2009-2010

A few months ago we stumbled across the Team Mook Showcase at Hayes Park in Chicago. We were shooting what we thought was 'just another tournament' that a player asked us to come shoot him at. Well---a few steps in and we see a professional DJ doing and spinning his thing. At the mic doing the P.A. is the real voice of basketball in the city, Jimmy (In The Gym) Smith. Suddenly this 'Mook' guy, the person running this, welcomes us with open arms and reminds us his name is Rodney Williams and we did a special piece on him and his special Curie team back in the early 2000's. We did (can't find it dammit)and express to him how far he has come and what he has built. Now it gets better--Williams, along with others, will be brand new ABA owners and are ready to take over the ABA landscape of this town by storm.

Malcolm X prevailed in a clutch NJCAA game against rival Kennedy-King 73-71 Tuesday at Kennedy-King. KK's Jerrell Mayo broke a tie with under 30 seconds to go with a 3-point basket. However Sean Hill of Malcolm X answered with one of his own to tie the game at 71 with 15 seconds left. After a Kennedy-King miss, the Hawks Elliott Brown drove in for a game winning layup with 1.2 seconds left. For Malcolm X, Martel Jackson led his team in scoring with 17 points and Jerome Moore added 15 points. Demerius Smith of Kennedy-King led all scorers with 22 points and teammate Jerrell Mayo hit for 13 points.

Although their win/loss totals are headed in opposite directions, that didn't keep De La Salle's gym from being packed Saturday night in a rivalry clash between the home team and St. Rita. The Meteors won it 76-52. Jaylon Tate (#23) led all scorers with 24 points and Alvin Ellis had 14 points. Mike Shaw had 12 points as well as 12 boards.

It was intense and chippy in North Park College Sunday night between Foreman and Marshall in the closer of the Chops Billinger Memorial shoot-out. Foreman gave up an 18 point lead but won it 60-58. George Edwards, a poised 6'5 senior forward, came through twice for his Hornets. A layup at 15 seconds tied the game and a driving scoop layup with 1 second left won it. He scored 24 points Sunday night; for Marshall Keifer Sykes led all with 28 points.

The number 1 ranked NAIA team in all this nation, Chicago's own Robert Morris, easily (after an early 2nd half scare) topped Olivet Nazarene 85-64 Saturday night at Loyola. Diante Watkins led all scorers with 24 points and added 8 assists. Larry Dumas, the Bloom Township graduate hit for 20 points and Reggie Bunch added 16 points. Folks Google up this teams schedule and take in a game--they've only lost once this season and are worth your time!

Crane played uptempo offence and pulled away late from Whitney Young in a Red-West clash Tuesday at Crane. The Cougars won 60-53. Willie Conner of Crane topped all scorers with 26 points; Woods finished with 14 points. Sam Thompson led Young's scorers with 16 points.

East Aurora sensation Ryan Boatright did not disappoint Thursday in the championship game of the East Aurora Holiday Tournament. He pumped in 43 points and displayed quickness and moves that simply defy believability. However he's human and that's one of the reasons Peoria Central beat East Aurora 75-72 to take the title. He gave up the ball on a critical late possession but other than that this player is a fearless, cold-blooded presence that has and will make a mark on Illinois high school basketball.

Farragut has won the 2010 Chicago Public School Boys Basketball Holiday Showcase. It was a classic and gutsy Red-West clash, although not actually a conference game. Physical, intense action prevailed throughout and great parts of the game was played above the rim. Rashaun Stimage for the Admirals dominated with 16 points as well as 6 rebounds and 4 block shots. The amazing Kieran Woods of Crane hit for 14 points with 5 rebounds and stole the ball 5 times.

Hyde Park's terrific guard play was evident in a big way Tuesday at the Chicago Public School Holiday Basketball Showcase at Crane. They beat Orr 70-63 and advace to the semi-finals against Farragut. Marcellis Davis led with 17 points and Kyle Davis hit for 12 points. Treyshawn Jones and Greg Jackson were dominant forces as well at both ends of the court. Orr's key player, Mycheal Henry was cut above the left eye just 2 minutes into the game and sat out the entire rest of the game. Curtis Jones led Orr's scoring with 27 points. Tevell Coxbey added 12 points.

