Check out the Indiana and Chicago Public League Rosters

eHere is a early look at Indiana's top freshmen for the 2006-07 season. . In alpha Order. This is not a complete list. If you think I am missing someone please let me know (with a vailid reason) at hkilander@hssp.cc


Doug Acker 6-1 Concord
Nick Alfke 6-4 South Vermillion
Thomas Anderson 6-5 TH North
Zach Apollos 6-4 Knightstown
William Barksdale 5-7 Ben Davis
Jordan Beaver 6-5 Huntington North
Jesse Berry 5-11 Lafayette Jefferson
Amir Blackshear 6-0 Perry Meridian
Julian Boatner 5-11 Bloomington North
Marc Bowers 6-0 Rochester
Steve Brooks 6-5 Harding
Leland Brown 6-2 Noblesville
Jackson Buzea 5-8 Griffith
Russ Byrd 6-5 FW Blackhawk
Chase Caldwell 5-9 Valparaiso
Ryan Caldwell 6-3 Evansville North
Travis Carroll 6-7 Danville
Chris Chaffee 5-8 Penn
Corey Christner 6-0 Maconaquah
Billy Clark 6-1 Andrean
Kegan Clark 6-0 Jeffersonville
Mike Cobun 6-0 Northfield
Kendall Coleman 5-11 Hammond High
Henry Davis 6-3 East Chicago
Michael Deines 6-1 Noblesville
Demonte Dinkins 5-10 Portage
Jazz Drane 5-9 Perry Meridian
Adam Dubuque 6-0 Southwood
Jake Evanich 6-2 Griffith
Dominique Ferguson 6-9 Lawrence North
Dominique Futch 5-8 Pike
Quincy Gooden 6-6 Harding
Donnie Hale 6-6 New Albany
Purvis Hall 6-3 FW Elmhurst
Andre Hampton 6-3 Ind. Washington
Adam Harmon 5-10 Michigan City
Chase Harris 6-1 Southern Wells
Demetrius Harris 6-3 East Chicago
Mike Harris 6-1 East Chicago
Kendall Harwell 5-10 Hammond High
Chrishawn Hopkins 6-0 Manual
Alec Houpt 6-3 Chesterton
P.J. Hubert 6-1 Southport
Zach Hufferd 6-2 Connersville
Kofi Hughes 6-0 Lawrence North
Jack Isenbarger 6-1 Zionsville
Aaron Jackson 6-3 Hanover Central
Steffen Jackson 6-4 FW South
Evan Jameyfield 6-3 Highland
John Jarvis 5-10 TH South
Al Jennings 5-8 Homestead
Derek Johnson 5-9 Mooresville
Greg Johnson 5-7 FW South
Terone Johnson 6-2 North Central
Xavier Jones 6-3 Gary West
Cylk Joseph 6-1 Gary Bowman
Elliott Kampen 6-2 Yorktown
Michael Kibiloski 6-5 Elkhart Memorial
Jake Kitchell 6-6 South Central Un Mills
Robert Kitzinger 6-0 Carmel
Adam Knies 6-6 Jasper
Evan Kroot 5-11 Brebeuf
Hank LaRue 5-11 Evansville Mater Dei
Cortez Lee 5-9 Mishawaka
Rich Leslie 6-2 LaPorte
Dyjuan Lewis 6-3 Pike
Remy Lewis 5-9 Chesterton
Zach Livovich 6-5 Valparaiso
Randall Lowe 5-10 Tri-West
Blake Lueders 6-5 Zionsville
Garrett Mack 6-5 Center Grove
Kameran Madison 5-7 Gary Bowman
Jan Maehlen 6-10 Lawrence North
Jordan Manuel 6-8 Indianapolis Howe
Andy Martin 5-10 Valparaiso
Jordy Martin 6-1 New Albany
Justin Martin 6-6 Lawrence North
Ray McCallum 6-0 Bloomington North
Dylan McDaniel 6-6 New Albany
Trip McFall 6-3 North Central
Charles McGrady 6-6 Anderson Highland
Greg Miller 6-4 North Miami
Kendell Miller 6-2 Roncalli
Ty Miller 6-2 Greensburg
Erick Mitchell 6-1 FW Elmhurst
Donte Nelson 5-6 Portage
Billy Newton 6-3 Shakamak
Peter Nicksic 6-4 Andrean
Patrick Oetting 6-5 FW Concordia
Alex Payne 6-0 Carmel
Desmond Powers 6-4 Homestead
Matt Price 6-1 Penn
Alex Prittie 6-5 Lebanon
Andrew Radakas 6-3 Wheeler
Ben Raichel 6-1 Austin
Roddy Richardson 5-8 Lafayette Jefferson
Wes Rigney 6-5 Caston
Ronald Ross 6-6 Indy Washington
Trey Salinas 5-10 Angola
Terry Sargent 5-5 Howe
DeWayne Scales 6-3 Hammond Gavit
Jake Sirk 5-10 Lakeland
Jake Skirvin 6-0 Southport
Daniel Smith 6-2 SB Clay
Collin Southwood 6-5 Heritage Hills
Brandon Stace 6-3 Marion
James Stamper 5-10 Columbus North
Darius Stevens 6-6 Gary West Side
Kameron Stevens 5-4 SB Clay
Jake Stone 5-10 Westview
Latroy Taylor 6-0 Gary Wallace
DeShaun Thomas 6-8 FW Luers
Keith Thompson 5-11 Lake Central
Phil Titus 5-9 Ben Davis
Antonio Tolliver 6-6 Ind. Washington
Dan Turner 6-4 Mt Vernon
Jacob Van Arsdel 6-5 Harrison (Lafayette)
George VanVliet 6-0 Chatard
Dawan Vanzant 6-3 Gary Wallace
Cody Vest 6-5 Owen Valley
Brandon Washington 6-1 Arlington
Taylor Wayer 5-10 Chatard
Jordan Weidner 6-1 Franklin Central
Chris Welker 6-5 Martinsville
Evan White 6-5 FW Elmhurst
Kennis White 6-2 SB Washington
Ty Winchester 6-1 Austin
Zach Yeagy 5-11 Alexandria
Logan Young 6-1 Delta
Wes Zimmerman 6-3 Peru
December 21st, 2005 Here is the list of top freshmen for Indiana. If you feel anyone is left out please feel free to email me at hkilander@hssp.cc

