We are in the home stretch. IHSA state tournament play is less than two weeks away, and we’ve learned a lot over nearly three months of basketball.
It’s quiz time. Here are the answers to some burning multiple-choice questions as we quickly wrap up the regular season.
Down one, five seconds to play, what player do you want with the ball in their hands and taking the final shot?
A. Devin Cleveland, Kenwood
B. Matthew Zobrist, Metamora
C. Davion Thompson, Bolingbrook
D. Jaxson Davis, Warren
ANSWER: C. Davion Thompson
Thompson checks off so many of the boxes for last-second performers. He’s skilled, poised and can create a shot. He shoots off the dribble in the mid-range, can draw body contact to get to the line and shoots it with range.
Oh, and he’s extremely efficient. The sophomore guard is shooting just under 50 percent from three, 58 percent inside the three-point line and 89 percent from the line.
Plus there is the makeup. He’s always calm and plays with a fearlessness. He has shown thus far to have the cold-blooded instincts to want the ball as the clock winds down.
What player in the state means the most to their team?
A. Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows
B. Jaxson Davis, Warren
C. LeShawn Stowers, Peoria
D. Phoenix Gill, St. Ignatius
ANSWER: A. Ian Miletic
This was a tough one with the list of candidates. The reality is that the best answer just might be “all of the above.”
No disrespect to the senior-laden group that has led the Mustangs to a 23-4 record, but without Miletic, the four-year veteran star headed to Marquette, this team doesn’t sniff the Super 25 rankings. They don’t beat Evanston. They don’t even contend for a conference championship and they are nowhere near a No. 1 sectional seed.
Miletic brings a competitiveness others feed off of and that can elevate a team’s effort. And he’s the focal point of every single defense he faces. That alone elevates those around him. But he still is a constant when it comes to production: 18 points, eight rebounds and over four assists a game.
Of all the surprise teams thus far this season, which team has been the biggest surprise?
A. Fenwick
B. Fremd
C. Hersey
D. Loyola
ANSWER: B. Fremd
Sure, Fremd was expected to challenge for the top spot in the MSL West. But no one could have expected the Vikings to run away with it and, along the way, pile up a gaudy 23-2 record in coach Mike Brown’s first season.
The talk around the Mid-Suburban League in the preseason was Rolling Meadows and Ian Miletic and Hersey’s high ceiling under coach Bob Widlowski. In the MSL West, Barrington returned the bulk of its team from a co-championship team and was favored.
Whenever there is a new coach, especially when replacing one that had previously won consistently and for a lot of years, there is no telling what direction a season can go. But Brown has steered this ship quite nicely. He has the Vikings set to play Rolling Meadows in the Mid-Suburban League championship game — and possibly in a sectional title game.
And it’s certainly not a stretch to think Fremd could be playing in Champaign next month.
“They put five weapons on the floor at one time, which really holds defenses accountable,” said Palatine coach Eric Millstone.
Jordan Williams, the 6-5 junior wing, is already a known commodity as a talent. But the underestimated — and still rather unknown — senior backcourt of Ryan Brown and Sam Hirsch, along with junior Rafael Pinto, bring size, length and versatile scoring on the perimeter.
What is the unranked team that will most likely enjoy a postseason run?
A. Geneva
B. Fenwick
C. DeKalb
D. Dyett
ANSWER: D. Dyett
This answer could have gone a number of different ways, mostly due to the fact there are several quality teams with super soft sectional roads. Those soft sectional landing spots are the ideal invite for a long run.
But Dyett is the answer because this team has a chance to go a long, long way by winning the program’s first-ever sectional championship in Class 2A.
If Dyett can get to that point, which would require a win over Leo and possibly beating Crane for a second time this season, the super-sectional could be tough. Bismarck-Henning, located 40 miles east of Champaign, is unbeaten and could be waiting in the Joliet Central Super.
When Dyett faced a ranked 2A team this season it beat Sherrard (24-3).
But also keep the following in mind when breaking down this 2A team. The Eagles played 4A Rock Island (23-4) tough in a 58-51 defeat. They lost to a trio of highly-ranked local 4A teams, Curie, Evanston and Marist, by 10 points or less.
Evanston coach Mike Ellis left the Centralia Holiday Tournament, where the Wildkits beat Dyett, impressed. Ellis says, “It would not shock me in the least to see them playing in March in Champaign.”