Huge games were had by Hales Aaric Armstead (l) and De La Salle's Mike Shaw Friday night in De La Salle's 68-65 victory at Hales. Armstead, who was everywhere, scored 28 points and gathered in 10 rebounds. Shaws team showed more balanced scoring as finished with 22 points.

Kieran Woods went ballistic Tuesday at Crane scoring 34 points (including 21 straight for his team) in a 57-56 win over Orr. All eyes were to be on Mycheal Henry, Orr's top gun and who finished with 24 points. But Wood's sensational play on both ends of the floor stole the show at Crane. This Red-West opener was highly physical and chippy all game long. Henry received a technical foul late in the game for taunting an opponent after one of his baskets, and orange jacketed CPL security staff needed to make three trips onto the floor to help squash possible rumbles between the two teams.

Hyde Park's new head coach Lamont Bryant had his young squad running and gunning from the outset in his very first game Monday at Hyde Park. Hyde Park defeated Senn 82-66. Kyle Davis streaked, darted, and soared for a game high 25 points. Treyshawn Jones hit for 14 points.

Morgan Park defeated Homewood-Flossmoor 62-54 Sunday at the Chicago Public League's 2010 Holiday Basketball Showcase at Chicago State. Blackshear powered up this mammoth slam in the 1st half at a time HF was controlling play. Blackshear had 16 points in the game to go along with 6 blocks and 8 rebounds. Delvon Rencher hit for 16 points to lead all HF scorers.

In a key 96-90 early season victory over NAIA rival Indiana University Southeast, Robert Morris's (8-0) Diante Watkins again showed why he is one of the city's top point guards. After a slow start, he matched teammate Larry Dumas for high scorer at 22 points. Each also were perfect from the line, a key to the win. Watkins was unstoppable in the 2nd half, as IUSE players could not contain him. Roy Beard, an intimidating force in the paint hit for 21pts. Greg Grimes and Rick Bodiford each had 18 points for IUSE.

We garnered our first ever look at the 6'10 200lb national phenom that is Anthony Davis Wednesday at Perspective-Calumet. We are sure this will be his least compelling performance we will chronicle. Davis scored 15 points in a 79-47 ruination administered by host Calumet. His rebounding and point totals were far below average, but his 6 blocks (which he makes look so effortless) were a high point. Roger Stribling for Perspective -Calumet led all scorers with a scorching total of 32 points. Davis's team needs to clean-up the turnovers allowed to happen to them; a key in changing a loosing record.

Malcolm X (7-1) defeated Morton Tuesday night 78-74 (OT) in NJCAA play at Malcol X College. Morton could of won it at the end of regulation but could not get a shot away in time. Leading all scorers was Jerome Moore of Malcolm X with 26 points, followed by Martel Jackson with 19 points and Elliott Brown with 14 points. For Morton Dionta Moore led the way with 23 points followed by Floyd Campbell with 11 points.

A game comeback effort fell short for class 7A Simeon in their quarterfinal playoff loss to Lake Zurich Saturday. Simeon's attempt at a perfect season as well as a historic trip to the state finals disappeared in the 17-14 loss at Gately Stadium.

With the score tied and the overtime period about to end, Daley College's Laron Wade got the rebound off a missed jump shot and promply put the ball through the net as the horn sounded giving Daley College a 78-76 victory over visiting Lake County. Jonathon Lyles and Montrail Oliver each had 20 to lead the Daley scoring. Tyrone Abrams for Lake County nailed 8 3-pointers and led all scorers with 29 points.

Only a freshman out of De La Salle but showing the poise of a senior, Elliott Brown efficiently dropped 22 points and led all scorers as Malcolm X rolled over Wright 86-60 Saturday at Malcolm X. Yet another freshman made noise as well--Anthony Ross from Foreman contributed 14 points. Carde Pennington (8 points) and Martel Jackson (7 points) two lightning bolt fast point guards ran the floor with precision. Sherman Love led Wright with 15 points.

