Morris Shootout Review!!!!!!

Big Tim

Jul 4, 20243 min read

Updated: Jul 4, 2024

This is my first time ever going to the prestigious Morris Shootout. It was the 37th annual shootout this year. Yes it used to be the biggest summer shootout in Illinois, but I'm glad I drove down. I was warned it would be hot in the gyms, but this year it was a little cooler I was told. Thanks to the organizers, sponsors, people that worked the door, officials, and folks that run the hospitality room. I'll talk about some teams, and individual players. Here we go:

WINNERS BRACKET CHAMPS:

MORTON POTTERS:

They had a good season last year they went 28-5 and lost in Regional Final. They still have some good veteran pieces in Class of 2025 5'11" point guard Tripp Rugaard running the show, 6'5" forward Wes Gudeman is an inside/outside force and 6'5" forward Cal Boeker manning the paint. They have Class of 2026 6'0" combo guard Alex McKie as a weapon on the wing shooting threes. Look for them to contend for their conference title in Central Illinois and in Class 3A.

OTHER TOP TEAM:

DEKALB:

They could challenge Warren Township (Gurnee) and Waukegan for a Class 4A Sectional title. They have Class of 2025 sharpshooters 6'0" combo guard Sean Reynolds and 6'0' point guard Marquis Bolden. Both can break down defenses with their outside shooting. The Barbs have an inside tandem of Class of 2025 6'5" forward Justin O'Neil and Class of 2026 two sport star Class of 2026 6'5" wing Davon Grant who's a King of Bounce and a dunk machine. They both pound the boards relentlessly.

CLASS OF 2028's COLE KELLY, NEUQUA VALLEY (NAPERVILLE), and BRADY "PROBLEM CHILD" PRETTIGREW, BOLINGBROOK AKA THE BROOK PUT ON A SHOW:

Both of these young men are introducing themselves to high shcool basketball and early. The 6'6" wing Cole Kelly scores all over the court, and can attack the rim to finish on dribble drives. Aformentioned problem child 6'3" combo guard Brady Pettigrew had multiple 20 point games and a game winner in sudden death. Bolingbrook brought their reserves and showed how deep they are as a team.

BENET ACADEMY (LISLE) MAKES SEMIFINALS PLAYING THEIR RESERVE CREW:

This is another deep team who brought their reserves to get them some varsity experience. They have a deep team of three point shooters they can bring off the bench during the regular season. Class of 2026 6'3" wing Ryan Walsh is a fifth starter and is just filthy from three point range. Fellow classmate 6'1" wing Aidan Renicker was on fire as well.

DASEAN PATTON OF OSWEGO HITS GAME WINNING THREE AT BUZZER IN OVERTIME:

Class of 2025 6'5" wing hit the game winning shot against Galesburg to win the Maroon bracket championship. Took a pass, then took one dribble, spinned and hit it from about 22 feet free throw line extended. Called game when it looked like they wouldn't get a shot off. Had some nice dunks in the two days played there. Underrated talent in the Chicago Area.