High School Sports RSS: Boys Basketball

North Lawndale gets early view from the top

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

North Lawndale coach Lewis Thorpe has done the near impossible: He has built a basketball program good enough to earn the Sun-Times' preseason No. 1 ranking at a school without a gym. It helps having players such as Jonathan Mills, John Taylor and Jermaine Winfield.

Sun-Times preseason Super 25 boys basketball rankings

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Michael O'Brien's preseason Super 25 boys basketball rankings are in. North Lawndale is No. 1, but be sure to check out who else is in.

Mills selects Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

North Lawndale�s Jonathan Mills didn't want to worry about anything else other than the upcoming basketball season. So Mills decided to commit, signing his letter of intent to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Wednesday.

Seneca legacy alive Evans

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Cornfields dominate the landscape driving into Seneca, a John Mellencamp type of small town where high school basketball warms the clientele during the winter months and a young man like Seth Evans inspires the imagination of little boys wearing green and gold

Bolingbrook adds a gem in Taylor

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Diamond Taylor, a transfer from St. Joseph, joins returning standout Troy Snyder to give Bolingbrook a formidable 1-2 punch.

Irvin takes over at Morgan Park

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Former Carver All-State basketball player Nick Irvin, who played at Fresno State under the legendary Jerry Tarkanian, has been named boys basketball coach at Morgan Park.

Paul gives Illini a shot

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Warren�s Brandon Paul isn�t the pure point guard that Illinois coach Bruce Weber is looking for to run his offense. But the 6-3 senior should have an immediate impact on a program that desperately needs his court sense and shooting skills.

Bolingbrook's big day: 2 girls, 2 boys go D-I

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:01 CST

Prep sports signing day: Two girls in coach Anthony Smith's outstanding program, which is ranked No. 2 in the nation by ESPN, signed national letters of intent Wednesday with NCAA Division I schools.

Spearman finds comfort zone at Simeon

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Simeon coach Robert Smith expects junior guard Brandon Spearman, a transfer from Hales, to open some eyes this season. "He has a very good mid-range jumper," Smith said.

Bloom focusing on players on hand

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Like other schools around the state, Bloom opened boys basketball practice on Monday. Coach Jasper Williams focused on the players on the court and not on two who were absent: Brian Conway and Rajsaun Thompson, who are facing criminal charges.

Outlook mixed for Elgin area schools

BY R.J. GERBER -- COURIER NEWS — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

As boys basketball practice begins, Larkin must adjust to some unexpected personnel changes, while South Elgin hopes to continue to improve.

Rich South hoping for more oversight of recruiting

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

When Rich South athletic director Mark Hopman heard that two prominent Public League boys basketball coaches will be suspended for the first six games of the season for violating recruiting rules, he hoped it was only the beginning.

Colvin will announce next week

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Young guard Chris Colvin, the top uncommitted player in the state's class of 2009, will announce his college choice at a press conference at Young on November 19.

Young, Von Steuben coaches suspended

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

On the eve of the start of boys basketball practice Monday, it was learned Friday that two of the Public League's more prominent coaches -- Whitney Young's Tyrone Slaughter and Von Steuben's Vince Carter -- would be suspended for the first six games of the season for violation of recruiting rules.

Meteors' Shaw eyes sophomore success

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

De La Salle's Mike Shaw, a 6-8 forward, enters his sophomore season as one of the nation�s top Class of 2011 prospects. Shaw, who is being recruiting by a number of Division-I programs, realizes if he continues to work hard and is a good student, anything can happen.

Jordan has some new options

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Young senior Marcus Jordan's college recruitment is starting over and Memphis may be the leader. Jordan expects the Memphis staff to make a trip to Chicago.

Bryant resurfaces at South Shore

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:00 CST

Lamont Bryant is back. Bryant, who was fired from Marshall shortly before last season began, accepted the head basketball coach job at South Shore on Wednesday.

Families question Bloom duo's arrest

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:00 CST

Tony Baranek: She looked frightened, and certainly unhappy to see me. Then again, I understood why the woman who identified herself as being Brian Conway's mother would be suspicious. It's a natural reaction when your son has been arrested for armed robbery and a stranger comes knocking.