A big thanks to everyone who emailed me additions
Donnie Abrams 6-8 Sullivan
Troy Amos 6-2 FW Luers
John Arak 5-11 Park Tudor
Patrick Bade 6-6 Franklin Central
Terry Beane 5-7 LaPorte
Kelsey Barlow 6-6 Cathedral
Lawrence Barnett 5-10 FW Luers
Michael Barton 6-7 North Central
Alonzo Bass 5-8 Lawrence North
Javon Beard 6-0 Kokomo
Blake Beasley 6-3 Decatur Central
Levi Bess 5-8 Tipton
Cody Binkley 5-10 Knox
Jake Birch 5-10 Eastern Green
Kevin Black 5-8 Perry Meridian
David Blackwell 6-2 Bloomington South
Evan Blinn 6-3 Norwell
Kevin Bloom 6-2 East Noble
Landon Booker 5-8 Sb Adams
Matt Bower 6-0 Bloomington South
Artie Brown 5-10 Evansville North
Javon Brown 6-3 Warren Central
Kendall Brown 5-9 Evansville Harrison
Ryan Buchhaas 6-3 North Vermillion
Patrick Bullington 6-0 Scottsburg
Austin Burton 5-0 Tri Central
Greg Byers Coventant Christian
DJ Byrd 6-5 North Montgomery
Joe Calderone 6-5 Mishawaka
Brad Cameron 6-3 SB Clay
Louie Carpenter 5-10 Northridge
Skyler Case 5-7 Delta
George Cheesebourough 5-5 Warren Central
Adam Christner 5-8 Westview
Aaron Ciesielski 6-3 Portage
DeShawn Clay 6-4 Gary West Side
Sean Connor 5-11 Scecina
Tremel Cooley 5-10 East Chicago
Casey Coons 5-9 Franklin Central
Chaz Cooper 6-3 Bloomington South
JD Cosby 5-9 Brownsburg
Miguel Covorrubias 6-0 East Chicago
Mike Covington 6-2 Ben Davis
Marshall Crawford 6-3 Northridge
Griffen Dalhlstrom 6-3 North Putnam
Ron Dandridge 5-10 Elkhart Central
Geoffery Davis 6-3 Lawrence Central
Terry Davisson 6-6 Rensselaer
Sean Day 6-5 FW Luers
Nick DiMarco 5-7 Boone Grove
Jason Doeheman 6-1 FW Concordia
Damon Ellison 6-4 North Central
Derek Elston 6-6 Tipton
Austin Erby 5-9 SB Clay
Marcus Etnier 5-10 Bloomington SOuth
George Ezell 6-2 Calumet
Zane Fakes 6-2 Plainfield
Zak Felton 6-3 Lake Central
Roland Finch 5-10 New Albany
Robert Fitzsimmons 6-1 Elkhart Memorial
Jarrett Fleming 6-5 SB Washington
Taylor Fox 5-10 Winamac
Tony Fox 6-0 Martinsville
Jovon Freshwater 5-4 Marion
Skylar Furney 6-3 Muncie South
Joe Gill 6-5 Munster
Mike Goodwin 5-9 FW Luers
Evan Gordon 6-1 North Central
Bruce Grimm 6-0 Triton
Seth Gullett 6-3 Leo
Connor Guthrie 5-8 Cascade
Jarrett Hamilton 5-5 Cathedral
Tyquan Hammock 6-1 FW Luers
Jared Hawkins 5-10 Center Grove
Ed Hazelett 6-9 Warren Central
Austin Hefley 6-6 Angola
Jarell Henry 5-10 SB Washington
Tyrone Henson 6-5 Manual
Dabney Hicks 5-10 Gary Wallace
Stephen Honn 6-3 Blue River Valley
Patrick Hopkins 6-5 Kokomo
Duron Houston 6-3 Hammond
Matt Hudson 6-2 Michigan City
Jordan Hulls 5-10 Bloomington South
Hayden Humes 6-5 Valparaiso
Carl Jackson 6-0 Pike
Marcus Jackson 6-5 Lawrence North
Bobby James 6-2 Hobart
Cody Johnson 6-5 FW Snider
Jay Johnson 5-10 Gary Wirt
George Jones 6-2 SB Clay
Kyree Jones 6-0 Bloomington South
Justin Jordan 5-08 FW North
Matt Julkes 6-2 East Chicago
Patrick Kennedy 5-10 Chatard
Jordan Kiel 6-2 Seymour
Matthew King 6-1 Rockville
Kyle Koehne 6-6 Cathedral
Ryan Kohn 6-3 Concord
Kaden Krull 6-6 Whitko
Austin Kubit 6-5 New Prairie
Tommy Kurth 6-0 Penn
Tyrie Larkin 5-9 Concord
Devin Leas 5-10 S. Wells
Mike Lipton 5-11 Crown Point
Steve Loveless 6-3 Franklin
Connor Lowe 5-6 Carmel
Lavarius Macon 6-2 Elkhart Memorial
Zach Mally 6-6 Westfield
Kyle Mangold 5-11 Evansville Central
Matt Marsh 5-10 FW Elmhurst
Jeff McClure 5-10 Brebeuf
Damion McGee 6-6 Gary Wallace
Mitch Meador 6-3 Whiteland
Jordan Meinen 6-3 Westfield
Blake Metcalf 6-6 Plainfield
Jeremy McGrew 6-1 Norwell
Tim Moore 6-0 Gary Wallace
Jake Mulinix 6-4 Bloomington North
Clark Mussman 6-3 Portage
Jordan Myers 6-4 Ev.Reitz
Morgan Newton 6-3 Pike
Dominic Nicholson 6-7 Warren Central
Adam Norton 6-1 Andrean
Jon Nwannunu 6-6 Merrillville
Kitt O'Brien 6-6 Cass
Jordan Ogle 6-0 Columbus East
Luke Overdorf 6-7 Western
Kreig Oxley 5-10 Tecumseh
Antoine Payne 5-11 SB Adams
Ethan Peabody 6-4 McCutcheon
Errick Peck 6-5 Cathedral
Tommy Peller 6-0 Chesterton
Mason Plumlee 6-7 Warsaw
Lamont Prosser 6-8 FW South
Trevor Pulver 5-8 Central Noble
Alex Radivan 6-1 Andrean
Bo Ray 5-7 Harding
Chris Read 6-6 Lawrence North
Nate Rigdon 6-2 Danville
Josh Riggs 6-7 Westfield
Joe Rippe 6-1 Carmel
Steve Roberts 6-4 Anderson Highland
Jeff Robinson 6-6 Lawrence North
Emilio Rodriguez 6-8 Lake Central
Colt Ryan 6-3 Batesville
Logan Saddler 5-10 Boonville
Graham Saiko 6-0 Castle
Zechariah Sanders 6-0 Northwestern
Bobby Santarossa 6-3 Bloomington North
Dillon Sayman 6-8 Rushville
Jauwan Scaife 6-3 Muncie Central
Drew Schauss Centerville
Taylor Schoen 6-2 Benton Central
Braden Schuster 6-3 Perry Meridian
JR Sims 6-1 FW Snider
Bryce Small 5-9 Vincennes
David Smith 6-4 Zionsville
Larry Smith 6-3 Lawrence North
Ryan Smith 6-6 Merrillville
Brad Sneary 6-3 FW Snider
Corey Snep 5-10 Whitko
Kyle Speckman 6-2 Lawrence Central
JD Stephens 6-0 Hauser
Andre Stevens 5-10 FW South
Ross Stichter 5-8 Wawasee
Tommy Strine 6-4 Lakewood Park
Eric Summers 6-7 Lake Central
Mark Sutter 6-3 Elkhart Central
Shawn Tarver 6-6 Gary Wallace
Jonathan Taylor 6-0 Gary Wallace
Troy Taylor 6-0 Anderson
Aaron Terry 6-7 Lake Central
Skyler Titus 6-2 NorthWood
Stephen Van Treese 6-8 Lawrence North
Jourdan Vann 5-8 SB Washington
Zeph Vaughn 6-9 Rising Sun
Bryce Walker 5-11 East Chicago Central
Julian Walker 6-0 Southport
Ross Walthall 6-6 Cathedral
Jaquil Washington 6-4 Merrillville
Ricky Washington 5-11 Bloomington SOuth
Luke Wheeler 5-8 Portage
Austin Whitted 6-4 Columbus East
Dillon Wiley 5-8 Zionsville
Wesley White 5-8 Western
Ramsey Wright 5-11 Evansville Central
David Yoder 6-3 Concord



