Warren Township (Gurnee) is the defending champ but might be shorthanded. There are a couple of teams that could win the event. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Lincoln Park (Chicago): They finished runners-up last year but have an experienced team to finish the job this time around. Junior Ahmad Lee runs the show, they have senior Keyshawn Barfield roaming the paint. Juniors Kaydin Benford-Williams and Jaylen Dickerson in the backcourt to knock down threes. Senior Chayse Turner is an athletic wing who's been gathering double/doubles lately. Junior King of Bounce Larry Harris comes off the bench and crashes both backboards.
SECOND FAVORITE: Warren Township (Gurnee):Sophomore point guard Jaxson Davis last year became the first freshman to win MVP of the presitious tournament. He'll have to carry a huge load to do it again. Junior Braylon Walker will have to step up more offensively if senior Javerion Banks is still out. Seniors Jack Wolf and Zach Ashburn will have to take care of the glass and rim protect. Senior Owen Squires is a knockdown three point shooter off the catch.
DARK HORSE: Whitney Young (Chicago): It's hard to believe they are a dark horse. They still have the talent to surprise and take the title. Senior King of Bounce Antonio Munoz has the ability to post double/doubles. Senior Damarjay Richardson steadies the offense, while junior Marquis Clark gets downhill and finishes strong at the rim. Junior Alijah Little will have to knock down some outside shots. Sophomore Zaire Green has been a knockdown three point shooter from the corners.
UNKNOWN QUANTITY: Perspectives Leadership- (Chicago): They have gotten great production from senior transfers Phoenix Childs (Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago)) and Derrick Dowdell (Curie) this season. Junior Liiban Debela (Unity Christian (Decatur)) is running the show at point. Fellow junior Aiden Horton (Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago)) is a knockdown three point shooter. Senior James Amison is a rim protector. Could surprise or lose early.
SLEEPER PLAYERS TO ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES WITH AUTHORITY:
Brad Blackman, Crane Medical (Chicago) (junior)
Jamier Montgomery, Crane Medical (Chicago) (junior)
Stephen George, St Francis De Sales (Chicago) (junior)
Marcus Haliburton, St Francis De Sales (Chicago)
Kaydin Benford-Williams, Lincoln Park (Chicago)
Braylon Walker, Warren Township (Gurnee)
Anthony Brooks, Michele Clark (Chicago)
DJ Laye, Marshall (Chicago) (freshman)
Branden Chatman, Guilford (Rockford) (junior)
Je'Sean Frye, Guilford (Rockford)
Machi Nelson, Proviso West (Hillside)
Justin Bowen Jr, Proviso West (Hillside)
Latrell Kelley, Farragut Academy (Chicago)
Comments