The road warriors

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:00 CST

Steve Tucker: The old saying was "Join the Navy and see the world." Today, you just have to earn a spot on the Young boys basketball team. The Dolphins' schedule includes games in Kentucky, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and California.

Bloom players charged with armed robbery

SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:00 CST

Two Bloom basketball players, Rasjuan Thompson and Brian Conway, were arrested Monday for allegedly mugging a man and woman at gunpoint near an ATM.

Steve Tucker's preps notebook

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 19:00 CST

Price is right

Bowen's goal: To bring out best in Bulldogs

By Dave Masterson -- dmasterson@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

"Winning the state championship. Winning the conference championship. Winning a regional. Winning a sectional." Those were the goals discussed by new assistant varsity boys basketball coach Tim Bowen and Waukegan head coach Ron Ashlaw this summer.

Butler leaves Nike

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN AND SCOTT POWERS — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00 CST

Illinois Warriors club basketball coach Larry Butler ended his 13-year relationship with Nike on Thursday, a move that could rock the foundations of college basketball recruiting in Illinois.

Head ruled eligible to play for Crane

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Illinois basketball recruit Crandall Head and his brother, Jeremy, have been ruled eligible to compete at Crane High School after transferring this summer from Rich South.

Richards' Pratl to focus on basketball

BY TAYLOR BELL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:00 CST

Shaun Pratl has made a decision. After weighing his options--should I play basketball or football in college?--the 6-8, 210-pound senior from Richards has decided to concentrate on basketball.

A new era for IHSA

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:00 CST

I can�t believe football is already in Week 3. I did have a chance to talk to Illinois High School Association executive director Marty Hickman and Morgan Park football coach Lexie Spurlock this week on a variety of topics.

Illini on recruiting rise

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 13:00 CST

Talent and rankings are in the eyes of the beholder, whether you are selecting the top 100 seniors in the nation or the top 10 recruiting classes. Tally five analysts and you�ll get five different evaluations. But no matter which scouting service you respect most, you have to think Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber is thrilled by the response to his Class of 2009.

Nation's top 100 prep basketball players

BY VAN COLEMAN -- HOOPMASTERS.COM — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 12:00 CST

Van Coleman ranks the country's top 100 prep basketball players.

Jordan says he's No. 1

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00 CST

Young's Marcus Jordan says that by the end of the basketball season, he'll be the top-ranked player in the state. Check out the exclusive interview and video...

Aussie sensation

BY SCOTT POWERS — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00 CST

Angus Brandt has only been in the U.S. for a month, but the 6-10 center already has offers from Indiana, Gonzaga, Oregon State and Utah State. Arizona, UCLA and Louisville are also after his services. Is he really that good?

Hoops scouting still an inexact science

BY JEFF BONATO -- NEWS-SUN — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00 CST

True story from a boys basketball game at Zion-Benton in February 2007. The memorable part was what was said about Z-B's young stars-in-waiting by a guy who evaluates prep hoops talent for colleges. This was his evaluation: "There isn't a Division I player on the court." Say what?

Telep's take on Reebok

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00 CST

Scout's Dave Telep is one of the top recruiting analysts in the country. Here's his take on how Illinois players fared last week at the Reebok camp in Philadelphia.

Sizing up the talent

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00 CST

Illinois� 2009 class may be comparably down to past classes in the state, but according to veteran recruiting analyst Van Coleman of Hoopmasters.com, so is every other state.

'Brook lands a gem

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00 CST

Last season, Bolingbrook's boys basketball team finished 18-9 under new coach Rob Brost. Year 2 figures to even better since 6-foot-3 guard Diamond Taylor, a Wisconsin recruit, officially transferred in from state power St. Joseph.

Doby: 'He was a joy to be around'

BY PATRICK MOONEY -- NAPERVILLE SUN — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00 CST

Family and friends recall Waubonsie Valley basketball and football player Zamarri Doby, who died on Sunday, as a friendly, outgoing kid who was maturing as a student and athlete.

