The Chicago Elite Classic, which has become one of the must-see high school events in the country, has announced its field of teams for 2015.
The fourth annual Chicago Elite Classic continues to grow, with this year’s field including 12 in-state teams and six out-of-state powers. The two-day event at the UIC Pavilion will be Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5.
Individually, senior Jayson Tatum of Chaminade in St. Louis, a consensus top three player in the country in the Class of 2016, will be the marquee attraction. The recruiting sweepstakes for the do-it-all 6-8 Tatum is down to Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and hometown Saint Louis.
The top prospect in Illinois, East St. Louis junior big man Jeremiah Tilmon, will also be playing in the event.
Here is a list of the competing teams, with matchups to be announced at a later date.
Out-of-state teams
■ Chaminade (St. Louis, Mo.). In addition to the uber-talented Tatum, Chaminade features 6-8 senior Tyler Cook, a top 100 recruit who has Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri and Virginia on his list of options.
■ DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.). Loaded with talent, DeMatha’s headliner in the senior class is Markelle Fultz, a 6-4 guard who is among the nation’s top 30 prospects. Junior guard D.J. Harvey is the No. 11 ranked player in the Class of 2017, according to Rivals, and already has offers from Georgetown, N.C. State, Texas, Louisville, Memphis, Maryland, Notre Dave and Virginia.
■ Gonzaga College Prep (Washington, D.C.). One of the most recognizable prep programs in the country. Junior point guard Chris Lykes has several Division I offers.
■ Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.). The prep power out of Georgia is led by UConn commit Alterique Gilbert, one of the top 50 players in the country.
■ Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.). The perennial California power returns to the event, led by 6-9 MJ. Cage, a top 75 player and son of former NBA player Michael Cage.
■ St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio). The high school that produced Lebron James has remained an Ohio power under coach Dru Joyce. The program has won state titles in 1984, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009 and 2011.
Illinois Teams
■ East St. Louis Sr.
The Flyers are led by the state’s top prospect, regardless of class, 6-9 junior Jeremiah Tilmon
■ Evanston
With the nucleus returning, led by standout junior guard Nojel Eastern, the Wildkits figure to be a preseason top 10 team.
■ Fenwick
The perimeter attack of Mike Smith, Mike Ballard, Jacob Keller and Jamal Owens will be one of the most potent in Illinois.
■ Larkin
Christian Negron, one of the top juniors in the state with offers from both Illinois and DePaul, leads the Royals.
■ Loyola Academy
Senior guard Brandon Danowski heads a group of sharp-shooters for the Ramblers.
■ Maine South
The always tough Hawks welcome back versatile Jon Arenas from a team that went 26-4 last year.
■ Marian Catholic
The East Suburban Catholic Conference favorites are loaded with young talent and some talented veterans in 6-7 junior T.J. Smith and 6-8 senior Myles Howard.
■ Morgan Park
With promising young talent joining senior guard Charlie Moore, the Mustangs will be in search of their third state title in four years.
■ Oak Park-River Forest
A terrific summer for the Huskies, who are led by senior guard Breshawn Wilkerson. OPRF will be the favorite in the West Suburban Silver.
■ Riverside-Brookfield
Fresh off the best season in school history, the Bulldogs return four starters, including the backcourt of Daniko Jackson and Jalen Clanton.
■ Simeon
With the return of top 100 prospect Zach Norvell, Simeon will once again be a city and state contender.
■ Young
The Dolphins will be young and dangerous, with a host of top sophomores and juniors, including Justin Boyd, Lucas Williamson and Xavier Castaneda.
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