First Live Period 2025 in Illinois!!! Riverside Brookfield Live and DeKalb Live Review!!!

I spent time at both of these events. Spent two days at DeKalb to see teams I would normally not see, and one day at Riverside Brookfield. Here are some storylines:

RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD LIVE:

22nd annual event is great as usual. I’d like to thank Coach Mike Reingruber, staff, hospitality room workers as it was great as always. Nice setup as usual as gyms were close to each other.

Saturday:

BENET ACADEMY (LISLE) IS A CONTENDER TO REPEAT IN CLASS 4A:

It will be tougher because other Catholic School powehouses have moved up from Class 3A. Three time defending champ DePaul College Prep (Chicago), St Laurence (Burbank), Mount Carmel (Chicago), Brother Rice (Chicago) to name a few. Benet was also at DeKalb on Sunday and I took in their game vs Peoria Central. Class of 2026 point guard Jayden Wright (5'11"#3) has taken on more ball handling responsibilites. He was more of a shooting guard last season for Class 4A State Champs. He still can fill it up, he had 35 points in one of the games. Fellow classmate Colin Stack (7'0" #40) is housing folks on the interior. He's playing more aggressive in the paint, cleaning up misses, and rim run dunks. Can still step out and hit a three. Senior Ryan Walsh can fill it up from three, as can senior newcomer Ethan Macdermott (6’2” #23) in from Australia. Class of 2027's Edvardas Stasys (6'8"#24) scoring on the interior and hitting the glass, Perry Tchiegne (6'3" #2) is next up running the show at point guard. The lefty has slick moves to the rim. They have more shooting from three coming off the bench.

MR BASKETBALL JAXSON DAVIS OF WARREN TOWNSHIP (GURNEE) IS STILL THE STATE'S BEST PLAYER:

Class of 2027 6'1" point guard's game is sublime. Controls pace, defends, scores at the rim and from three, makes big time passes as he has his entire high school career. His team has a chance to get back to Champaign and improve on Class 4A runners-up finish. Class of 2026 backcourt mate combo guard Braylon Walker (6'3") has been his running partner for three years running. He can score at every level on the court and defends. Fellow classmates wing Avonn King (6'4” #35) is a mid range King that provides rebounding and scoring in the paint, and shooting guard Joel Paasch (6'3") knocks down catch and shoot threes on passes from Davis and others. Class of 2027 point guard Tayte Cordova (6'1") transferred back from Brentwood, Tennessee and gives them more ball handling.

DARRIUS HAWKINS JR OF HOMEWOOD FLOSSMOOR GAVE DAVIS A RUN IN THEIR MATCHUP:

Hawkins is a 5'11" point guard who went bucket for bucket with Davis in a close loss. Hawkins hit 7 threes for 21 points and made Davis work to get into the offense. Looks like another special guard in Illinois to wreck havoc on other teams with a inexperieinced team. They also have a new coach Alum Brandin Brown, who wil stamp his own brand to the program.

CLASS OF 2028 COMBO GUARD BRADY PETTIGREW (6'4") OF BOLINGBROOK DID WELL IN MATCHUP WITH #1 CLASS OF 2026 WING LINCOLN WILLIAMS (6'6") OF KANKAKEE:

This was a juicy matchup as they guarded each other most of the game. Pettigrew forced Williams into some tough shots in the halfcourt. Pettigrew meanwhile scored 24 points in a variety of ways, threes, dunks in transition, and mid range jumpers. Williams had 21 points on dunks, steals and breakaway baskets. He showed two way game as he plays offense and defense. Pettigrew did too in this matchup and Bolingbrook got the win. Pettigrew is looking for that #1 spot in the loaded Class of 2028.

JURY IS SITLL OUT ON CLASS OF 2026:

Seems like no one wants to be dominant enough to take the mantle of top dog. Williams is right now, but the matchup with Pettigrew shows it's still up for grabs. Transfers from out of state like Williams teammate EJ Hazelett (6'8") from Indianapolis, IN, Jamison (6'8") or Jahidi White (6'8") of East St Louis from St Louis,MO, or Tim Winkler (6'10") of Romeoville from Florida. Or maybe Junior Kemm of Shepard (Palos Hills) (6'4") who came in from Brazil? Or Mason Lockett IV of East (Oswego) (6'5") could take it? I have a feeling it will be a season of tug of war for it.

