MidStateHoops.com :: Class AA Preseason Team Rankings

The returning state champions feature five Division I senior prospects and even more younger Division I prospects. Headed by Memphis recruit, Derrick Rose, the Wolverines have someone in the driver’s seat who makes all of his teammates better. He is accompanied on the perimeter by 6’0” Brandon Hall and 6’3” Bryant Orange while Wisconsin-Milwaukee commits, Tim Flowers and Kevin Johnson, will do the dirty work inside. Most expect a repeat of a state championship this season.

Key Players: Derrick Rose, Tim Flowers, Kevin Johnson, Bryant Orange, Brandon Hall, Keyon Smith, Brandon Orange

Simeon
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Wolverines

St. Joseph
Westchester, Illinois

Conference: East Suburban Catholic

Hawks

Ranking: #2

Three of the Hawks’ returning starters have already verbally committed to Division I schools. Ohio State bound-Evan Turner and Illinois bound-Demetri McCamey will be the team’s leaders this year. Seniors, Rashee Wallace and Brown recruit, Garrett Lefferlman, should also be looked upon to contribute heavily. 6’4” junior wing, David Dixon, and 6’8” sophomore, Louis Greene, will have an opportunity to prove themselves as elite players this season as both of them should see a lot of big time minutes.

Key Players: Evan Turner, Demetri McCamey, Garrett Lefflerman, David Dixon, Louis Greene (6'8"), Rashee Wallace, Alex Gowgill (6'8"), Laffayette Gray

Ranking #3

Possibly the deepest team in the state this year. Leo returns seven of their top nine players from last season. Heading the group will be seniors, Kevin Woods, Tony Topps, and Diante Gaskew, who have all started varsity since their sophomore year. The Lions love to push the ball and have a multitude of points guards that can do so including Woods, 6’1” senior, Mario Allen, and 5’10” sophomore, James Pointer. Coach Cannon’s team will also be deep inside with Gaskew, 6’8” senior, Steve Gross, and 6’9” rising junior, Stan Simpson.

Key Players: Kevin Woods, Diante Gaskew, Tony Topps, Stan Simpson, James Pointer, Steve Gross, Mario Allen

Leo
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CCL

Lions

Eisenhower
Decatur, Illinois

Conference: Big 12

Panthers

Ranking: #4

Feature the hottest junior throughout the Midwest area at the current point in time, 5’9” Lewis Jackson. The Panthers received 6’8” junior, Jeremy Robinson, last season and didn’t use him to his full affect but now that he has played half a season and a full summer, he has been worked into their offense and has become a dominating force. Eisenhower is very deep when it comes to guards. Along with Jackson, they have three Division I caliber guards in seniors, Lester Hart, Bart Dandridge, and Brandel Griggs. Two of the three will see starting positions while the other will contribute big time off the bench. Additionally, 6’4” senior, Westley Dawson, will be a factor. Decatur has a fast style play and really get after it defensively. It will be hard to beat them this year.

Key Players: Lewis Jackson, Jeremy Robinson, Lester Hart, Brandel Griggs, Bart Dandridge, Westley Dawson

Ranking: #5

Lincoln Park’s senior class entered high school with perhaps the best class in the past decade or so. Since then, a few players haven’t produced what was expected and their star forward transferred. Though they’ve been through a lot, the Lions should have an affective season this winter. They are led by Northwestern bound point guard, Michael Thompson, who has successfully lead them since his freshman season. The Montgomery brothers, Jonathon (2007) and Jeremy (2008), have both started on the varsity squad since they entered high school and nothing should change this season. Inside, expect big contributions from Wisconsin-Green Bay bound-J.J. Henley, who had a breakout AAU season with the Illinois Fire this past summer.

Key Players: Michael Thompson, Jon Montgomery, Jeremy Montgomery, J.J. Henley, Brandon Jackson, Courtney Bell

Lincoln Park
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Lions

Bloom Township
Chicago Heights, Illinois

Conference: SICA East

Blazing Trojans

Ranking: #6

Bloom carries one of the most complete starting lineups in the state. They are led by 6’5” wing forward, Jamel Farmer, who had a great summer. He, along with Western Illinois recruit, Larry Dumas, will be looked upon for scoring. Sharp shooting point guard, Jamal Daniel, will have a key role in making plays and providing a punch from the outside. 6’7” senior, Delvon Johnson, and 6’8” 300 lbs junior, Jawan Nelson, will have the responsibility for manning down the post.