eHere is a early look at Indiana's top freshmen for the 2004-05 season. . In alpha Order. This is not a complete list. If you think I am missing someone please let me know (with a vailid reason) at hkilander@hssp.cc


Zach Adams 5-8 Tell City
Drew Aff 6-1 West Vigo
Collin Agan 6-3 Salem le
Lawrence Alexander 6-5 Andrean
DeAndre Allen 6-2 Gary Wirt
Cory Barnett 6-6 Rochester
Trent Beane 5-10 Bloomington North
Justin Bonds 6-0 Lawrence Central
Travis Brandenburg 6-3 Rensselaer
Jordan Brewer 6-5 Pike
Brennan Burks 6-4 Greencastle
Garrett Butcher 6-3 Edgewood
Gerald Campbell 6-5 Gary West Side
Trevon Childs 5-10 TH SOuth
Ryan Chionere 6-3 Mish. Marian
Jason Chorba 6-1 Bishop Noll
Zach Colclasure 6-0 Bellmont
Denver Combs 6-0 North Judson
Muhammed Conteh 6-7 Blommington South
Peter Coomer 5-11 Martinsville
Robert Cusic 5-9 Lowell
Randy Davis 5-10 Plymouth
Frankie DeLaparrra 6-3 Ind. Washington
Jordan Delks 6-1 Rossville
Toby Deters 6-5 East Central
TJ Dillon 5-9 Wabash
Noah Doss 6-1 Evansville North
Nathan Douglas 6-2 Cathedral
Stuart Douglas 6-0 Hamilton Heights
Brent Eaton 6-5 Northridge
Matt Edmonds 6-3 East Noble
Sean Espisito 6-1 Cathedral
Derrick Evans 6-0 FW South
Jacob Everett 6-3 Triton
Pat Ferrell 6-5 Brebeuf
Jeremy Flores 5-9 East Chicago
Greg Foster 5-8 Ind. Tech
Antoine French 6-3 Bishop Noll
Keith Galbreath 6-0 Manual
Damion Garrett 6-5 Reitz
Josh Gorrell 6-1 Woodlan
Kyle Hackemack 6-5 Flyd Central
Artis Hailey 5-11 Hammond
Will Hamilton 6-0 Broad Ripple
Aaron Heinzman 6-2 Hamilton Heights
Eric Hester 5-8 Gary Wirt
Dan Hill 5-8 Gary West
Braden Hobbs 6-0 New Albany
Houston Hobbs 5-9 Reitz
Matt Hodges 5-10 Tipton
Chad Hoffer 6-1 Tippecanoe Vallye
James Hollowell 6-5 North Central
Jared Holmes 6-2 Pike
Anthony Hurd 6-0 Ind. Washington
jed Huscher 6-4 Angola
DeMark Jenkins 6-4 Gary West
Dorian Jenkins 6-1 Arlington
Eddie Jones 6-8 FW South
Logan Jones 6-0 Madison
Emerson Kampen 6-8 Yorktown
Stephan Kelley 5-11 DeKalb
Drew Kidd 5-7 Boone Grove
Chris Kolger 6-4 Richmond
Tyler Koss 6-5 Wheeler
Robert Lane 6-5 FW Wayne
Jordan Lewis 5-9 Chesteron
Roderick Lewis 6-4 Lafayette CC
Jon Lickliter 5-9 North Central
Jon Littig 6-3 Morton
Cameron Loepker 6-7 Lafayette CC
Julius Mays 6-1 Marion
Troy McIntyre 6-3 Triton
Tyson McKinney 6-0 Anderson
David McMahon 6-0 Cathedral
Derek Miles 6-3 Avon
Jake Milkin 6-0 Anderson Highland
Tyshawn Miller 6-1 SB Clay
Keyon Milner 6-3 Ind. Tech
Anthony Miniuk 6-1 Gavit
Ron Mitchem 6-2 SB Riley
Daniel Moore 5-10 Carmel
Zack Novak 6-3 Chesterton
Walter Offutt 6-3 Warren Central
Anthony Oden 6-9 Lawrence North
Alex Ooley 5-11 Borden
Cordell Passley 6-3 Pike
Drew Pearson 6-0 Western Boone
Jon Peckinpaugh 6-3 Muncie Central
Billy Powers 6-0 Cathedral
Tyler Price 6-2 Evansville Memorial
Travis Ritter 5-9 Wabash
Chris Roberson 5-11 Elkhart Central
Josh Rowe 5-9 Lew Wallace
Shane Salyer 6-3 Tippecanoe Valley
Zavier Sanders 6-5 Northwestern
Calvin Saulman 6-2 Corydon Kyle Schilling 6-6 Triton Central
Kawann Short 6-4 East Chicago
Austin Sims 6-2 Benton Central
Vincent Starkley 5-9 Hammond
Chase Stigal 6-3 New Castle
Larry Stone 5-9 Ind. Howe
Marcus Sturghiss 5-11 Ben Davis
Chris Toler 6-8 North Central
Tim Toler 6-6 Ben Davis
Andrew Tullis 6-7 Prairie Heights
Bryce Underwood 6-1 Harding
Stephen Ward 5-9 Michigan City
Howard Watts 6-4 Gary Wirt
Jordan Weatherford 6-5 Lawrence Central
Caleb Weber 6-4 McCutcheon
