The addition of #1 Kenwood Academy (Chicago) has spiced up the tournament. This is a South Suburb staple to the basketball comminuty there. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Kenwood Academy (Chicago): They have not missed a step this season with a new coach. Talent has been there but they are connected as a team. The addition on Johnson College Prep (Chicago) transfer senior Terrence "TJ" Seals has made a huge difference. He can play all over the court. Senior Aleks Alston is filling in all over the court. Guards Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago) transfer Amari Edwards has had some monster performances. He's a state champion. Sophomore Devin Cleveland is a Top 15 national prospect in his class and has shown good floor generalship.
SECOND FAVORITE: Homewood Flossmoor: Defending Class 4A state champs have not missed a beat for the most part, even with new personnel. Wofford commit senior Jayden "JD" Tyler has had a marvelous season. He's a state champ. Transfers Arden Eaves (Thornwood (South Holland)) a Lewis commit, and Brent Taylor (Lincoln Way East (Frankfort)) have given offensive balance on the wing. Seniors Aiden DeRose and Ethan Howard have stepped up. Freshman Darrius Hawkins Jr is a good change of pace off the bench.
DARKHORSE: Rich Township (Richton Park): The host team is also an unknown quantity. They've played a tough schedule and lost big to three out of state opponents. Also was picked apart by DePaul College Prep (Chicago). A talented bunch that has not put it together yet. Could do so in this event. Senior Al Brooks Jr (transfer Hansberry College Prep (Chicago)) has played very well. Juniors Jamson Coulter Jr and Jayden Williams are good combo guards but chemistry has not come together yet. If they find a true floor general at point this team could come together....and fast.
SLEEPER PLAYERS TO ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES WITH AUTHORITY:
Keshuan Vaval, Evergreen Park
Jordan Maple, Thornton Township (Harvey)
Deandre Higgs, Thornton Township (Harvey) (freshman)
Zyheir Gardner, Crete Monee (junior)
Jovohn Ratliff, Hillcrest (Country Club Hills)
Jayquan Ratliff, Hillcrest (Country Club Hills) (junior)
CJ Thomas, Hyde Park Academy (Chicago)
Kye Ward-Owens, Hyde Park Academy (Chicago) (junior)
Aiden DeRose, Homewood Flossmoor
Chris Watkins, Kenwood Academy (Chicago)
Daniel Jervier, Tinley Park
Nolan Maciejewski, Tinley Park
Joshua Pegues, Corliss (Chicago) (sophomore)
Tyrie Strange, Corlss (Chicago)
Jalen Clardy, Bremen (Midlothian) (junior)
Khalel Johnson, Bishop Noll (IN)
Michael Woods, Morton (Hammond, IN) (sophomore)
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