Illinois HS Basketball News: Issue 30
Week of January 10, 2021
Another week, still no clear news on a high school season.
Following a return from the holidays, the IHSA met and provided minor news on a potential 2021 season. But in general, we’re still in a holding pattern. Several stories this week about those losing patience in waiting for answers.
Otherwise, another big commitment week, as players have moved earlier than usual to commit to D-III programs with college rosters more full than in typical years.
And writers across the state continue to look back and give us history lessons and great profiles of figures in the basketball community. We all miss games, and you are helping us fill the void at least a bit.
Reminder: To send me stories or recruiting news, find me on Twitter or email rudnik.jakub@gmail.com. And if you like the newsletter, please share with others who would like it!
Let’s get to basketball!
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COVID-19 Updates and News
JB Pritzker still hasn’t met with the IHSA, but the deputy governor did. The IHSA is in financial trouble without ticket revenue. Everyone is waiting, and some are getting creative with how they’re spending their time without basketball.
“'Frustration' growing as high school sports start 2021 not knowing when they will begin.” (Jim Benson/The Pantagraph)
“Hope and patience: Student-athletes find ways to stay active waiting on basketball season.” (Matt Schuckman/Herald-Whig0
“A first step as IHSA meets with IPDH and Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz.” (Chicago Tribune)
"IHSA wants to talk. Who’s listening?” (Troy Taylor/Star Courier)
“With no sports on horizon, IHSA looks to schools for support.” (Troy Taylor/Star Courier)
“IHSA still wants to meet about sports start date; Gov. Pritzker says it will happen when appropriate.” (Michael O’Brien/Chicago Sun-Times)
An Unconventional Path for Van Fleet
Maine West 2020 graduate Dylan Van Fleet was set to walk on at Marquette this year before the pandemic. Instead she’s playing this season for Morton College, then will hike the Appalachian Train to raise money and awareness for the form of cancer her mother has.
Kaleb Carter tells Van Fleet’s story for Illinois-Basketball.com.
Commitments
Eight players — five boys and three girls — made college commitments this week. More than 150 players have made their college decisions in the 2021 class (lists are below if players are missing).
Cobden 2021 small forward Noah Franklin committed to D-II Southwest Baptist (Missouri).
Hinckley-Big Rock 2021 guard Tessa Prellberg committed to D-III Aurora. Kaleb Carter wrote about Prellberg’s commitment for Illinois-Basketball.com.
Benet 2021 small forward Tyler Van Eekeren committed to D-III Washington University (St. Louis).
Lincoln-Way Central 2021 shooting guard Nick Tingley committed to D-III Elmhurst.
Bloomington Central 2021 point guard JT Welch committed to D-III Millikin.
Hersey 2021 forward Griffin Ginder committed to D-III Wisconsin-La Crosse. Dion Martorano wrote about his commitment for the Journal & Topics.
Lanphier 2021 point guard Kylee Parker signed with Lincoln Land CC.
Warren 2021 wing Micaila Kline signed with Oakton CC.
Stevenson seniors Nikki Ware and Lydia Lueck, Elk Grove’s Brandon Burns and Saint Viator’s Aubrey Horbach all recently made college commitments. They all spoke to Martorano at the Journal & Topics about the recruiting process during a pandemic.
“Even without a season, Providence graduate Adam Taylor finds his way from Joliet Junior College to Governors State.” (Steve Millar/Daily Southtown).
List of 2021 girls college commitments and 2021 boys college commitments.
Transfer News
2023 guard KJ Cobb and 2024 guard Gianni Cobb announced that they transferred from Hillcrest to Bloom.
List of Illinois high school basketball players to transfer out of state
Girls Recruiting News
Evanston 2022 wing Lola Lesmond received an offer from Saint Louis.
Tuscola 2021 point guard Brynn Tabeling received an offer from D-II Limestone University (South Carolina).