St. Francis(CCAC) defeated Ashford 74-67 at the Fighting Saints rec. center in Joliet. 6"5' junior forward Greg Leavell broke out in a large way leading his team with 22 points. Andrew Fair hit for 12 points and Bruce Watson added 11 points. Michael Cole and Dan Dispenza tied for the rebounding lead as each grabbed 10. Lamar Wall of Ashford led all scorers with 24 points.

Oakton College out of Des Plaines got our 2010-2011coverage of high school and college basketball off to a rousing start Tuesday night. The NJCAA Raiders easily handled UW-Rock County 94-61 in their home opener. Leading all scorers was Evanston Townships DJ Weeks. This fearless point guard, who went down hard several times but kept getting up chimed in with 24 points. Lennie Khizickia, a penetrating and quick guard out of Niles West hit for 14. Antonio Foster (Oak Park River Forest) and Nate Johnson (Romeoville) both finished with 12 points.

Here's a happy fact that you don't read a lot: A very good Chicago Public League high school basketball player will attend college and play ball---in Chicago! Morgan Park's Jerome Brown verbally committed to the UIC Flames Friday. "Chicago is where I love to live and where I want to attend school," he told us earlier today. "I can't thank Coach (New Head Coach Howard) Moore and Coach (new Assistant Coach Donny) Kirksey enough for this opportunity." Brown, a mid to long range sharpshooter who hit for 6 three-pointers in just the first half in Morgan Parks CPL title game victory over Marshall last March is a senior and will begin his college career at UIC for the 2011-2012 class year.

As he ponders again where he will attend college, it's still a delight to catch up with this Hyde Park stand-out. As much as we enjoy shooting this treasure can we please say..Fabyon make the right decision. It's not just the next 4 years it's your entire life. Ponder in your heart whats best and do in your head whats right. We stand behind you no matter what you decide.

Now about to begin his second year in college, we thought it would be time to pay a visit to Jerome Harris. This exciting point guard flew under the radar when he played here at Collins and is making his mark now at the next level. This content is on our FACEBOOK page.

We're not going to lie---we have our favorites. These would be the players who combine both athletic marvel on the court and are top class people off the court. Former Whitney Young star Chris Colvin is one of these players. We've chronicled Chris as well as his influential dad Ike before Chris even attended Young. We felt it was time to do some catching up with Chris after his freshman year at Iowa State. Chris now will be looking for another school to finish his college career at. He explains that as well as how his life has changed this last year as well as reflecting on glorious memories at WY.

Fasion Robinson(l), the younger brother of Hyde Park's Fabyon Harris, left us recently as a direct result of needless stupid violence. To the Harris family--our deepest condolences. Also our condolences on their loss of a special friend Izael Jackson. As a tribute to his brother Fabyon has organized a series of fundraising games. Here's a FULL PACKAGE LOOK at the first game 2 weeks ago. CLICK HERE or pic above for a look at tonight's game.

Congratulations to Whitney Young for defeating Maine South Tuesday at the UIC Super-Sectional. The defending 4A champs proved what a great team with great coaches are suppose to do; despite loosing key players to graduation other great one's are there to carry on the mantle. Coach Slaughter--great success downstate we hope and to your fantastic and talented seniors...great success in life.

It was the damndest shot we've ever seen-- Young, once down 17 points against Foreman is now making a furious comeback. Ahmad Starks fires one up from half court as the 3rd quarter buzzer sounds--the ball hits left rim and pops out high and now further to the left striking the backboard. The crowd is already doing its 'aghhhh' thing--so close but no. The ball somehow lands back down on the left rim but instead of popping out left it goes right and strikes the other rim--than it goes down! You had to be there. Whitney Young has won the Proviso East Sectional 65-60 over a devastated Foreman. Things got testy--very testy-- at the end but we will see Young Tuesday at UIC.

