Byron Burt beat out 85 other applicants to become the new basketball coach at St. Laurence. Burt, a 25-year-old Mather grad, coached at his alma mater the past two seasons.
“It is an unbelievable opportunity to lead a program with the history and tradition of St. Laurence basketball,” Burt said. “This is a school that not only embraces athletics, but also truly cares about the growth of their students and school community.”
Mather’s 13-16 record last season doesn’t tell the whole story. Burt clearly kickstarted the basketball program. The Rangers were 8-1 in the White-North and turned in competitive performance against a handful of excellent teams.
“He is a rising star and we are excited to see him continue the growth of our program,” St. Laurence Athletic Director Tim Chandler said. “I’m confident he will make an instant connection with our student-athletes and serve as an exemplary role model for them.”
Burt played at Loyola University for Porter Moser.
“Byron is a high-energy, high-character young man,” Moser said. “He is always trying to learn and he always finds a way to succeed. There is no doubt Byron is a great hire for St. Laurence.”
The Vikings were 15-17 last season under Jim Sexton, who left to take over the program at Evergreen Park.
Jamere Dismukes takes over at Hyde Park
Jamere Dismukes, a star player at Rich East and the Rockets’ coach this past season, is taking over at Hyde Park.
Dismukes guided Rich East to a 15-16 record last season. He takes over for Reggie Bates, who resigned after a 16-10 season.
Dismukes previously coached at Indian Hills Community College and Blackhawk College in Moline.
Jamere Dismukes last season at Rich East.
Provided
“This is huge,” Dismukes said. “It’s a situation with great resources and great administrators in the best conference in the state.”
The Hyde Park job has long been considered one of the best in the Public League, despite a revolving door of coaches over the past several years. Dismukes doesn’t have any experience coaching or playing in the city and is aware he’ll have something to prove.
“I’m excited for the challenge and excited to prove myself,” Dismukes said. “I think my work will speak for itself. We were competitive in almost every game last year against one of the top schedules in the state.”
Dismukes says he will work at the school in some capacity.
Big shoes to fill
Dave Weber has retired after 25 years as basketball coach at Glenbrook North. He led the Spartans to the Class AA state championship in 2005 and finished with more than 400 wins, averaging nearly 18 wins per season.
Quin Hayes, who had a very successful run at his alma mater St. Viator the past four seasons, will take over for Weber.
Transfer season
The first major transfer of the spring has occurred. Oak Park’s star junior, Isaiah Barnes, announced that he is heading to Simeon.
Barnes has picked up double digit high-major offers in recent months and his arrival makes the Wolverines one of three teams that could be ranked No.1 in the preseason.
The defending city champs were already deep without Barnes. They welcome back dynamic Ahamad Bynum, an athletic 6-2 scoring guard committed to DePaul, along with a bevy of other talented players.
Jaylen Drane is one of the top players in the Class of 2022 while sophomore Avyion Morris became a difference-maker in the backcourt. Junior guard Fred Poole is back while 6-7 junior Phillip Holmes, 6-5 junior Dylan Ingram and freshman point guard Jalen Griffith all had their moments this past season.
Possible evaluation periods
The NCAA announced this week that there would be no basketball evaluation periods in July, decimating the summer basketball circuit.
However, 247Sports.com reported on Friday that the NCAA is considering scheduling evaluation periods in August, September and October. The dates being targeted are Aug. 6-9, Sept, 4-6 and October 9-11.