Evanston beat Dyett 58-48 in December.
“They are a team that is built for playoff basketball,” Ellis said. “They have versatility from all positions at both ends of the floor. Offensively, they have scoring capabilities from the perimeter and interior. Defensively, they play solid and disciplined as a unit.”
What is the best 20-plus win team no one is talking about or has received the least amount of fanfare?
A. Wheaton-Warrenville South
B. IC Prep
C. Kaneland
D. Marian Catholic
ANSWER: C. Kaneland
Yes, the Knights are now ranked — for the past couple of weeks. But it almost felt like a formality when they entered the rankings; Kaneland kept winning while playing a suspect schedule as everyone else kept losing.
Regardless of the circumstances (ranked team with a 24-1 record), it’s a team no one has taken too seriously or talked much about. Again, that’s mostly due to not being seen and the lack of big-stage opportunities on the schedule.
But Kaneland is a talented team, led by junior point guard Marcus Cocroft and a list of impressive athletes with length in 6-7 Freddy Hassan, 6-9, Jeffery Hassan and 6-6 Evan Frieders.
Kaneland is capable of making a deep run in the postseason — the Knights unceremoniously did make a run last year to a sectional title game — and winning its first sectional in 43 years.
Who is the most underrated player?
A. Vincas Buzelis, Hinsdale Central
B. Phoenix Childs, Perspectives-Leadership
C. Moses Wilson, Waubonsie Valley
D. Hunter Gawron, Niles North
ANSWER: A. Vincas Buzelis
Yes, this is the biggest name on the list, he plays for a ranked team and is a Division I recruit. It doesn’t matter. There is still plenty of room to call Buzelis an absolutely underrated star, but it’s mostly as an “underrated talent and recruit.”
Buzelis, the MVP of the Hinsdale Holiday Classic, does everything. He’s a go-to scorer who makes a variety of tough shots. He distributes and rebounds. He provides toughness and is a defensive presence.
Buzelis leads a team that has won 23 straight games in scoring, rebounding and assists with 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game. He went for 40 points, nine rebounds and five steals in a win over Niles North. He’s had additional games of 30, 32 and 35 points.
And again, it bears repeating: Buzelis is vastly underrated as a college basketball prospect. Kudos, South Dakota, because you landed a legitimate recruiting steal out of the state of Illinois. The fact the 6-5 Buzelis had so little college interest as a whole is likely the most eye-opening recruiting storyline in the Class of 2025.
What junior has blossomed the most this season?
A. Oliver Gray, Barrington
B. Jake Pollack, Deerfield
C. Rykan Woo, DePaul Prep
D. Chris Bolte, St. Ignatius
ANSWER: C. Rykan Woo
What a revelation Woo has been for a DePaul team that has been near the top or at the very top of the rankings all season long.
Since his arrival from DePaul from Young, Woo has been the leading scorer for the Rams while vaulting up player rankings and into a bonafide Division I prospect. He impacts in a lot of ways and has been such a steady player.
You want impact and in an incredibly efficient way? Woo is shooting a ridiculous 59 percent from inside the arc, 53 percent from three (68 makes) and 89 percent from the free-throw line. He averages 15.9 points, three rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals a game.
Who has been the breakout senior this season?
A. Jayden Tyler, Homewood-Flossmoor
B. Blake Fagbemi, Benet
C. TJ Seals, Kenwood
D. Grant Best, Mount Carmel
ANSWER: A. Jayden Tyler
The always-talented Tyler certainly made his mark for a state championship team last season as a secondary player to stars Bryce Heard and Gianni Cobb. But because of Tyler this team remains a state title contender this season.
With 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, three assists and 2.2 steals a game, Tyler has been the catalyst for a Vikings team that is 24-2 and ranked No. 3. He’s shooting over 40 percent from three with 60 three-pointers made.
What team outside the Chicago area is the best?
A. Peoria
B. Moline
C. Morton
D. Quincy
ANSWER: D. Quincy
There is a long list of teams with sparkling records across the state. But this one is easy. The Blue Devils were loaded last year. Led by Santa Clara recruit Bradley Longcor (17.5 ppg), one of the top players in the state, they’re older and better this season.
With Longcor, Dom Clay (12.3 ppg) and Keshaun Thomas (14.1 ppg) leading the charge, the 24-2 Blue Devils might be the best team in the state.
