Big Tim's Top Midseason Boys Mr Basketball candidates in Illinois!!!!!!

First like to say I'm thankful I've had a vote for Mr Basketball the last two seasons. There is one obvious frontrunner, but it's definitely a race. It usually depends on team success which is heavily weighed as well as individual ability. They go hand and hand, and voting is a few weeks after the State Finals end. It's hard for a small school player to win it. Last one was Jarrod Gee at now defunct St Martin De Porres (Chicago) in 1984.There's been one two time winner in boys basketball (EJ Liddell, West (Belleville) 2018-2019). This is not a rankings list, this is whom I feel have the best chance of winning it. I will throw some dark horses in here that should be in the running but probably won't. Team rankings are Big Tim rankings. Here we go:

FAVORITE:

Jaxson Davis, 6'1" junior point guard, Warren Township (Gurnee): First ever sophomore winner last season and favorite to make history. He has a chance to join Liddell as two time winner. As good as he was last year leading his team to a Class 4A runners-up finish, he's been even better this year. Won Big Dipper Holiday Tournament MVP scoring a single game record of 51 points in the title game. Best leader in the state, his team is 11-1 and ranked 5th in Chicago Area per Big Tim rankings.Deep tournament run I feel would solidify back to back, may not necessarily have to get to Champaign, though the young man is hungry and wants to get back there and finish the job with a title.

OTHERS:

Jamison White, 6'8" senior forward, East St Louis: Best senior in the state and he's been dominant in leading his team to an undefeated record against Illinois opponents 13-1 record. Just had a triple double (21 points 20 rebounds 10 blocks) vs Lift for Life (St Louis,MO). Penn State commit is an explosive athlete off the bounce, who gets rebounds with quick second jumps, rim protects, scores in the post, mid range, and front three. I feel nothing short than a state title in Class 3A will put him in serious contention.

Justin Oliver, 6'0" point guard, Curie (Chicago): Team is 12-1 and ranked #6 in Chicago Area. He's already beaten Warren Township (Gurnee) with some good defense on current Mr Basketball Davis. Has been a clutch player hitting a game winner vs #7 Chicago Area team St Ignatius College Prep (Chicago), who won the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic. King of Bounce who can dunk on you at a moments notice, is tough scoring in the mid range, and finishing at the rim through and around contact. Nothing less than a Class 4A State Title will give him a chance to win.

Sean Lee, 6'5" wing, MacArthur (Decatur): Team is 11-0, undefeated, and one of the top teams in Class 3A. Has played through injuries and ended up MVP at Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Collinsville. Does a number of things for the Generals. Scores from all three levels, hits the glass, plays in the middle as a press breaker, dribbles, passes, and shoots. Big bodied wing who plays physical in the interior. Doesn't have huge stats but is a jack of all trades. Nothing less then a Class 3A Title will give him a chance to win.

Cole Kelly, 6'7" sophomore wing, Neuqua Valley (Naperville): A sophomore winning it? Well Davis just pulled off the feat why not Kelly. Young man is averaging a double/double (points, rebounds), and his passing makes him a triple double threat. Lefty scores from all three levels of the court. Rim protects as well. Team is 14-1 and ranked 14th in Chicago Area. Nothing less than a Class 4A State Title will do for him to have a legit shot at the award.

Lincoln Williams, 6'6" senior wing, Kankakee: He's set some school records this year in career scoring and single game scoring. Might have some votes split amongst himself and teammate Indiana State commit EJ Hazelett. Could be an issue for winning the award. Two end monster as he scores at all three levels, and defends well on the ball, and off getting blocked shots off help side defense. Athletic will dunk on you at a moments notice. Team is 11-1 and ranked #4 in Chicago Area. Would certainly need a Class 3A title and be so dominant that the vote won't be split.

Jayden Wright, 6'0" senior point guard, Benet Academy (Lisle): Eastern Illinois commit and AC Williamson winner at Pontiac Hliday Tournament put him on this list. Another with a problem splitting vote with teammate North Dakota State commit Colin Stack. He's always been a big time long range shooter, but has shown leadership ability to run a team this year, and dish out assists on perfectly timed passes. Uses quickness and guile to get around defenders and attack the rim. Already a Class 4A state champion, might have to repeat at the least to have a chance.

LONNNNNNGGGGGG SHOTS:

Cooper Knowles, 6'9" senior forward, West Hancock (Warsaw Co-Op): Best small school player in the state. Not many media members in the state know about this young man, so he's already behind the 8 ball. Missed Spring and Summer travel season with injury, but he's making up for lost time. Dominated national level opponents at the Kevin Brown Memorial Shootout at Thanksgiving, making all tounament. Averaged 25.3 points and 13 rebounds a game in the event. Team is 11-3 and just won Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament where he was MVP. King of Bounce athlete who is one of the top two rim protectors in the state. Scores at all three levels, can take it off the bounce and finish over and around defenders at the rim. Guards pick and roll on perimeter well. Averages 20.9 points 10.3 rebounds and 6 blocks. Has two triple doubles this season. Will certainly have to win Class 2A state title in dominant fashion to get some votes.

Bryson Mossman, 6'3" senior combo guard, Routt (Jacksonville): Big time high scorer down in Southern Illinois. Watched him score 42 points on 10 threes vs Kingsville (MO) at the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament at Thanksgiving. Team just won the Waverly Holiday Tournament title. Scores in a number of ways, off the bounce, catch, mid range, and attacks to the rim. Team is 12-1 and would have to win Class 1A title and in an impressive way to have a shot.