Key Players: Jamel Farmer, Larry Dumas, Jamal Daniel, Jawan Nelson, Delvon Johnson

Ranking: #7

The Commandos lose nearly 46 ppg, 6 apg, and 16 rpg with the departure of Patrick Beverly and Darrius Gators. However, they return three starters who have all made vast improvements during the 2006 summer. The team’s leader will be 6’4” guard/forward Ryan Hare. Though he wasn’t the leading scorer, Hare was the biggest element to last year’s team. He did all the little things, allowing opportunities for others on his team. 6’5” senior, Mike Stovall, made a big impact on the national radar this past July. He is hoping to post a strong senior campaign this season. 6’2” sophomore, Darius Smith, plays with wisdom beyond his years. He can play any position on the floor due to his strength and versatility and should, again, be a key factor for Coach Bryant. Marshall is a team that loves to push the ball and do it well with their personnel. Expect a strong season from last years 3rd Place Class AA Champions.

Key Players: Ryan Hare, Michael Stovall, Darius Smith

Marshall
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Commandos

Farragut
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Admirals

Ranking: #8

This team is very big inside and has two point guards that have the ability to lead them to victory. Mike Dunigan is the most highly regarded player on this team but the scoring role will fall mostly upon 6’0” junior, Isiah Williams. Williams has been a key contributor for points for the Admirals since his freshman season. Joining him in the backcourt weill be 5’7” quickster, Sean Scott. 6’9” senior, Archie Boyd should also make an impact.

Key Players: Mike Dunigan, Isiah Williams, Sean Scott, Archie Boyd

Ranking: #9

A hardworking team that loves to get up and down the floor. TF North is led by 6’7” Division I prospect, Demond Watt. He has been his high school’s star for the past two seasons and has made improvements in his game and is expecting to take his team to another level. Transfer, Donald “Woo” Pritchard, who is also a Division I prospect, should make an immediate impact. Joining him in the backcourt will be 6’0” senior, Laurence Redmond. Look for sleeper, Lyvonte Eskridge, to also make an impact for his team.

Key Players: Demond Watt, Donald Pritchard, Laurence Redmond, Lyvonte Eskridge

Thornton Fractional North
Calumet City, Illinois

Conference: SICA Central

Meteors

Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois

Conference: Big 12

Purple Raiders

Ranking: #10

The Purple Raiders have a new coach and are ready for a big season. 6’3” senior, Justin Bocot, returns as the team’s leading scorer. He will be accompanied in the backcourt by 6’2” sophomore, D’mitri Riggs, and 6’5” senior, Cory Hainlen. All three have shown that they can score and are among the best of their classes. 6’4” senior Lonnie Lawrence will man down the post for Bloomington. He returns as the team’s leading rebounder and second leading scorer. If Jamie Codron’s team can pull it together, they should post a very solid season.

Key Players: Justin Bocot, Lonnie Lawrence, D'mitri Riggs, Cory Hainlen

Ranking: #11

The Warren trio of Ceola Clark, Shannon Adams, and Logan Derrick will lead their team this season. Clark, a Western Illinois signee, will be looked upon to provide a lot of scoring. Derrick will most likely play the one with Adams at a forward position and 6’7” senior, Julian Jones, in the middle. Look for sophomores Jake Anderson and, possibly, Brandon Paul to make some contributions for the Blue Devils.

Key Players: Ceola Clark, Shannon Adams, Logan Derrick, Julian Jones

Warren Township
Gurnee, Illinois

Conference: North Suburban

Blue Devils

Thornwood
South Holland, Illinois

Conference: SICA East

Thunderbirds

Ranking: #12

The Thunderbirds surprised everyone last season as they earned their way to the state tournament finished at the third seed. Trey Blue (17.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 4.1 apg) returns as the team’s leading scorer, rebounder, and assistman. He will be accompanied by two other returning starters in 6’2” Reggie Hamilton (10.5 ppg), and 6’4” Cameron Snelling (5.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg). Also, expect 6’6” sophomore, Steve Walker (4.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg) to make a big impact on the block. Thornwood is very well coached and play a controlled game. They are good whether running the ball or slowing the tempo up. The addition of 6’4” senior guard, Colby Johnson, who has suffered a mass amount of injuries since the end of his freshman year, should greatly help, if he can stay healthy. Coming in to his high school career, he was touted as the state’s top shooting guard.

