I was at their media day on Saturday. Hyde Park tied for second in the conference with Simeon Career Academy (Chicago). They are looking to make some more noise this season in the Chicago Public League and Class 3A. They are just outside my Top 25 to start the year.
Big Tim All-Area player 6'7" senior wing Jurrell Baldwin returns from a brief time at PHH Prep (AZ). He's the top player and leader of the team. Division One prospect who should average a double/double this season. Can score at all three levels of the court and has a nice mid range floater in the lane. Can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket from the wing. Creates contact and scores through defenders. Should have a special season.
Germaine Benson is another returnee the 6'1" senior combo guard is a strong bodied guard who finishes well through contact at the rim and is a physical defender on the ball.
Have a load of talent and size with Merritt twins (Marquise, Maurice) are 6'5" senior wings. Jaylen Shelton (6'6"senior wing), Keith Collins (6'8" sophomore forward) will be playing JV and Varsity. Have a good wing three point shooter in Gavin Jones (6'0" junior guard).
Key will be guard play and with Jones will be Christopher 'CJ' Thomas (5'10" junior point guard) and Lavontae Walls (6'5" junior point guard). They will have to be able to handle the pressure basketball that is put on in the Chicago Public League Red.
Lots of talent off their 30-4 frosh/Soph aka JV team from last year. Mix them in with veterans Baldwin, and Benson, should show up in Big Tim's Top 25 at some point this season.
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