2017 Basketball Preview: The Twitter Previews

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North Lawndale’s Steven Ross (3) celebrates after getting a four-point play against Morgan Park. Worsom Robinson/ For the Sun-Times.

Please send info on your team to mobrien@suntimes.com. I’ll tweet out a preview on every team that sends in the information on my Twitter account, @michaelsobrien. All Illinois schools are eligible, not just schools in the Sun-Times coverage area. Please include the following:

School:

Coach:

Cell Phone:

Outlook for this season:

Top Returning Players (Position, Height, Year in school):

Top Newcomers (Position, Height, Year in school):

Top teams in your conference:

Players on your team and in the conference to consider for the list of the area’s best:

Interesting story idea about your team:

The Twitter Previews

Addison Trail: Lost everything to graduation but new group can shoot, especially Connor Palesch, AJ Parnell. Team rebounding will be key.

Alcott: Leading scorer Khaleb Rouse returns for junior year. Pairs with senior Terrance Craft in backcourt. Goal is White-North title.

Ag. Science: “Thunder and Lightning” (Chris Calhoun and Kyle Rowan) returns. TJ Cummings added to staff. Intriguing program on the rise.

Antioch: Big goals in 3A and conference. D1 prospect Dan Flippone, a junior, posted big numbers last season and could have breakout year.

Argo: Rebound season on tap with 4 key guys back including 6-4 SR Tory Turner, who averaged 10 pts, 10 rebs and SR guard Jalen Cobb.

Aurora Christian: Most of 21-9 squad back, including 6-4 SR Jake Wolfe (Lipscomb). 6-6 Soph Will Wolfe, 6-0 frosh Jaehshown Thomas can play.

Back of the Yards: Third-year program. Went from 6 to 13 wins last season. 9 seniors this year, will be deep and experienced.

Batavia: Promising. 6-4 Eric Peterson is underrated, 6-5 sophomore Jayden Johnson has D1 interest. Will be a factor in a tough conference.

Bishop McNamara: Bumped up to Class 3A. Only G Will Washington back from last season’s 2A third place squad. Junior class needs to step up.

Bloom: The youth revolution has begun in Chicago Heights. Loaded w/talented freshman and sophs including Donovan Newby, Keshawn Williams.

Bloomington: One of state’s best. Moves up to 4A. 7 return from 3rd place finishers including 6-6 Chris Payton, Patrick Fisher, Chris Pugh.

Bradley-Bourbonnais: Should improve throughout season. Christian Straw, Jordan O’Neal return. Watch sophs Jason Hartsfield, Gabe Renchen.

Breese Central: Very good program bumped up to 3A, but should contend. PG Karson Fehrmann, 6-4 Simon Thomas, 6-8 Tyler Joest form solid core

Brother Rice: Should be tough. Marquise Kennedy, transfer from Crete-Monee, will make an impact. SR Brendan Coghlan poised for big season.

Butler: JR Teon Nesbitt (20 ppg) is a name to know. Deadly shooter, scorer. Third-year program making noise. Challenging non-con schedule.

Carmel: High expectations, a lot of minutes return including Johnny Roeser, shooter Evan Myers. Kamahri Wilson could be a star freshman.

Catalyst Maria: Program on the rise w/24 wins last season, won Green championship. Jonathan Brundidge, Isiah Gaston, Darren Johnson return.

Chicago Academy: Solid summer, hoping to compete for Blue-North title. Nathan Vale, David Porter Jr. make things run. Watch Andres Vazquez.

Christ The King: Conference title, state finals dreams behind guards Minosa Echols III, Levelle Kimble, Kenneth Lowe, Timothy Caldwell.

Clemente: Experience back, but scoring to replace. 6-4 SR Teshawn Stokes can play, one of city’s better scorers. Watch freshman Trey Spires.

Comer: JR Robert Pasquier SR Davion Hatcher return in strong backcourt. 6-5 JR Keonte Clanton is a force in the paint.

Conant: Jim Maley takes over, will put a new system in place. 6-9 Ryan Davis (20 D1 offers) is a force. Raj Mittal, Ben Schols also back.

Crane: 6-5 PG Jimarius Sneed back from injury. G Jalen Stanford/Hylan Harris tough. Robert Hobbs is a threat. In White-West now.

