Uncover the Early Season Highlights and Surprises
If There Was a Team Needing a Confidence Boost
In the opening week, one team that stood to gain immensely from a confidence-boosting win was Kenwood. Even with a preseason top 10 ranking, the uncertainty that crept in after the head coach's resignation just before the season began couldn't be ignored. Mike Irvin announced his resignation on November 4. But lurking in the back of this team's mind was the fact that they had fallen short in crucial moments the previous season. The Broncos lost to Warren in the Proviso West Holiday Tournament semifinals, finished second in the Red South Central and were then upset by Simeon in the sectional semifinals. However, their 54-52 Sunday win over two-time defending state champ DePaul Prep served as the much-needed boost to start the season on a high note.This victory not only gave the team a sense of accomplishment but also instilled a newfound belief in their abilities. It showed that they could overcome challenges and perform well when it mattered the most. The win against DePaul Prep was a turning point for Kenwood, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Waukegan's Return to Form
Waukegan is back and making a strong statement this season. Wins over Crystal Lake South and Barrington prove that this is the most formidable Bulldogs team since the 2018-19 season. When the season began, Waukegan was just on the outside of the preseason Super 25 but has now solidly claimed the No. 19 spot. Their road win over Warren on Wednesday, 72-62, was a testament to their growing strength.This Waukegan team is powered by legitimate firepower. Starting with Simereon Carter, the 6-4 junior has been a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and nearly four steals a game last week. Newcomer Jaali Love, a 6-7 junior with high upside, is on the verge of coming into his own. He averaged 19 points and five rebounds a game in the four wins. Alongside them, athletic 6-4 senior wing Xavi Granville is averaging 13.7 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. The combination of these talented players is making Waukegan a force to be reckoned with.
The State Should Take Notice of LeShawn Stowers
LeShawn Stowers is a one-man wrecking crew and the Peoria High senior star remains one of the overlooked stars in the state. His dominance in a pair of high-stakes wins last week has drawn attention. In the Decatur Thanksgiving Tournament, the 6-4 guard poured in 39 points in a 58-56 semifinal win over Bolingbrook and Davion Thompson. He then scored 24 more in the 55-54 title game win over city rival Peoria Manual and Dietrich Richardson, the top senior prospect in the state.Stowers' scoring ability and clutch performances have made him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to step up in big moments and deliver is what sets him apart. As more people start to recognize his talent, he is likely to become a household name in the state.
Homewood-Flossmoor's Early Season Statement
Defending state champ Homewood-Flossmoor made an early-season statement by rolling to a Thanksgiving tournament title, just as they did a year ago. Coach Jamere Dismukes returned just one starter, guard Jayden Tyler, from a 4A state title team. But the addition of a couple of talented transfers (Arden Eaves and Brent Taylor), a poised freshman (Darrius Hawkins) and a pair of unheralded but effective and emerging seniors (Ethan Howard and Kyle Polk) has fueled the Vikings.This team's chemistry and collective effort have been on full display. Their convincing double-digit victories over both Marian Catholic and Bloom in the tournament showed their dominance. Homewood-Flossmoor is looking to defend their state title and these early season wins are a good sign of things to come.
Nick Allen - The Dominating Big Man
You will be hard pressed to find a more dominating big man this season than Nick Allen of Bradley-Bourbonnais. His opening week was nothing short of remarkable. Allen led the Boilers to a 4-0 record and tournament championship while averaging 29 points and 13 rebounds a game. In the title game win over Lemont, he scored 23 points and 15 rebounds.Allen's size, strength and scoring ability make him a force in the paint. His presence on the court has a significant impact on the team's performance. Opponents struggle to contain him, and his contributions have been crucial in leading the Boilers to success.
Evanston's Potential in the Central Suburban League South
With New Trier's scuffling 2-2 mark over Thanksgiving, Evanston might just be the favorite in the Central Suburban League South. The Wildkits beat a solid Fremd team before picking up one of the more impressive wins of the weekend - a 59-54 victory over an experienced and ranked Rolling Meadows team led by Marquette recruit Ian Miletic. Evanston senior Theo Rocca was named tournament MVP.Evanston's performance in these games shows their potential and ability to compete at a high level. Their win over Rolling Meadows was a testament to their teamwork and determination. If they can continue to play at this level, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Downers Grove North's Resilience
The bulk of the great Downers Grove North teams of the past two years have graduated, including star Jack Stanton. Coach Jim Thomas returned just one key player, role-playing 6-5 Aiden Akkawi, from last year's 31-win team. But the Trojans are 4-0 nonetheless, winning their own Thanksgiving tournament with wins over Proviso East and Metea Valley.Despite the loss of key players, Downers Grove North has shown remarkable resilience. Their ability to gel as a team and perform well without their star players is a testament to their coaching and the talent they have. They are off to a strong start and will be looking to build on this success.
Elijah Lovemore's Continued Dominance
Elijah Lovemore was a stat-sheet-stuffing point guard a year ago and he has picked up right where he left off. Bloom went 3-1 in the opening week with Lovemore putting up a whopping stat line: 17.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.5 steals and eight assists a game, including an 8-to-1 assist to turnover ratio.Lovemore's all-around game makes him one of the best uncommitted prospects in the senior class. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court and control the game is what makes him stand out. He is a key player for Bloom and will be looking to lead them to more success this season.