Aaron Weeden 6-0 Arlington
Jamison Wheeler 5-9 Plainfield
Evan White 5-11 Harding
Corey Wickware 6-0 Southport
Jeff Williams 5-11 Lawrence North
Jesse Wright 6-2 Bloomington North
Tyler Zeller 6-7 Washington


December 29th
Here is a early look at Indiana's top freshmen. In alpha Order. This is not a complete list. If you think I am missing someone please let me know (with a vailid reason) at hkiland@netnitco.net
Ty Adams 6-6 Brebeuf
Keaton Aldridge 6-1 Broad Ripple
John Ashworth 6-3 Franklin Central
Mark Babcock 5-10 Chesterton
Keenan Barlow 6-4 Cathedral
Kory Barnett 6-4 Rochester
TJ Baumet 6-3 Brownsburg
Chad Becker 6-2 Shenandoah
Justin Beneditti 6-3 Providence
JJ Biscoe 6-6 Gary West
Mike Bizoukas 5-9 Munster
Nate Blank 6-3 TH North
Ben Blue 6-1 Northrdige
David Boarden 6-3 Andrean
Ben Botts 6-1 Muncie Central
Ryan Bridges 6-1 Griffith
Dante Brown 6-1 East Chicago
TJ Burnett 5-10 Ben Davis
D'Aire Burt 6-3 Hammond
James Cameron 5-10 SB Adams
Aaron Carter 6-2 Perry Central
Artis Chambers 6-4 FW Snider
Brandon Cloyd 6-1 Yorktown
Phillip Collins 6-1 Pike
Dan Crisman 6-1 Munster
Brian DeShone 6-1 Jimtown
Taylor Dial 5-10 Speedway
Keenan Ellis 6-9 Cathedral
Matt Ernest 6-2 Crown Point
Bryan Faultisch 6-3 Plymouth
John Freeman 6-3 Arlington
Tommy Freeman 6-1 Delta
Dairese Gary 5-10 Concord
Ben Gomes 5-11 Ben Davis
Eric Gordon 6-3 North Central
James Grant 6-2 Gary Roosevelt
Zach Hahn 5-10 New Castle
Juston Hairston 6-4 FW Snider
Craig Heinz 6-3 Vincennes Lincoln
Drew Horrmann 6-2 Lawrence Central
Joe Hughes 6-5 Cathedral
Marcell Johnson 6-4 Gary Wirt
Marcus Johnson 6-3 East Chicago
Eshunte Jones 6-4 FW North
Jacob Jones 6-0 Bedford
Andrew Justin 6-7 Tech
Nate Kasper 6-7 Portage
Tyler Kitchel 6-1 Center GRove
Tyler Kleinschmidt 5-11 Chatard
Caleb Laidig 6-0 Penn
Jordan Lambert 5-11 Seymour
Ryan Laswell 6-2 Madison
Joe Leach 6-2 Wawasee
Lamar Lee 5-11 McCutcheon
Scott Martin 6-3 Valpo
Zach Martin 6-2 Michigan City
Joe McClintock 6-4 SB St. Joe's
Ryan McDaniel 6-1 Brebeuf
Cardell McFarland Ev. Bosse
Gary McGhee 6-6 Anderson
Kyle Miller 6-1 Lawrence Central
Andy Mock 5-9 Wawasee
E'Twuan Moore 6-3 East Chicago
Kyle Moore 6-0 Warsaw
Matt Neilbel 5-11 Seymour
Adam Nelson 5-10 Tipp. Vallye
Dan Palombizio 6-1 MC MArquette
Chris Parris 6-5 Muncie Central
Ryan Poxon 5-9 Lafayette Jeff
Andy Priem 6-2 Northrdige
Justin Proctor 5-10 Gary West
Josh Raspopovich 6-3 Merrillville
Kyle Ray 6-1 Indian Creek
Antwan Rogers 5-10 Warren Central
Jim Ross 6-8 Mishawaka
Mike Rowe 6-2 Gary Wallace
Anthony Sain 6-3 Gary Rosoevelt
Chase Saylor 6-6 Chesterton
Drew Schmidt 6-1 New Albany
Evan Schmidt 6-9 Chesterton
Airrence Shark 5-10 LaPorte
Steven Shepherd 6-1 Broad Ripple
Errol Sherrod 5-9 Calumet
Taylor Shively 5-10 Columbia City
Dakota Smith 5-10 DeKalb
DeWann Squires 5-11 Arlington
Ryan Sterling 6-4 Cathedral
Richard Talley 6-7 Gary Roosevelt
Zach Taylor 6-4 Carroll (FW)
Jeff Teague 5-11 Pike
Steven Thomas 6-1 Cathedral
Zach Troyer 6-4 Northwood
Scott Trueblood 6-0 Bedford
Brandon Underwood 5-9 FW Elmhurst
Hatchen Upshaw 6-3 Gary Wallace
Willis Uzell 6-4 Pike
Jeff Vervynckt 6-3 New Prairie
Ricardo Villa 5-6 Hammond Clark
Shawn Walter 6-1 Knox
Ben Werner 6-5 Fairfield
Josh White 5-11 Merrillville
Josh Whitechair 6-1 Alexandria
Damian Windham 6-3 Lawrence North
Joe Wingis 6-4 Munster
Brandon Wood 6-0 Kokomo
Jason Wright 6-1 Penn
Evan Youngquist 6-4 SB Clay
Dennis Zeigler 6-6 Pike