Crete-Monee: Should build off last year’s 19 wins. Very deep group led by Malik Hardmon, Tyrese Hunt, Joshua Evans. Mario Coleman takes over

Curie: The 6-9 Martin bros. are back. Three transfers (Maurice Commander, Marquise Walker, Jayden Gasby) will blend w/talented underclassmen

Danville: One of state’s best. 22-9 last season, played w/a real spark. Everyone back. Kendle Moore (Drake) is a star, can take over games.

De La Salle: Deep, tall. Jamari Norwood, 6-7 Dave Pinskus return.  Watch 6-8 Javion Caldwell. 6-7 Barlow Alleruzzo IV has transferred in.

DeKalb: Mike Vilet, Marcus Bobo return for 3-time defending conf. champs. Watch JR Jordan Williams. Monster non-con schedule on tap.

Deerfield: Alex Casieri (3yr starter), Zach Rothenberg, Danny Siegel all return. Watch soph Brandon Lieb. Contenders in wide-open CSL North.

DePaul Prep: Still young. Strong chemistry. Perry Cowan, Pavle Pantovic, Lance Mosley return. Several promising freshmen will play

Dixon: Promising summer, schedule gets tougher this season. Strong JR guard combo of all-conf. selection Beau Bailey, Derian Duncan.

Downers Grove North: D1 prospect Sema’j Henderson, JR Eddie Boston, SR Keenan Davis key guys looking to build on 19 wins and win conference

Downers Grove South: New team, just one starter back. Young overall but high hopes for talented junior class. Wes Hooker, Justin Eagnis lead the way. Keep an eye on 6-8 JR JT Jablonski.

Eisenhower: Rayshawn Schandon (6-7, 300-pound center) clearly a load. High hopes for talented JR class including Shamar Fuller, Eddie Moore.

Elmwood Park: Contenders in the MSC Red. Much deeper this season w/Ivan Salazar, Danny Wnuk, Jack Gavin, Jordan Diaz, soph Kris Amon.

Fenwick: Super 25 team led by solid vets AJ Nixon, Billy Bruce, Mike O’Laughlin, Damari Nixon. You know all about soph sensation DJ Steward.

Foreman: 8 back from regional champs. JR PG Romante Walker is underrated, can score and distribute. 6-4 Damari Hendrix back from injury.

Fremd: Ryan Martin is the only starter back from last season’s kinda awe-inspiring group. Clearly a program to keep an eye on every season.

Geneva: Scott Henning takes over. Young, talented. JR Jack McDonald opened eyes last season. Everyone is talking about 6-7 soph Nate Santos.

Glenbard East: Talented group should contend for Upstate Eight Valley title. Soph Alijah Nelson is a great student, very promising player.

Glenbrook South: Phil Ralston takes over. SR Yianni Mavrakis, Will King, Jimmy McMahon lead the way. Program building for the future.

Grayslake North: Brothers James Connolly, Ryan Connolly lead young but experienced squad. Watch sophomores Jason Donohue, Jamon Thomas.

Highland Park: Three-year varsity players Ziv Tal, Tyler Gussis back with Noah Shutan, Daniel Michelon. Will compete in CSL North.

Hillcrest: Quickest team in years led by Robert Harvey, Jalen Hughes and Lemont Bishop. Look out for freshman Kenton Wright.

Hinsdale South: Poised for third consecutive year of major success behind 6-5 SR Zion Griffin, Robert Barnes. Deep junior, sophomore class.

Hope: “Grind” season. Undersized, young, scrappy. Low school enrollment hurting. Plenty of sophs will play, including Hezekiah Brewster.

Hope Academy: Bumped to 2A, return to Peoria is the goal. Javion May, Javari McClendon lead the way. Keep an eye on soph Jamari McClendon.

Hubbard: 4 key players return from group that went undefeated in regular season, won conf. and Blue Division. Jarquis Medley leads the way

Huntley: Could challenge for Fox Valley title. 8 seniors including Cory Knipp, Chris Costantino, Andrew Fulcer. Soph guard Ryan Sroka has a bright future.