Warhawks' NSC Prairie reign should continue

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Talent, alone, does not a basketball team make. So the North Chicago Warhawks are using the summer to sharpen their basketball IQ, as well as their physical-game skills.

Striving for perfection

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

Four teams remain unbeaten after two weeks and four games in the College of Lake County Boys Summer Basketball League. North Chicago, Grayslake Central, Zion-Benton's Maroon team and North Lawndale of Chicago are all 4-0, with Zion splitting its roster into two squads.

Warren's Paul attends 'NBA' camp

PIONEER PRESS STAFF REPORT — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

Warren guard Brandon Paul, an Illinois recruit, is attending an exclusive event this week at the University of Virginia: the invite-only NBA Players Top 100 High School Camp.

This camp is Wright on

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

New Orleans Hornets forward Julian Wright, a former Homewood-Flossmoor star who led the Vikings to the Class AA state finals in 2004, stopped by a summer camp at H-F, met his former coaches, autographed a large banner, featuring his retired No. 30 jersey, and talked to campers.

Summer shootout season in full swing

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Rick Armstrong's basketball notebook: It's the third straight week an Aurora area school hosts a shootout, and this will be the fourth annual tourney for Oswego East. It continues to grow.

Round Lake hires Kravets

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Howard Kravets had a basketball resume that would make any assistant coach proud. Kravets has taken over the Round Lake High School program. He knows his work is cut out for him, but he's seemingly up for the challenge.

North Shore names Mance new coach

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Omar Mance, a 28-year-old former Rice University star, was named last week as the new head basketball coach at North Shore Country Day School. He'll replace Dan Powers, who resigned after compiling a two-year record of 25-27.

Demarco Nash helps Lions upset Young

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN - SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00 CST

Young stormed back in the second half behind the guard trio of Chris Colvin, Marcus Jordan and Ahmad Starks, but it was too little too late as Demarco Nash led Lincoln Park to a 66-59 win in the City/Suburban Summer League.

Payne is 'Bama-bound

BY MATT HARNESS -- PIONEER PRESS — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00 CST

Schaumburg's Cully Payne, who withdrew an earlier commitment to DePaul, is heading to Alabama, according to sources close to his family.

Rams, Zee-Bees perfect in shootout

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00 CST

Players and fans walking into Zion-Benton on Saturday couldn't help but notice the impressive runner-up IHSA Class 4A boys basketball trophy. All of the key members of that team were on the court for the first of three Saturday tourneys, and the Bees look like they'll have Lake County buzzing again.

Young Kukoc's time has come at Highland Park

By Dave Masterson -- dmasterson@scn1.com — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00 CST

His dad is former Chicago Bulls standout and NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Toni Kukoc, who played on three championship teams. "Sometimes it does get to be kind of obnoxious," said Highland Park junior-to-be Marin Kukoc.

Jordan's jam sets tone for Young's title

BY MIKE CLARK -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

Marcus Jordan and Chris Colvin helped Young beat St. Joseph 24-18 Saturday in the title game of the Illinois Basketball Chicago Area Satellite Team Camp at Moody Bible.

New Wildkit on the block

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

After rumors all summer, Nik Garcia finally has transferred from Niles West. Garcia, a Class of 2009 guard, made his first appearance with Evanston on Friday at Moody Bible Institute.

Rich South's Head moving to Red-West

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

Crandall Head is transferring to a school in the Public League Red-West. Head played at Rich South last season.

A summer tradition

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00 CST

As the new coach at Oak Park, Matt Maloney inherits a prestige job. He also assumes the critical role of ambassador to one of the state�s best summer basketball leagues. The Oak Park summer league opened Monday night for its 35th edition.

Phoenix's Taylor only looking ahead

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

After dealing with academic and personal issues last season, North Lawndale guard John Taylor is glad to be back on the court full-time.

Hyde Park states its case at Illinois team camp

BY MIKE CLARK -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

Hoping to move into the city's upper echelon in boys basketball, Hyde Park bolstered its case by knocking off Simeon and Mount Carmel Friday during Illinois' satellite team camp at Moody Bible.

