of the floor. Kentucky bound Charles Matthews was splendid though-out the contest silencing critics (including myself), his plan of attack was precise, he created plays for his mates and he rebounded and competed hard. Matthews, Harris and Armani Chaney combined for 43 of St. Rita’s 51 points. Morgan Park transfer Kain Harris kick-started the Mustangs with 2 opening three pointers to make it a 6-2 start, finished with 16 points. Matthews finished with a double/double 17 points – 13 rebounds, four assists; Chaney was steady throughout tallying 10; Zack Norvell scored 12 markers while 10 came in the 4th. Nebraska recruit Ed Morrow managed 11 points and 16 rebounds, he spent the night surrounded by defenders. “A big win for St. Rita and the catholic league.”
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