Illiana Christian: Last year in Illinois, moving to Indiana. 6-4 Josh Harris, Collin Flipse set the pace. Promising young talent in program.

IC Catholic: Smart, gritty, SR dominated squad looking to contend for Metro Suburban Blue, compete in 2A. Kevin Cheng, Alex Meurer leaders

ITW Speer: Everyone is back from 3rd place conference finishers, led by SR PG Patrick Walls, averaged 18 pts and is getting D2 looks.

Indian Creek: Plenty back from 24-win group including 6-5 PG Nolan Govig, one of DeKalb County’s best. 1A team with 4 starters 6-3 or over.

Jacobs: Ryan Phillips, Nik Balkcom, Ajani Rodriguez among 5 SR’s that will start. Watch 6-6 Kameron Mack. Team that knows how to win.

Joliet Catholic: Young squad from the City of Champions. Future is bright with sophs Christian Knapczyk, Jake Bumstead, JR Gunther Nusbaumer

Joliet Central: Should be very competitive. Cam Blackmon, Ryan Saunders, Don Joachim bring experience. 6-5 soph Kee Hargrow has potential.

Joliet West: 3-year varsity player Michael Smith, SR Charles McKinney lead well-balanced, super gritty group. JR’s Jamonte Benton, Keaton Gregory will contribute.

Kankakee: New coach Chris Pickett has a good stable of guards and one of the southland’s interesting prospects, 6-8 JR TJ Wicks.

Kenwood: Loaded with younger talent. Senior’s Robert McGee, Nas Turner lead. Stewart twins and Artese Stapleton are ones to watch.

La Salette: New associate member of IHSA. Has won 20+ last three seasons. Starters avg. 6-6, led by 6-7 Joel Adese, 6-11 SO Yves Nkomba.

Lake Forest: Tall, senior-heavy group emphasizing defense. Starters Jed Thomas, Mead Payne return, 6-5 G Ben Gibson had a great summer.

Lake Forest Academy: SR’s Matey Juric, Andrew Amft Reyes, Ben Canady provide solid core. Brandon Weston may be one of area’s best freshmen.

Lake View: Young, quick, guard-oriented. Goal is to win White-North. Frank Graziano, Josh O’Brien, Angelo Gomez are the top returners.

Lake Zurich: 5 guard lineup will run and shoot the 3. Ryan Kutsor (15 ppg), Peter DiCerbo return. St. Viator transfer JR Cison adds a lot.

Lakes: Young, guard-oriented. Will be competitive in Northern Lake conference. High hopes for sophomore guard Leighsean Triplett.

Lane: 4 starters, 85% of offense is back. Should be one of the best teams in White w/6-6 Calvin Keyes, Zach Krysztopik, 6-6 Vuk Djuric.

Larkin: Possible Super 25 team with talented 6-10 SR Jalen Shaw and excellent backcourt of Anthony Lynch, Kindrell Morris, Pierre Black.

Latin: Potential for a big season. All starters and several key subs return, will be very deep. Nice size with 6-4 JR Ysrael Hernandez, 6-6 JR Jackson Tanner, both college prospects.

Legal Prep: Defensive-minded Blue-West contenders. Impressive length with 6-5 Sean Johnson, 6-6 Johnathan Odeon, 6-5 Decorian Nunn.

Lemont: Intriguing mix with nice size. 6-10 SR Paul O’Leary, 6-7 JR Nate Ferguson, 6-4 Jerry Radomski. Experienced guards return as well.

Libertyville: Intriguing team possible Super 25. Drew Peterson among state’s best. He’s surrounded by experience and talented junior class.

Lincoln-Way Central: SR’s Chris Robinson, Luke Handley, Andrew Hancock return. Keep an eye on newcomers EJ Charles, Sean Curran.

Lincoln-Way East: Possible Super 25 led by 6-6 SIU recruit Sam Shafer, senior guards Joey Buggemi, Zach Parduhn. Some size, a dangerous team

Lindblom: Leading scorer, three-year starting PG Jalen Carter will be asked to do even more. Talented JR’s SO’s have to step up.

Lockport: Solid shooters, good depth in the backcourt. JR Jake Karli shot 41% from 3 as a soph. 6-6 Zach Pytlewski can play, 6-4 soph Tommy Ferriter is one to watch.