Summer league is off to exciting start

By Dave Masterson -- dmasterson@scn1.com — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Four area teams went 2-0 here Tuesday on the opening night of play in the College of Lake County Summer Boys Basketball League.

Wade plays and gives with all of his heart

BY PAT DISABATO -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 7 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

I am convinced Dwyane Wade is Santa Claus, disguised in a Miami Heat uniform. When he could be hanging out at Oak Street Beach, soaking up the sites and sun on a hot spring day, he instead provides a free two-day camp for children at Eisenhower High School.

Fricke succeeds Malnati at New Trier

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

Ten-year assistant coach Scott Fricke was officially tabbed as Rick Malnati's successor at New Trier on Tuesday.

Lake County league set to tip off

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

Class 4A state runner-up Zion-Benton will be among the teams competing in the College of Lake County's boys basketball summer league, which gets started next week.

Wade's message to Bulldogs: It's game on

BY PAT DISABATO -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Tue, 3 Jun 2008 16:00 CST

Miami Heat star and Richards graduate Dwyane Wade will be back in his old haunts on Thursday, coaching a team of Bulldog alums against Shaun Pratl and the school's reigning Class 4A state champs. And depending on how he feels, Wade may even play a little.

A brave new world

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 19:00 CST

The rapidly changing landscape of high school basketball is both a great thrill ride in terms of watching a game unfold and a sad cautionary tale about how greed has corrupted the game�s integrity.

Establishing a reputation

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:00 CST

How good was Mount Carmel freshman Tracy Abrams Saturday at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout? Good enough that he's now started up a lively debate among area scouts over the top player in the state's 2011 class.

Adams moves from Englewood to Orr

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:00 CST

Lew Adams, who led Englewood to 24 wins and the Class 2A sectional finals in the school's final season, will take over as Orr's boys basketball coach.

Benet names Heidkamp next boys hoops coach

BY PATRICK MOONEY -- NAPERVILLE SUN — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:00 CST

Gene Heidkamp has spent nearly half his life playing or coaching in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. On Monday, he was named Benet's boys basketball coach.

Warren's Paul sets Illini future in motion

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:00 CST

Warren's Brandon Paul won't be playing basketball at Illinois until the 2009-10 season but he already has a feel for how he will fit in. That bodes well for Illini fans, since those closest to Paul, including former Bulls forward Dickie Simpkins, see pro potential in the guard.

Proviso West pioneer Sawosko dies

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:00 CST

Walt Sawosko, the former athletic director at Proviso West who founded the Proviso West Holiday Basketball Tournament in 1961, has died after a lengthy illness. He was 81.

Stewart, Hodge make college picks

BY ERIK JACOBSEN -- COURIER NEWS — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00 CST

South Elgin senior Adam Hodge and Elgin senior D'Angelo Stewart will both continue their basketball careers at nearby community colleges.

Bobcats, Rising Stars follow different paths

BY SCOTT PHILLIPS — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:00 CST

The Illinois Bobcats and Rising Stars Gold used contrasting styles to reach the semifinals of the GBOA North basketball tourney.

Richmond trying to avoid the limelight

BY SCOTT POWER5 — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:00 CST

Jereme Richmond says he'd "prefer to be alone ... chillin' at home." But it's hard for the sophomore star to keep a low profile. He was dismissed by Waukegan coach Ron Ashlaw last season and said that "for now" he is still committed to Illinois.

Hamilton Jr. has an 'unbelievable ceiling'

BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:00 CST

Even if his name wasn't Thomas Hamilton Jr., any Chicago basketball fan would know the 6-9, 13-year-old phenom playing for the Mac Irvin Fire 15-and-under team was the son of former King star Thomas Hamilton.

NU lands a big prize: LFA's Rowley

BY SCOTT POWERS — Mon, 5 May 2008 19:00 CST

Kyle Rowley, a 7-foot-center from Lake Forest Academy, passed on offers from Indiana, Georgetown and Ohio State to accept a scholarship from Northwestern.

Hales' Williams signs with Jackson St.

Mon, 5 May 2008 19:00 CST

Phillip Williams, who averaged 19 points a game for Hales Franciscan last season, will continue his basketball career at Jackson State.