December 17th
I am back!!! After a long hiatus due to a job change. I have finally arranged time to update everyone. I will start off with the pairings for one of the top tourneys in Illinois at Proviso West.
The tourney will be Dec 26., 27, 29 and 30th
First round pairings
Dec 26th
9:00- Fenwick vs Whitney Young
10:30- Homewood Flossmoor vs Fenger
12:15- Farragut vs Glenbrook North
1:45- Schaaumburg vs New Trier
3:45- Hillcrest vs Leyden
5:15 - Julian vs Proviso West
7:00- Proviso East vs Evanston
8:30- Von Steuben vs Kenwood

Top Players include: Julian Wright 6-8 JR Homewood, Cyrus Tate 6-8 SR Homewood, Vincent Humphrey 6-4 SR Fenwick, Sterling Williams 6-6 Young, Ollie Bailey 6-7 SR Farragut, Chris Singletary 6-3 SO Farragut, Jon Scheyer 6-3 So Glenbrook North, Jake Pancratz 6-0 SR Schaumburg, Maurice Acker 5-7 jr Hillcrest, Brandon Ewing 6-2 JR Julian, Nick Brown 6-6 SR Proviso East, Phillip Perry 6-2 JR Proviso East, Gordon Watt 6-6 SR Evanston, Angel Santiago 6-1 JR Von Steuben, Demetrius Evans SR 6-6 Von Steuben, Ryne Hamblet 6-6 SR Von Steuben, Josh Hudson 6-8 SR Von Steuben.

Other big Illinois Tourneys are at: Pontiac, Carbondale, Bloomington-Normal, Elgin, York, Chicago Public, Lincoln Way and Rich South.
I will have more info in the next couple of days on the particulars of these Tournaments.