Longwood: Small, scrappy defensive squad led by high-flying 6-2 SR Charles Campbell, JR’s Patrick Ben, Nurell Lacey.

Loyola: Kevin Cunningham is a proven threat. SR Pete Mangan poised for breakout. 6-6 sophs Jordan/Bennet Kwicienski are D1 prospects.

Lyons: Significant experience back with Nolan Niego, Tyrese Shines, Lazarius Williams. Energetic young group joining the varsity, expecting to improve as season progresses.

Maine West: Program on the rise, looking for first conf. title, regional win in 20 years. 7 SR’s back, led by Julian Dones, Milos Dugalic.

Marist: Morgan Taylor, David Daniels back from last season’s ranked squad. Jack Ellison, 6-5 transfer from Chicago Christian, will add size.

McHenry: Could take a big step forward. Gavin Markgraff, Gio Calabrese 3yr starters. Maki Mohr back, watch 6-4 Brian March, 6-6 Jacob Evans.

Momence: I need to see the Indians this season. 6-7 JR Lamarius Lillard has tongues wagging. Older brother Lamar Lillard can play too.

Morris: Won’t be flashy. Disciplined, physical. 6-5 SR Tyler Spiezio is a matchup problem JR Jacob Overbeck, soph Jack Walker can shoot.

Mount Carmel: 4 seniors back to mix with a good group of juniors and sophs including talented 5-9 soph Davihon Morris, Dwyane Wade’s nephew.

Naperville North: Bit of an unknown, but promise. 6-7 JR Tom Welsh, 6-7 Chris Johnson back along w/a talented but unproven senior class.

New Trier: Will be a threat. Experienced guards and look at the size…6-9 JR Ciaran Brayboy, 6-8 JR Spencer Boehm, 6-5 SR Griff Ryan.

Newark: Goal is to get back to Peoria, finished 4th in 1A last season. Dylan Patrick, Beau Brown return. High hopes for newcomer Rhys Pepino

Niles West: Mike Wasielewski takes over. Talented junior class will add depth. SR Clyde Singleton, JR Kevin Guillaume lead the way.

North Boone: Matt Yarc takes over. Deep, athletic, w/10 players back. Plan is to shoot the 3. Korey Yarc, Mason Yunk, Brian Morris lead.

North Chicago: Leading scorer Pierce Coleman returns. Multi-dimensional player that shoots well, can score in post. SR Tyrek Cooper is a game-changing shooter, good defender. Nice young size with 6-8 Achan Clinton, 6-5 Ricky Irby.

Northridge: Former Loyola U coach Will Rey enters 14th season. Contenders in ISL behind Joe Thursby, Jon Evans, Brendan Conroy, John Kane.

Northside: Matt Rollins takes over squad expecting to be a contender in the Blue-North. Benjamin Rosengard, Danny O’Connor back. Sophs were unbeaten last season.

Notre Dame: Kevin Clancy replaces Tom Les. New squad as well, led by 6-9 SR Dusan Mahorcic, 6-3 soph Jason Bergstrom, frosh Anthony Sayles.

Oak Forest: 4 consecutive winning seasons is best run since mid-80s. Lots of questions this season, could be tough to keep that streak alive

Oak Lawn: 6-2 SR Adem Osmani does it all. 2nd in class academically, expected to lead in pts, rebs. Two good sophs. Conf. title contenders.

Oak Park: Reloaded after 24 wins, conf. title. Pieces fit nicely w/guards Isaiah Fuller, Dashon Enoch, wings Malachi Ross, Charlie Hoehne.

Orr: 8 SR’s back from 2A state champs, could be state’s best team regardless of class. So tough and athletic. Chase Adams has transferred in.

Oswego: 6-4 JR Dylan Eniger is the only starter back. Plenty of sophs will play including 6-9 Connor McCance. Watch 6-5 JR Marco Wilson.

Oswego East: New coach Ryan Velasquez likes his talent. SR AJ Hughes, 6-4 SR Trent Taylor returning. Keep an eye on 6-5 soph Sam Schultz.

Palatine: Four starters back for MSL West contenders. Johnny O’Shea, Cortez Hogans are big-time football and basketball players.