An excellent Marshall team flew under the radar this season and please forgive us also for not noticing the fine display of talent on display at this storied west-side school. They stood tall against favored Foreman, stayed composed, and hit all their key free throws in their 65-59 Chicago Public League semi-final victory Wednesday at DePaul.

It doesn't matter to these guys that the Chicago Public League Championship does not mean a guaranteed trip to the Elite 8 like it use to. If you think that diminishes winning the city title to these players you think wrong. NOTHING means more to a Chicago high school baller than calling himself city champs and we mean nothing. Players never play harder and emotions never run deeper than at these games. With that said we congratulate Morgan Park on it's thrilling 76-74 OT win over Hyde Park Wednesday in the CPL Semis. Also a very special player to us still has one last shot at glory..an IHSA state title.

As we get ready for the CPL playoff semi's and final next week, no better time to check in with a boat-load of former public league players who are doing their college thing locally now. Very good talent was on display Saturday at Truman College, which saw Daley College beat Truman 75-72 in overtime. Hubbard('08) standout Diante Watkins led all scorers with 25 points defeating (Hyde Park '09) Martell Jackson's led Truman team.

On it's own home floor and on senior night, Young head coach Tyrone Slaughter watched his defending state champs loose a shocker against Morgan Park in round 2 of the CPL playoffs. Congratulations to the Mustangs of Morgan Park and for Young its time to get ready to defend your 4A crown.

Tuesday we spent a snowy afternoon at Orr High School watching the Spartans practice in advance of their Chicago Public League playoff game against Hyde Park. Head coach Lou Adams, now in his second year at the helm at this west side school, likes his 19-7 squads offensive ability. “Curtis (CJ) Jones is only a sophomore but already has one of the best mid-level jump shots in the city,” he told us. 6’6” jr. guard Mycheal Henry “is already in my top 3 in Chicago and can rebound with the best of them,” he flatly stated. The coach also singled out jr. Malik Logan’s tough defensive ability, especially around the basket as well as the exceptional court sense of jr. Santino Siggers.

In the first round of the Chicago Public League Playoffs Hyde Park eliminated Gage Park 72-49. Senior Fabyon Harris hit for 14 points with 7 assists and 5 steals. Marcus Dover (#2) also had 14 points and Aqui Shareef (#12) hit for 10 points. Hyde Park faces Orr next Wednesday in round 2.

On a slow Sunday we checked out an interesting event at UIC. Stars/moguls Bow Wow and Nelly led their celebrity teams into a battle against each other. You know what--it was not bad and in fact it was entertaining. Both these guys were serious. Bows Cash Ent. won in double overtime.

It was an easy win at nearby Waukegan Friday for the home team as superstar Jereme Richmond and a talented group of his Bulldog teammates chewed up and spat out Glenbrook South. Our first look at Richmond and although not called on to perform at superman standards against this opponent he did not at all disappoint. What caught our eye is his presence; the way he keeps yapping in his opponents faces and how he continually works the referees. That's a leader.

Our first look at Wayne Blackshear in a Morgan Park uniform well...went as expected. He dominated Uplift Monday at the Chicago Public League Holiday Tournament at Malcolm X leading all scorers and posterizing more than a few of his oppenents.

It was generally an easy night for the Caravan as they beat Catholic League rival Leo 80-61 at Mount Carmel. Junior guard Tracy Abrams led all scorers with 20 points and fellow guard Malcolm Hill-Bey, an active and intregal dazzler himself, hit for 15 points.

Morgan Park junior Wayne Blackshear is now in command at this south side high school. Coming off a 42 point/18 rebound romp over East Aurora last Saturday at Chicago State, Blackshear has put his Mustangs BACK on the basketball map in Chicago. Affable head coach Nick Irvin, a refreshing and welcome change from what usually passes as a high profile Chicago coach here is another reason why they are on that map. But a team has been built aroung him thanks to Irvin, with freshman guard Markee Williams and senior leader Leron Smith leading the way. Listen to Irvin talk about his entire team in this

interview. Morgan Parks next game is their Red-South conference opener at Harlan Monday 12/14.