July 1st
Congrats to Indiana Football Coach Gerry DiNardo on quite possibly the biggest day in IU football in a longtime. The Hoosiers landed verbals from Lafayette Jeff record setting QB Mike Vlahogeorge, Merrillville RB Brandon Mosley and former Kokomo standout DL A.J. Lindsay, currently of Joliet JC. Coach DiNardo's state wide barnstorming tour has paid dividends for the Hoosiers staff.
June 9th
After a brief hiatus due to a move and some other time committments I am back to posting on this website. Last night The East Chicago Summer league started back up. The league run by Bob Miles is now up to 12 teams. In last night's opener Lake Central defeated East Chicago. THe taller Indians dominated in the paint with plenty of size. 6-10 Andrew (Il) move in Sean Vandermeer showed some ability as the lanky lefty hit a three and some nice perimter skills. Lake Central also has 6-7 Kevin Parkinson returning. The Indians with Brett Summers, David Hoffmaster, John Maida and Justin Doffin also back could be a solid crew in 03-04. The Cardinals of EC were a last second fill in for Wirt who had bus trouble and arrived late. The Cardinals will have to rely on quickness with limited size returning. Long range shooter Tremaine Cooley and junior lefty Kyum Gillis took the majority of the shots. The hard working trio of Rohmaad Davis, Ken Glass and Nick Reese will have to supply inside scoring. All three are about 6-2, 6-3 and will be overmatched from a height perspective. 6-3 senior wing Melvin Brown and his 6-2 sophomore brother Chris Brown were not at the game. The youngest Brown 6-1 freshmen Donte Brown was as was fellow frosh E-Twuan Moore. These two outstanding talents will apparently play varsity as freshmen.
Game two saw Munster hang on over a dtermined Hammond High bunch. Yes Pete Trgovich Jr. did play for Munster. The lanky senior to be looked good with some running shots in the lane and a variety of moves. That is the good news for Munster, the bad news is Dustin Bothwell was taken to the hospital for X rays early after falling on his leg early in the contest. Bothwell hopefully is ok. With Josh Martin, Trgovich and Bothwell the Mustangs will have a three prong attack second to none next season. Sophomores Nick Stoalrz, Jeff Marinier, Scott Rutkowski and Aric Van Weelden will be keys for the Stangs.
Game three saw Griffith battle over Lowell. Look for Griffith's 6-0 senior to be PG Shawn Mathis to develop into a good player in 2003-2004.
Game four saw Highland come back to defeat West Side by three. The Trojans who surprised many last year also could be good again this upcoming year. Look for 6-8 senior to be Kevin Thomas to keep improving. Last season he started the year on the JV, this year he could be big time. The wide body Thomas dominated vs West Side. The Trojans won this game even without Gary Simkus and Kris Boyd. Highland is another team with a strong sophomore class with Andy Helmer, Ryan Drake and Derek Moser all solid players. The Cougars used plenty of players including 6-9 sophomore Jermil Tucker a move in from California. The lanky Tucker who is all of 6-9 has definite skills indicated by his one handed dunk in traffic on a fast break and several near misses on three point attempts, but Tucker must learn the competiveness of Indiana High School Basketball. 6-7 senior Sean Smith did more ballhandling than last year and can be a great high low post combo with Tucker. The Cougars have great depth with Darrin Weaver, Robert Hall, David Bell, Willie Trimble, George Kelly, Robert Wright and DeShawn Wright all legitimate players for the Cougars. Flashy 6-5 senior Jorie Peters was not with the Cougars.

Other teams who will compete at East Chicago are Roosevelt, Wallace, Wirt and Gavit. Action will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.


May 10th
Here is a list courtesy of Dan Laffee of some big Illinois Summer events
May 10 Flash Flanigans Workout (Pekin, IL)
May 10 Rock Valley College Shootout (HS Teams)
May 16-18 Brownsburg, Indiana (AAU Teams)
May 16-18 Windy City Classic (AAU Teams)
May 16-18 Eagles Invitational (Fontbonne College Clayton, MO) (AAU TEAMS)
May 23-25 Memorial Day (Bloomington, IN) (AAU teams)
June 4 Daily Gazzette Allstar Game at Sauk Valley-
June 13,14,15 Peoria Richwoods Shootout-
June 14? Stevenson Shoot-out-
June 21 Sycamore Shoot-out-
July 2-3 Jacksonville (IL) Shootout Class "AA"
July 5-6 Jacksonville (IL) Shootout Class "A"
July 9-10 Morris (IL) Shootout (High School teams)
July 10-12 Kentucky Hoopfest (AAU Teams) Louisville, KY
July 11-13 Crystal Lake (IL) Shootout (HS Teams)
July 11-13 Hinsdale South
Rock Valley Summer League- Games will be played Mondays, and Wednesdays from June 9 through July 16
Quad City Shoot-out- July 18,19,20 at Davenport North



April 26th
Congrats to former Indiana preps Rex Grossman and Eugene Wilson on being drafted into the NFL. Grossman will have a legit shot at being a star with the beloved Bears. Rex has proven time after time that he is a winner and capable of overcoming any challenge. I am not sure why did the Bears pass on Wilson. Eugene Wilson will become a pro bowl player in New England.
Former Michigan City Wolve Steve Farmer has signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

April 16th
All conference SICA teams
SICA Central
Bremen: Jarvis Walker
Eisenhower: Chris Hobson, Montez Lewis
Hillcrest: Shelby Jordon, Jerel McNeal, Donovan O’Neil, David Townsend
T. F. North: Gregg Charles, Brandon Wilson
Tinley Park: Moony Atrich, Jymel Bracy

SICA East
Bloom: Kevin Howard, Jonathon Austin
Homewood-Flossmoor: Excell Hardy, Cyrus Tate, Julian Wright
Thornridge: Jermaine Versher, Ronald Coleman
Thornton: Robert Bush
Thornwood: Eric Gray, Maurice Montgomery

SICA North
Argo: Robert Jackson, Sheman Benton
Bolingbrook: Dan Buchanan
Oak Lawn: Dan Hackstock
Reavis: Ian Jones, Rich Lanham
Richards: Sean Lewis, Keith Marshall
Romeoville: Anthony Simmons, Will Walker

SICA South
Bradley: Kyle Arthur, Josh Larocque
Crete-Monee: Orlando Montgomery
Kankakee: Dontario Brooks, Chris Wallace
Rich Central: Jimmie Miles, Brandon Long, Mike Martin
Rich East: Josh Smith
Rich South: Eric Epps, Kenny Gordon

SICA West
Andrew: Kevin Lowe
Joliet: Jeremy Fears Bryn Stewart
Lincoln-Way East: Chris McCormick, Greg Gerritsen, Ken McCormick
Lockport: Chis Hulka
Sandburg: Jim Hoffmann, Brandon Lee
Stagg: Chris Marsik


April 15th

Catholic League All Conference selections
Bishop McNamara: Micah Kerstein
Brother Rice: Bobby Frasor, Steve Woerheide
De La Salle: Charles Cambell
Fenwick: Jason Okrzesik, Vince Humphries
Gordon Tech: Titus Redmond
Hales Franciscan: Nate Minnoy, Jarrod Haynes, Blake Craft
Leo: Al Downing, Frank Clair
Loyola: Colin Falls, Mike Brennan
Mount Carmel: Casanova Brown
Providence Catholic: Michael Lindsey
St. Francis De Sales: Ray Johnson
St. Ignatius: Coley LeClaire, Max Kaplan
St. Laurence: Marcus Stevenson, Mike Steigerwald, John Gencius, Rami Faris
St. Rita: Jerrah Young, Michael Rembert, Rashay Russell


April 6th
Gary Wallace football and basketballer Donte Williams is headed to Northern Iowa to play football. The 6-6, 230 senior is a tight end defensive end.