Key Players: Trey Blue, Colby Johnson, Reggie Hamilton, Steve Walker, Cam Snelling

Ranking #13

6’0” senior guard, Jeff Jordan, will be looked upon for team leadership. This will be Jeff’s third season starting on his school’s varsity team and he is ready to be recognized as a high major player. 6’5” junior, Rob Belcore, will be a big part for the Ramblers in the scoring and rebounding column. He and J. Jordan will be the two Loyola Academy looks to the most in difficult times. Sophomore, Marcus Jordan, should make a big difference in the team’s success as well as 6’6” Peter Sullivan and senior point guard, D.J. Glavan

Key Players: Jeff Jordan, Rob Belcore, Peter Sullivan, D.J. Glavan, Joey Suhey, Marcus Jordan

Loyola Academy
Wilmette, Illinois

Conference: CCL

Ramblers

Richwoods
Peoria, Illinois

Conference: Midstate 6

Knights

Ranking: #14

Though they were the state runner-up last year, the Knights lost a few key elements including Ryan Phillips (9.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg). Additionally, they are known for bad starts at the beginning of the season. 6’1” Furman recruit, Justin Dehm (14.9 ppg) and 6’9” Illinois signee, Bill Cole (16.1 ppg and 9 reb) will once again be the team’s focal point. Both had very good state tournaments last season, especially Dehm, and are looking to win one more game than last season. 5’9” junior, Nick Morgan, and 6’2” senior, Courtney Smith, return as key reserves from last season and will be essential in Richwoods’ success.

Key Players: Bill Cole, Justin Dehm, Nick Morgan, Cortney Smith, James Robertson, Jontell Lindsay

Ranking: #15

The Minutemen lose their leading scorer and team captain due to graduation but are looking to 6'6" junior, DeAndre Liggens, to fill that gap. 6'6" Corliss transfer, Michael Haynes, is a key addition as he will be the focus on the inside. Look for 6'2" Jonathon Shields to have a breakout season.

Key Players: DeAndre Liggens, Michael Haynes, Jonathon Shields, Keyon Smothers

Washington
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Minutemen

Morgan Park
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Mustangs

Ranking: #16

If Parrish West is eligible, Morgan Park has a legitimate chance of being a very solid ball club. With a new coach heading their team, maybe they will be able to put their talent together. They will be led by 6’9” senior, Isaiah Martin, who has been an impact for them inside since his sophomore season. Additionally, they bring 6’9” senior, Haji Martin and 6’5” Aaron Ragsdale, to help Isaiah out on the boards. 5’9” junior Derrick Branch and 6'0" Jacquez Williams will be essential on the perimeter and 6’6” sophomore Marcus Rodgers may contribute big time if he continues developing.

Key Players: Isaiah Martin, Parrish West, Jacquez Williams, Marcus Rodgers, Derrick Branch, Haji Martin, Aaron Ragsdale

Ranking: #17

Losing Sherron Collins is devestating for Coach Longstreet. However, he returns two starters ans high major recruits in Indiana-bound, Brandon McGee, and 6'2" junior Dion Dixon. Both McGee and Dixon were bigtime players for the Cougars last year, on both ends of the floor, and should be again this winter. They combine to create a very intriguing inside-outside combo.

Key Players: Brandon McGee, Dion Dixon

Crane
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Cougars

Whitney Young
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Dolphins

Ranking: #18

A versatile team that can beat you from the outside and inside. Though undersized, 5'7" A.J. Rompa is one of the best scorers in the Public League. He will be joined in the backcourt by 6'3" sophomore, Chris Colvin. Miami-OH-bound, Dwight McCombs will be key defensively and on the boards. He also scores well on the block.

Key Players: Dwight McCombs, A.J. Rompza, Chris Colvin, Bryan Hall

Ranking: #19

Vince Carter has reloaded again this season. Led by 5'9" pure point, Michael Horton, the Panthers have a good core of players. Horton has some good forwards around him in 6'6" seniors, Darius Fields and Michael Fakuake. 6'2" transfer Mike Dunnino, will have the green light this season to shoot the ball. Deonte Lundeen will also provide energy off the bench. This highly athletic team will surprise a lot of people this season.

Key Players: Michael Horton, Darius Fields, Michael Fakuade, Michael Dinnuno, Deonte Lundeen, Cordarrel Eskdrige

Von Steuben
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CPL

Panthers

Hales Franciscan
Chicago, Illinois

Conference: CCL

Spartans

Ranking: #20

The Spartans are starting completely new this season. In addition to losing Jerome Randle, Darrien McKinstry, and JaVale McGee, Hales has moved up a class. Though it would seem that they would be in terrible condition right now, due to player transfers and improvements, they aren’t in a very bad situation. The team’s leader, 6’5” sharpshooter, Matthew Humphrey, has seen minutes on the varsity level ever since his freshman year. This past summer he put himself on the national radar and has began to see his stock rise higher than, nearly, any other player in the Midwest. Inside will be where their team’s success comes from this winter. 6’4” senior Kevin Hicks and 6’8” juniors, Doug Montgomery and Josh Crittle, are beasts around the basket and will be the focal point of the Spartans team. Where the team is lacking is in the ball handling area, which could hurt the team when competing against good defensive teams.

Key Players: Matt Humphrey, Josh Crittle, Kevin Hicks, Doug Montgomery