MARKESE PEOPLES (6'2") OF ST LAURENCE (BURBANK) IS A MATCHUP NIGHTMARE IN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL:

Peoples is a bowling ball of a player, a bull in a China shop. Built low to the ground and core is strong helps him finish through contact. He has the ball handling to shake and get to the basket where he powers through contact, and gets buckets with and one opportunities. Another problem for opponents is he's a great passer with vision to see out of double teams. Finishes with either hand, he can hit three point shots too. Just a tough matchup for anyone on this level offensively. He grabs rebounds on both ends of the court, a walking double/double, and possible triple double threat on any night.

WATCH OUT FOR MACARTHUR (DECATUR) IN CLASSS 3A:

They have a nice four player mix that will give a lot of teams problems and has so far this summer. Beat a talented Marist (Chicago) team here. Leader is Classs of 2026 Sean Lee (6'5" #12) wing who can play all positions in high school. Strong and give opponents problems with his finishing strength and mid range game. Can hit threes but doesn't need to shoot them with this team. Guard line of Class of 2026 Tishawn Clemmons (5'11" #1) and Khymir Carson (5'11") give teams problems with their shooting, quickness, and defense. Classmate Jercorey Murphy (6'5" #20) is an energizer bunny who changes ends, hits the glass, scores in the paint and all around energy gives them a rim protector.

KANKAKEE OF COURSE WILL BE IN THE RUNNING IN CLASS 3A:

Senior laden team with Williams, Hazelett, along with point guard Myair Thompson (6'0" #12) and Kenaz Jackson (6'3") and Cedric Terrell (5'10") having at least 3 years of varsity experience. They'll also be thinking about the lead they lost in Sectional Semifinal vs Metamora, eventually losing in overtime. Lots of motivation to get to Champaign.

MARIST (CHICAGO) IS VERY TALENTED BUT IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS:

Another senior laden team with a lot of experience, they are trying to fit in a transfer to their rotation. This is summer basketball so it's the time to tinker. Guard line of Adoni Vassilakis (6'1"), TJ Tate (5'10") will be helped by Class of 2027 Tyce Bullock (6'1"). Team is full of wings like Classs of 2026's Stephen Brown (6'7" #5), Karson Thomas (6'3" #4), and transfer Charles Barnes (6'5" #14). Class of 2027 Kendall Meyers (6'5") is talented and provides depth.

LOOK FOR MOUNT CARMEL (CHICAGO) IN CLASS 4A:

They move up from Class 3A. Experienced players and youth up and down the lineup. Point guard Noah Mister (6'2" #2) has good balance with scoring and passing. Fellow seniors George Gray (6'5" #12), Luke Segroves (6'6"), and Claude Mpoma (6'8" 300 pounds) makes them a threat. Youth is served with Class of 2027 Logan Wessel (6'3"), Class of 2028 Marshaun Thornton (6'1") and Class of 2029 newcomers DK Heard (6'5"#8) and Ronald Johnson (6'3" #10).

TOP PERFORMANCE:

I have to mention Adam Anwar's performance for McHenry vs East (Oswego). He had 28 of his team's 39 points in the loss. He scored in every which way. Threes, step back jumpers off the post, mid range, rebound put backs. Off the dribble drives to the rim to add to everything else. Oh and he hit the glass, likely had a double/double.

DEKALB LIVE:

First annual. I’d like to thank Coach Mike Reynolds, Julian McElroy, hospitality staff, and workers. Gym setup was nice and close. Hospitality room had good food and a convenient location.

Friday:

CEDRICK CARTER OF INSTRINSIC DOWNTOWN (CHICAGO) CAN PLAY WITH ANYONE:

Class of 2026 wing (6'8") scores from all over the court. Hits threes, can take it off the driblle and finish with a nasty dunk, gets rebound dunks, rim protects. Young man can do it all on the basketball court. Potential is off the charts, once the light comes on look out.