Payton: Quinn Peterson’s top 6 players are juniors and sophs. Some size w/6-5 Charlie Pillsbury, 6-5 SO Liam Dillon. Should compete in conf.

Plainfield Central: New coach Gregg Bayer has a lot of new faces. SR Matthews Morganfield top returner, keep an eye on JR Maurice McCullum

Plainfield East: Only 3 seniors on the team. Undersized but athletic and deep. Chicago State recruit Collin Reed, BJ Robinson, Yamani Shareef top returners. Michael Fowler is the new coach.

Plainfield North: Always sneaky good, looks to be the same this season. An awful lot of size including 6-4 Brady Miller, 6-5 Carter Thurman.

Plainfield South: Tim Boe’s squad is fast, athletic and more experienced. Starters Diamond Presniakovas, Anthony Marmolejo are juniors now.

Pontiac: Durrell Robinson takes over. Everyone thinks they are young, Indians really are. 2 juniors, 2 sophs, 2 freshmen listed on info.

Prosser: Two leading scorers (Will Bynum, Devion Collins) return, 5 SR starters. Watch 6-10 SR Treyon Johnson. Tough super conference sked.

Proviso East: Possible Super 25, led by SR Quinlan Bennett, Jordan Morris. Picked up firepower with St. Pat’s transfer Jeremiah Jones.

Proviso West: New coach Anthony Longstreet returns leading scorer Ronnie Allgood, slashing scorer Izzayah Saddler. Robert Covington’s brother Deveon Bryant is a deadly three-point shooter.

Quest: 61-30 in 3-yr history. Lost a lot, but Terrell Walker, Jimmie Richardson, Avierre Ross ready to step up. Good soph class

Reavis: Senior-led group with three-year starter Sami Hajjar, Peter Sedlacek in backcourt. Good shooters, should make noise in SSC Red.

Rich Central: Last season’s playoff run inspired confidence. 6-3 Chance Love opened eyes this summer. 6-6 Jace Lee adds some rim protection.

Rich East: Craig Hodges’ team is talking Peoria. JR Ramone Woods, SR Antron Washington, SR Vashawn Sims all gifted scorers. Some size too.

Richmond-Burton: Sharpshooter Mark Marzahl, 6-4 Shane Byrne set the tone. Sophs were very good last season, should add plenty.

Ridgewood: Holes to fill. SR’s Dom Devivo, Michael Barnas, Pzemak Kowalewski will step up. 6-5 sophomore Kevin Czysweski could be good.

Riverside-Brookfield: Mike Reingruber takes over. Shooter Ryan Cicenas leads deep, experienced squad hoping to rebound from strange 2016-17.

Rochelle: 3-yr guards Angel Aguirre, Riley Lodico return. 6-8 JR Johnny Beck is talented. Hubs had a nice summer, are conf. title contenders

Rockford Jefferson: Big expectations with Quillin Dixon, My’Quion Garrett back and transfers Terry Ford, Jyaire Robinson added to the fold.

Rolling Meadows: Gio Carillo and Ryan Carney lead guard oriented Talented 6-3 freshman PG Max Christie should have an immediate impact.

St. Charles East: Possible Super 25. Small, will play fast. Tons of shooters. 4 starters back, 6-5 SR Justin Hardy could be a breakout star.

St. Francis: Finished strong last season, looking to win sectional w/all starters back, led by Michael Cascella, Matt Cooney, Andrew Harvey.

St. Ignatius: Should be improved w/5 key guys back including Carter Higginbottom, Christian Davis. Size w/6-7 Dariusz Muta, 6-4 Luke Nauman.

St. Joseph-Ogden: All-time leading scorer Brandon Trimble graduated, Jordan Brooks, Jack Cook return along w/some decent size. Great program

St. Laurence: Jim Sexton takes over. 6-5 Zion Fortune, Isaiah Harvey, Timmy Molloy mix well with a promising group of sophomores.

St. Patrick: Last year’s top 8 gone, but senior class won ESCC as sophomores. JR Robert Stanford and soph Joe Fanning have high ceilings.

St. Teresa: SR Isaiah Bond, soph Michael Less headline good mix of experience/youth. Will compete in conf., could make noise in playoffs.