April 2nd
Thursday April 10th at Crane High School there will be a Public League All star game below are the rosters.
South
KENNETH JOHNSON PG 5'9" 160 CORLISS
GABRIEL TAYLOR PG 5'7" 168 CURIE
JASON MACLIN G/F 6'4" 190 KENWOOD
KEVIN GRAY F/C 6'6" 195 DU SABLE
TERRELL CARPENTER PG 6'1" 178 HARLAN
DEANDRE WATKINS G 5'11" LINDBLOM
GRAYLON SMITH F 6'3" 170 ROBESON
WILLISIN PRICE C 6'7" BOGAN
DONALD REESE G 6'2" AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
KEVIN BOND G/F 6'3" 178 MORGAN PARK
JONATHAN PHILLIPS F 6'4" SOUTH SHORE
OTHYUS JEFFERS G/F 6'4" 185 HUBBARD

North
HERBERT WINFIELD G 6'1" 160 MANLEY
ANDRE KNOX G/F 6'1" 165 WHITNEY YOUNG
MICHAEL SHANNON G 6'4" 180 MATHER
JAMAL TIDWELL PG 5'11" 165 CRANE
TRAMMELL GILOT G/F 6'2" 200 CRANE
TEMI SOYEBO PG 6'1" 170 VON STEUBEN
EARVIN SPILLER G/F 5'11" 160 FOREMAN
AARON POOLE F 6'5" MARSHALL
DOUGLAS JOHNSON G 6'1" 190 LANE TECH
DENNARD MONTAGUE F 6'6" 185 FARRAGUT
ANDRAIS THORNTON F/C 6'7" 205 STEINMETZ
DEWITT SCOTT G/F 6'3" 160 WHITNEY YOUNG


MARCH 26th
Courtesy of Dan Laffee here are the Chicago Public League All Conference teams
Public League ALL-SECTION PICKS
Red-Central
Curie: Eric Borg, Cliff Manning, Gabriel Taylor, Mario Brandon
Gage Park: John Marlow
Harper: Charles Myles, Quincy Mills
Hubbard: Othyus Jeffers, Maurice Jackson, Reggie Bates, Corey Currie
Robeson: Jermy Pargo, Greyland Smith, Bryan Thonpson
Tlden: Marlon Johnson

Red-East
Dunbar: Terrence Foster, Kenneth Brown
Du Sable: Celvin Gray, Lawrence Lockridge
Hyde Park: Stephon Hannah, Stepano Jones, Johnny Harris, Romell Owens
Kenwood: Jason MacKlin, Kendall Patterson
Phillips: Terrance Foster
Vocational: Bryant Dority, Quintin Casells
Washington: Courtney Horton, Jason Foster

Red-North
Lane: Jason Opoka, Nate Hudson, Jamal Mondane
Mather: Mike Shamon, David Padilla, Amir Resic
Schurz: Keith Miller
Senn: Ola Atoyteb, Chris Norman
Taft: John Holloway
Von Steuben: Angel Santiago, Ryne Hamblet, Demetruis Evans, Temi Soyebo

Red-Northwest
Lincoln Park: Royce Parran, Navarro Thompson, Jason Moore, Michael Henderson
Prosser: Jason Moore, Kevin Chester
Steinmetz: Andreis Thornton
Westinghouse: Jamarcus Ellis, Byron Booker
Whitney Young: Anthony Harris, DeWitt Scott, Andre Knox, Dwayane Curtis

Red-South
Carver: Henry Lee Cooper
Fenger: Jeremiah Bryant
Harlan: Lamont McCall, Terrell Carpenter
Julian: Brandon Ewing, J. J. Watson, T. J. Gray, Luther Andrew
Morgan Park: Kevin Bond, Raphael Scott
Simeon: DaShawn Walker, Calvin Brock, Jonathan Chatman, Reginald Robinson

Red-West
Austin: Thomas Nelson, Marlon Williams
Collins: T. J. Williams
Crane: Lorenzo Thompson, Florentino Valencia, Tremel Gilot, Carl Marshall, Jamale Tidwell
Farragut: Ollie Bailey, Chris Singletary, Dennard Montague
Manley: J. R. Winfield, Otis Terry, Jermaine Thomas
Marshall: Aaron Poole

Blue-Central
Best Practice: Darryl Mitchell
Hancock: Christian Ramirz
Hope: Dwayne Tompkins, David Phillips
Kennedy: Dionte Robsinson
Lindblom: Deandre Watkins, Antonio Hardwick, Deshawn Berry, Gary Lott

Blue-East
Bowen: Deshawn Moore
Dyett: Calvin Banks
Englewood: Lemuel Carter
Hirsch: Carlos Collins
Phillips: Dawaun Benton
South Shore: Jonathan Phillips, David Clark, Anthony Clark, Corey Campbell

Blue-Northwest
Bronzeville: Sante Tyes, Perry Commendore
Clemente: Jonathan Melecio
Jones: Colby Beach, Tristan Knight
Kelvyn Park: Enrique Cruz
Payton: Norman Buford
Wells: Vincent Jackson

Blue-South
Aqricultural Science: Donald Reese Jr., Mervin Adkins, Cameron Shanklin, Damon Jones, Michael Haywood
Bogan: Aramis Brown, Deverek Gee, Wilson Price, Eddie Wells
Brooks: Ivan Danzy
Corliss: Kenneth Johnson, James Scales, Jason Est, Jeff Clark