Veteran coach Sean Taylor of Moline, who has guided two different teams to state championships (Shelbyville and Moline), has lost to Quincy and could see them again in the sectional.
“Experience, balance and a dominant lead guard,” Taylor says of what impresses him about Quincy. “They have four players who have played on varsity since their freshman year. They have four players who average in double figures. And Longcor has size, strength, good handles and can score from beyond the arc and in the paint.”
Historically, Quincy is one of the biggest and best basketball names in this state. However, present-day Quincy has been absent from the biggest stage for quite some time. This appears to be the year it returns and is playing in the State Finals for the first time in nearly 30 years. We will see this March.
“Quincy is strong at every position and very well coached,” said St. Laurence coach Roshawn Russell, whose team lost 69-47 to the Blue Devils. “It was a great experience to play them on their home court, easily one of the toughest places to play and a great atmosphere.”
Who plays the role of Robin (Scottie Pippen) to his teammate Batman (Michael Jordan) the best?
A. Moses Wilson, Waubonsie Valley
B. JT Pettigrew, Bolingbrook
C. Antonio Munoz, Young
D. Chris Bolte, St. Ignatius
ANSWER: B. JT Pettigrew
The shine surrounding star Davion Thompson is bright. Very bright. The super sophomore is one of the top handful of players in the entire state. All the praise and the accolades are deserving.
But Pettigrew has impressed in so many ways, both this season and throughout his big-time producing career. This is a Division I player (Pettigrew is headed to Valpo) who clearly shows that he accepts the “Robin” distinction during this two-year run playing with Thompson.
The selfishness could easily creep in yet doesn’t. He produces and helps his team win without forcing or trying to do too much. The 6-7 Pettigrew plays within himself and puts up star-like numbers himself, always while staying true to the role of best supporting player.
Pettigrew will finish his career with over 1,000 points and the all-time leader in both rebounds and blocks.
What is the best team with double-digit losses?
A. Hyde Park (13-14)
B. Lane (17-11)
C. Fenwick (19-10)
D. Young (16-12)
ANSWER: D. Young
This is an easy one.
Young gets the edge over Lane in this battle of teams with at least 10 losses on the season. The Dolphins beat Fenwick and Hyde Park but lost to Lane 61-57 in early January.
But coach Tyrone Slaughter’s team has shown growth since then while playing its typical tough schedule, including a host of national games. But with that schedule, the loss total has climbed.
However, when you can trot out dynamite junior guard Marquis Clark, senior Antonio Munoz and have a nice, lengthy list of quality wins over Simeon, Rockford Auburn, Hyde Park, Rockford Guilford, Fenwick and Curie, you’re an awfully dangerous 12-loss team.
TRUE or FALSE: After being 20-plus games into the season, there is still no Player of the Year favorite.
ANSWER: False
It’s been unlike any season when it comes to the player of the year conversation — for most of the season.
When it comes to the statewide conversation, both LeShawn Stowers of Peoria and Matthew Zobrist of Metamora will be in contention. But this right here is for the Chicago-area POY race.
There are candidates. There are always candidates. But sidestepping some past myths and maybe overlooking some past requirements may be necessary. That starts with getting over the fact there has never been a sophomore to win any player of the year award.
While it certainly hasn’t been put to bed, and the likes of Jayden Tyler of Homewood-Flossmoor, Waubonsie Valley’s Tyreek Coleman and a couple of others are on the radar, there was skepticism we would ever get to the point of there being a favorite. But it’s difficult to dispute the fact there is a sophomore frontrunner and another sophomore making a late dash.
Davion Thompson of Bolingbrook is that frontrunner.
In addition to his impressive statistical numbers, there is the win total and high ranking, the prospect of Bolingbrook playing deep into the postseason and his will to win and standout play in important moments.
Thompson had a 40-point game on just 21 shots. He scored 38 in another game on only 19 shots. He’s averaging 24 points and five rebounds a game. He’s the catalyst for a team that has 25 wins on the year and is a state title contender.
But down the stretch comes Devin Cleveland of Kenwood, the tantalizing sophomore who has taken his game and production to another level over the past month. The 6-3 guard is also on the verge of helping his team to a city title and remaining on top of the rankings at No. 1.
If Cleveland, who is averaging 20.2 points, four rebounds, three assists and 1.2 steals a game, were to add a signature moment or two in these final two city playoff games? The POY push would continue.