St. Viator: Leading scoreer Jeremiah Hernandez is worth watching. Peter Lambesis also back. High hopes for newcomer, JR PG Treyvon Calvin.

Schurz: Should be in super conference. 6-4 Jaland Mitchell averaged 18 pts, 9 rebs last season. One of area’s truly underrated players.

Springfield Lanphier: Looking pretty loaded. 3A title contenders with SR PG Cardell McGee, and size. 6-5 PJ Edwards, 6-6 Karl Wright.

Stagg: Upside potential. 6-5 JR Martin Macenis could be one of south burbs best. Josh Blim, John Mahoney provide experienced backcourt.

Sterling: Huge. Looking to raise the bar. 6-7 Daniel Pontnack, 6-6 Tyler Willman, 6-9 Aidan Shore. Micah Kendrick, Sean Gingrich top guards.

Sullivan: Jason Tucker takes over. Everyone back from 7-19 squad. Brandon Akien, Jamar Woodland can score, watch 6-5 transfer Jacob Brown.

TF South: Townsend Orr is the new coach. Strong backcourt with Eric Blair, De’Kwan Turner. High hopes for 6-8 junior London Denman (good passer, post moves).

Thornwood: Should be exciting. Transfer Jalen Chavers is opening eyes. Sam Moore, Zachary Carr return. Good guard play, disruptive on defense.

Timothy Christian: 6-6 Brandon Orange returns for squad opening a brand new 1,200 seat gym on Dec. 1 against rival Chicago Christian. Jim Cornelison will be there to sing the anthem.

Tinley Park: Guard heavy team, led by SR’s Josiah Bickhem, Jason Cook, Mark Cross. Newcomers Solomon Wilson, Kameron Holmes should help.

UP-Englewood: Wayne Carter takes over. High expectations for Eddie Anderson, DeVonte Williams, Keenen Davis, JR Shawn Faulkner will help.

Vernon Hills: Core of Luke Perlin, 6-4 Payton Foster, Derrick Jones returns. Good SR role players as well. Perlin could have breakout year.

Waubonsie Valley: Undersized, young. Year 2 in coach Jason Mead’s system should bring improvement. JR guard Eric Cannon is underrated.

Waukegan: Big expectations, Super 25 team. 3 starters back in 6-4 JR Bryant Brown (poised for breakout season), Ja’Dyn Brown, Jordan Brown.

Wells: Antwone Lampkin moved to PG, is now “Tyler Ulis of the White-West” watch 6-10 soph Lavell Lundy, 6-7 Terrell Wolf (Tony Allen’s son).

West Aurora: Blackhawks ready to make some noise again. Camron Donatlan, Jared Crutcher lead the way. Traevon Brown transferred in from East

West Chicago: Young, starting three juniors. Everybody can shoot, especially Jason Gimre. Senior guard had 67 three’s last season, shot 38%.

Westinghouse: Rafie Fields takes over. Under the radar group could surprise, led by Corinthian Fields, shooter Elijah Crump, Cinque Simmons.

Westminster Christian: Aiming for 13th consecutive winning season. 6-5 Ben Versluys, Jordan Warrener are talented, depth is the big worry.

Wheaton North: Should have had more attention last season. Lost all 5 starters but could be good again w/6-7 Deng Reng, 6-6 Josh Sorenson.

Wheeling: On the rise, 11 wins last season was most since 2008. All the starters are gone, but Phil Bucko, Michael Best contributed last year and will provide a solid base. 6-2 freshman Joe Jordan will start from day one.

Willowbrook: Possible Super 25. Six top players back from 24-5 squad that was one of best in school history. 6-6 Ethan Schuemer is a talent.

Woodstock: Should be competitive in the Kishwaukee River. SR Mikey Gardner leading returning scorer. Evan Bridges one of area’s top shooters

Yorkville: Top scorers Javell Moore, Logan Habada return. Tremendous defensive team. Naz transfer Christian Payne, strong sophs will help.

The Latest
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For as big of a tournament moment as Terrence Shannon Jr. is having, it hasn’t been deemed “madness” because, under the brightest lights, he has been silent.
This year, to continue making history, the Illini will have to get past No. 2-seeded Iowa State.