Coaching Stories and News
“They call him ‘The Colonel.’ And for good reason. Brian Mays gets ready to take over as Rich Township’s girls basketball coach.” (Tony Baranek/Daily Southtown)
“Tai Streets went to state in track and basketball at Thornton. He won the Rose Bowl with Michigan. But his mom ‘was my hero.’” (Pat Disabato/Daily Southtown)
After the Timeout, a new basketball coaching podcast, interviewed Taft coach Jason Tucker about coaching during a pandemic, scheduling, scouting, the differences in coaching different sizes of team, and more.
Illinois Players in the Pros
“From Fenwick to Northwestern to the G League, Scottie Lindsey reached the cusp. A torn ACL slowed him down but was ‘a blessing in disguise.’” (Sam Brief/Pioneer Press)
Illinois Players in College
Nimari Burnett, a five-star prospect who won a 3A state title as a freshman with Morgan Park, has left the Texas Tech program as a freshman with the intent to transfer, multiple networks report. Uncertain playing time — he saw 20+ minutes just four times this season — was the primary concern, ESPN reported.
Thornwood 2020 graduate Fantasia Baines transferred from Illinois State to Jackson State.
“Jacobs graduate Cameron Krutwig turns into a consistent scorer for Loyola in men’s basketball: ‘My game has really stepped up.’” (Paul Johnson/Aurora Beacon-News)
“Pain. Frustration. Self-doubt. ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ [Marian Catholic graduate] Janae Poisson stared it all down, and she’s starring again for NIU.” (Tony Baranek/Daily Southtown)
“How many games can one team miss? DePaul senior [and Morgan Park grad] Charlie Moore isn’t trying to find out.” (Steve Greenberg/Chicago Sun-Times)
“Benet graduate Lindsey Rogers earns starting role at Illinois-Chicago, believes ‘it’s appropriate to play’ despite the coronavirus pandemic.” (Matt Le Cren/Naperville Sun)
“[Bradley-Bournbonnais Graduate and] Olivet Nazarene's Christian Straw embracing his new role.” (Cody Smith/Daily Journal)
“She missed four games due to COVID-19 protocols. Now, Joliet Catholic graduate Andriana Acosta is back on track for St. Francis.” (Steve Millar/Daily Southtown)
“Neuqua Valley graduate Blaise Meredith fired up by chance to carry more of an offensive load for North Central College.” (Paul Johnson/Naperville Sun)
“We’re a long way from Jan. 4, 1972, when Northern Illinois upset Indiana in men’s basketball. Suburban coaches offer answers.” (Rick Armstrong/Aurora Beacon-News)
A list of all D1 men’s basketball players from Illinois.
A list of all D1 women’s basketball players from Illinois.
Other Stories and News
The Chicago Sun-Times continued its list of the Chicago-area’s top 50 winningest boys programs of the past decade:
Also for the Sun-Times, Michael O’Brien continued his classic games re-watch series with Thornridge vs. Quincy (1972) featuring a 33-0 Thornridge team led by Quinn Buckner.
“Basketball referee Bob Reczek honored by IBCA for work with Special Olympics: ‘We get so much in return it seems unfair.’” (Jeff Vorva/Daily Southtown)
“McLean County Tournament on hold in the present, but its rich past can help fill the void.” (Randy Kindred/The Pantagraph)
“Reflecting on the history of Villa Grove High School’s hoops success.” (Tony Hooker/The Tuscola Journal)
For the News-Gazette, Colin Likas spoke to players, coaches and administrators about rivalries, the toughest places to play, their most memorable games and more. Interviewees from Georgetown Ridge-Farm, Tuscola, Urbana, Villa Grove, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, La Salette, Rantoul and Champaign Central. Smart story idea without games to cover.
“After 50 years, [scorekeeper and announcer Richard Kidwell’s] voice still carries in Tuscola.” (Dave Hinton/News-Gazette)
“Elite Season 1981-82: New year’s resolution to keep winning includes ‘greatest game’.” (Barry McNamara/The Review Atlas)
“Larry Duling comes off the bench to become a trusted voice and integral part of the game(s).” A story on a legendary announcer in Central Illinois. (Randy Kindred/The Pantagraph)
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