Open gym runs: St Francis De Sales (Chicago)!!!!!

School used to be a Class 2A powerhouse back in 1980's when it was only two classes. Produced the late Eric Anderson, Illinois Mr Basketball in 1988. McDonald's All-American played at Indiana and in the NBA. Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Famer. Led team to Class 2A State Runners-Up. I was in open gym yesterday, and a lot of talent in the building. Here we some of the standouts I saw:

KAHLIL LEONARD, Class of 2028 6'2" combo guard was unstoppable all afternoon. By far best player in the gym. Well built guard was scoring at every level of the court. Longwood (Chicago) transfer hit threes, scored in the mid post on fallaways, and turnaround jumpers. Posted up smaller defenders and scored over, around, and under with either hand. Scored in halfcourt and in transition. One of the best offensive performances I've seen in an open gym in awhile. Missed just a few shots in the scrimmage. Add to top players in sophomore class in Illinois. Younger brother of Kalvin Leonard.

STEPHEN GEORGE, Class of 2026 6'7" forward showed a three point shot I didn't know he had. Scored them from corner and the wing. Hit them on the catch and shoot variety. Did his customary bull in a china shop moves scoring in the paint through and around contact. Big bodied low post man hit the glass on both ends with authority. Rim protected using his strength to keep guys from shooting their normal shot in the paint. Division Three schools have been in contact.

JACOB THOMPSON, Class of 2026 6'6" wing was hitting threes in transition and halfcourt. Scored them off the dribble, and the catch. Hit them from all over the court. Scored on drives to the rim and on put backs of rebounds. Rim protected with multiple blocked shots at the rim. Hit the defensive glass and made some good outlet passes.

KALVIN LEONARD, Class of 2026 6'2" combo guard is an explosive scoring guard. Didn't do much scoring in the scrimmage but made some nice passes and hit the glass. Scored a few threes and hit some mid range jumpers. Hit the defensive boards and made good outlet passes in transition. Transfer from Longwood (Chicago). Older brother of Kahlil Leonard.

JAMARI MILNER, Class of 2026 6'0" combo guard has a nice stroke from three hitting them off the bounce or off the catch. Scores from the wing and top of the key on three point shots. Got out in transtion and found his spots to pull the trigger. Mixed in a couple of nice attacks to the rim.

ISAIAH KING, Class of 2028 6'0" combo guard is a sniper from three hitting some deep ones in scrimmage. Scored mostly on catch and shoot variety from a number of spots on the court.

JEREMIAH BROCK, Class of 2029 5'6" point guard hit some long range threes, mid range, and attacked the rim scoring mostly on up and unders. Made some nice passes in halfcourt and in transition.

KEVIN ENGLISH, Class of 2029 5'7' point guard is an excellent passer off penetration in transition or halfcourt. Good ball handler has the ball on a string. Gets in the lane at will and made a couple of spinning layups. Hit some threes in transition but strength is facilitating and penetrating the defense.

EZEKIEL JONES, Class of 2030 Coolidge Middle School: 6'3" wing came in to work out with team. Athletic wing at this point that can get to the rim off the dribble. Had some trouble finishing through contact but expected from a middle schooler. Wing shooter from the corners. Possible enrollee at the school next season.

CONCLUSION: Class 1A State Title contender. They have size, scoring wings, rim protection, and three point shooting. Will need to find an experienced point guard who can get the ball to the scorers. George, and Thompson give them size that most Class 1A schools do not have. Leonard brothers are both stone cold scorers. They play a tough Chicago Catholic League schedule so record could be deceiving, but should be toughened for the State playoffs. Some transfers came in and might be another one that is 6'5", athletic wing who's a King of Bounce. If he enrolls gives them more size up front.