Gage Park's sr. Javon Worthy continued on his strong early season start in his teams 59-56 victory over Manley. Worthy led all scorers in this non-conference game at lighting-challenged Manley. He hit for 15 pts in his teams third victory of the season. Hitting for 14 pts was Kevin Wims and adding 13 pts was Ernest Pitts.

It's going to be another dominating season of boys basketball at Simeon once again! Players like Jabari Parker, Jaleni Neely, Brandon Spearman and a whole lot of talented others started off big with a convincing 50-37 win over Thornton at Chicago State. Parker led all Simeon scorers off the bench in his Simeon debut!

It was a sensational and also scary start for the defending champions Dolphins Sunday at Chicago State's City-Suburban Showdown. Stellar guard Anthony Johnson drained 17 points in Whitney Young's 74-61 win over Homewood-Flossmoor. Fifteen of those points came in a third quarter that also saw Johnson tumble violently to the floor. However he did return and appears to be ok.

Diante Watkins, a sophomore point guard out of Hubbard, is set to help lead the upstart Daley College basketball team into national prominence. After a stellar freshman year in which he averaged 18 pts, 6 assists, and 4 steals Watkins battered the summer conditioning program. This 5’9” 155lb. dynamo not only hit the gym but also the pool in a special swim club to help his conditioning along. At this time Watkins is the leading scorer for all of NJCAA Div. 1 nationwide. He is averaging close to 35 ppg this year and last week was named player of the week. This due to an amazing performance against Kankakee where he scored 48 points in a 102-97 win on Nov. 21. He was 13-for-25 from the field, including 5-for-11 from three-point range, and also contributed two rebounds, six assists and three steals. He also scored 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting in a 60-54 win over Truman on Nov. 17. In that contest he also had three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Hardwork has paid off and has steered ‘Rockem’ Watkins into national recognition while Div. 1 schools increase their presence and attention towards him. Hasn’t hurt put this school at 75th. And Pulaski on the basketball map as well.

Hyde Park dominated Washington 80-35 Tuesday in both teams season opener at Hyde Park. Leading all scorers with 20 points was senior Fabyon Harris(#3) of Hyde Park and leading the Minutemen of Washington was Devante Rutledge(#23) with 11 points.

They lost 9 seniors from last year, mainly Malcolm Griffin and Anthony Dixon. They lost last year to North Lawndale in the Chicago Public League championship game. They rebounded big but lost days later to Whitney Young in the IHSA Super-Sectionals and saw a trip to the Elite 8 vanish. So close to glory. Twice within a few weeks. Although not yet ranked up there with the Simeon's, Foreman's, and Young's of the public league, this team is still stacked and better not to be taken lightly. Led by Fabyon Harris, poised to take over team leadership now that other stars have graduated, the Thunderbirds look to rule in the Red-Central and find at least one of those pot-of-golds from last seasons once brilliant rainbows.

At left, Coach Kirksey and Fabyon Harris talk about the 2009-2010 Thunderbirds and fill you in on all you need to know. At right is Colton Kolowski. This 7th grader from the west suburbs is looking to become a Thunderbird in a couple years or so. Click on him to hear his very interesting connection to Hyde Park.

Sky high expectations abound at this emerging Red-North powerhouse school land-locked near Cicero and Belmont. Shouldn't they what with four players already signed to attend D1 universities? (G)Lavonte Dority (South Florida), (F)Edward Denard (UIC), (G)Mike McCall (St. Louis), and (G)Tommy Woolridge (Eastern Illinois) all are pronged to bring significant hoops glory to a school and an area not accostomed to experiencing it. Head coach Terry Head, who properly mixes in all the right measures of tough love so as to mesh this team as a cohesive unit , describes his squad as "Ready to go for it."

Quinton Beasley, one of our main guys in the western suburbs, is hosting new and compelling league play at the Maywood Recreational Center. It features some great area talent from the near past, such as Brandon Watkins and Justin Cerasoli. The league is running now through Christmas and if interested for more info EMAIL Quinton.

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