REJIVEON HUDSON OF INSTRINSIC DOWNTOWN (CHICAGO) IS A CERTIFIED BUCKET:

Hudson (6'1") had a couple of 30 point games in event. Is aggressive with a high motor and is a three level scorer. Attacks off the bounce and can hit mid range jumpers, as well as driving layups at the rim. Threes are mostly off the dribble, and he made some nice alley oop passes to Carter.

EAST PEORIA PAIRING ARE SCORING MACHINES:

Classs of 2027 Cole DuBois (5'10"#3) and Quentin Kitt (6'6"#23) are 1000 point scorers. Showed it on this night. Both exploded for over 20 points in first game vs Lincoln Way East (Frankfort). DuBois hit three of them from about 27 feet stepping into the shot. Kitt did more three level scoring, bullying his way to the rim for baskets, fallaway mid range jumpers, and pull-up three pointers. Exciting duo to watch.

KEISON PEOPLES OF BISMARCK-HENNING-ROSSVILLE-ALVIN WAS A SCORING MACHINE:

Class of 2026 young man (6'3") averaged over 30 points a game in the event. Scored at all three levels in a variety of ways. He kept his team in games with his explosive scoring. Did it in transition or in the halfcourt.

BRAD BLACKMAN OF CRANE MEDICAL (CHICAGO) IS THE BEST RIM PROTECTOR IN THE STATE:

Class of 2026 6'6" forward has a knack for blocking shots and altering shots. His timing is impeccible as he waits until his opponent shoots the ball, and shoots like a cannon to wipe it out of there. After a time players get intimidated and change their shots to prevent it from being blocked. He's also good at keeping the ball in play.

J'DYN LLOYD OF WEST (BELLEVILLE) IS AN UNDERRATED TALENT IN CLASS OF 2027:

Young man is a 6'5" point guard who can play a number of positions. He scores at three levels of the court. Hits threes by dribbling into them or off the catch. Gets to the rim and has smooth finishes around defenders, or can go over them and dunk on top of them. Uses a mid range pull-up. Sets up teammates as well. Could be the best player at the school since Two time Mr Basketball EJ Liddell who's an NBA player currently. Led them to back to back Class 4A state titles.

CALEB TRENT OF NORTH (ST CHARLES) IS A SNIPER FROM THREE:

Class of 2028 6'0" combo guard was hitting threes at a high rate all weekend. Whether dribbling into them, off the catch, or step back, the ball was rippling through the net. Showed some point guard ability getting the ball to their other shooters.

SUNDAY:

MAHOMET SEYMOUR HAS A BIG THREE TO WATCH OUT FOR:

Class of 2026 combo guard Jackson Bohm (6'3" #23) can fill it up from all levels of the floor. Showed a three pointer and driving to the rim and finishing. Best thing he was doing was hitting a bunch of pull-up mid range jumpers in the lane.

Class of 2028 point guard Jackson Golden (6'4" #0) was running the team, scoring from three and showed his athleticism with a couple of dunks. Nice ball handling and getting to his spots on the floor off the dribble.

Class of 2026 forward Malachi Nichols (6'6" #2) was hitting the glass, making outlet passes and had a dunk in the game I saw. Did some rim protecting. He hit a couple of threes vs North (St Charles).

MARION PERSICH OF LASALLE PERU IS A VERY GOOD BASKETBALL PLAYER:

Class of 2028 6'3" wing does a little bit of everything . My original statement was because he's a division one prospect as a football quarterback. He can hit threes, and he's tough to deal with off the dribble. His ball handling is good enough to get to the rim, and has body to finish through contact. He's also a willng passer.

DAWSON CHARLES OF ST VIATOR (ARLINGTON HEIGHTS) IS A KING OF BOUNCE:

Classs of 2027 6'3" combo guard had a nasty two hand dunk in transition vs Geneva. He has expanded his game to hit threes usually off the catch, as welll as attack the rim and finish through contact. Moves the ball well on the perimeter to teammates for shots.

LATRELL KELLEY OF FARRAGUT ACADEMY (CHICAGO) IS AN EXPLOSIVE SCORER:

Class of 2026 6'0" point guard put up a couple of games of over 25 points vs Rock Island and Peoria Central. Drives strong to the rim, finishes through contact, and shoots the mid range jumper. Will hit threes when made available to him.