Blue-West
ACT Charter: LeShawn Kelly
Flower: Lamont Fisher, Tristan Hallowell
Juarez: Gabriel Enrique
Spalding: Anthony Johnson, Rueben Heath
Perspectives: Herald Watson


MARCH 24th
An interesting prospect for the April NFL draft is former Michigan City standout Steve Farmer. The 6-4 230 pound Farmer has played the last two seasons at Tennessee State University. It has been a roller coaster ride for Farmer. After deciding to sit out his senior season (at Michigan City) of football to concentrate on Basketball, the only offer Farmer had was to be a invited walk on at UIC. After seeing decent time as a frosh Farmer then went to Joliet JC where he caught the football bug. Farmer then went to Tennessee State. Hopefully Steve Farmer will make it at the NFl level


MARCH 18th
With most of the favorites (West Aurora, Crane Proviso East) already being knocked out of the Illinois Class AA State playoffs, The Elite Eight should be wide open.
Fridays Matchups
12- Evanston vs Belleville West
1:45- Von Steuben vs Peoria Central
6:30- Downers Grove South vs Thornwood
8:15- Johnsburg vs Glenbrook North
Top Players:
Evanston- QuoVadis Harper 6-6 SR, Jonathan Blakely 6-6 SR, Mike McKinney 6-3 SR
Belleville West- JB Jones 6-2 JR, Robbie Kaiser 5-11 SR, Dumaka Turner 5-11 SR, Sean McPeak 6-4 JR
Von Steuben- Angel Santiago 6-1 SO, Demetrius Evans 6-6 JR, Ryne Hamblet 6-6 JR
Peoria Central- Shaun Livingston 6-6 JR, Dan Ruffin 5-8 SR, Brandon Lee 6-0 JR, DeAndre Miranda 6-6 SO
Downers Grove South- Bryan Mullins 5-10 SO, Brendan Mullins 6-1 SR
Thornwood- Eric Gray 6-0 SR, Geramie Allison 5-9 SR
Johnsburg- John Smith 6-10 SR, Adam Vesley, Shane Neiss
Glenbrook North- Eytan Azaria 6-6 SR, Jon Scheyer 6-4 FR


MARCH 15th
Merrillville wins Michigan City Regional 69-68!!
Merrillvile wins the regional in overtime vs. SB Riley. With Merriville trailing by two points Freshmen Greg Hill had a tip in with .01 seconds left and was fouled and converted the free throw to send Merrillville to Lafayette.
The Pirates sophomore guard Josh Mayo was outstanding scoring 33 points. The Pirates trailed by 7 points with .37 seconds left in regulation only to put it into overtime on a Dezmone Jackson tip in at the buzzer of regulation.
Riley played most of the night without junior star guard Markus Shelton who injured his ankle towards the end of regulation of the Wildcats win over Elkhart Central
In the morning games Riley held off Elkhart Central 76-73 in overtime to defeat the Blazers for the third time this season. Elkhart Central Sophomore Derek Drews and Shelton of Riley matched bucket for bucket. Riley trailed by as many as 10 ealry in the fourt quarter
Game two saw Merrillville escape East Chicago 57-53. This game was much closer than the score. With 22 seconds left East Chicago missed a shot trailing by one and was called for a foul and one of the Cardinals slapped the ball and was called for a technical. Merrillville then pulled away. The technical should have never been called. Sometimes the officials should realize that the fans don't come out to see them. This was totally bogus. Let the kids decide the game. This was a way too good of game to have some refs ego decide a game. Overall a great day of basektball at Michigan City.


MARCH 13thFormer Lawrence Central standout Ray Jackson has signed with the Cinncinati Bengals. The running back, who was a standout basketball and footballer for the Bears, started his college career at Michigan before transferring to the University of Cinncinati.
New Albany RB-LB Brian Wood will be a preferred walk on at Purdue. Teammate WR Warren English Malone is headed to Indiana State.


MARCH 12thPairings for the Illinois Class AA for Friday March 14th
@ Evanston- Niles West vs Evanston
@ Proviso West- Proviso East vs Hubbard
@ Carbondale- Troy vs Charleston
@ Salem- Belleville Althoff vs Belleville West
@ Brother Rice- Brother Rice vs Julian
@ Young- Von Steuben vs Young
@ Normal- Peoria Central vs Limestone
@ Springfield East- Lincoln vs Decatur MacArthur
@ East Aurora- Downers Grove South vs Naperville North
@ Elgin- Batavia vs West Chicago
@ Lincoln Way East- Thornwood vs Rich Central
@ Joliet - Providence vs St Laurence
@ DeKalb- Rock Island vs Moline
@ Rock Valley- Johnsburg vs Rockford Boylan
@ Loyola- Hoffmann Estates vs Glenbrook North
@ Waukegan- Zion Benton vs Libertyville


March 11th
Taking a look at the Michigan City Regional.
Game one SB Riley (21-3) vs Elkhart Central (20-4)
Game Two Merrillville (13-10) vs East Chicago (18-5)
This regional could be very exciting. The favorite at least on paper is SB Riley. Coach Mark Johnson's Wildcats are 21-3. The first year coach who came over from now defunct LaSalle is 3-0 vs the other teams in the sectional having beat Elkhart Central twice 76-74 and 92-88 as well as defeating East Chicago 81-72.
The Wildcats have plenty of size led by 6-8 Brandon Dixon and 6-5 Brandon Prince. No other team in this sectional has that kind of size. Other Wildcat stalwarts are Vysynt Vann, Andy Harris and Marcus Shelton have played well all year. The old saying is it is hardest to defeat a team you already beat earlier in the season. How about a team you beat twice by a total of 6 points.
Elkhart Central is playing great basketball led by 6-5 sophomore Derek Drews son of the coach. The younger Drews will be big time sooner than later. Stuart Mayes, Jerimy Robinson and Herbert Furlow are other Blazer standouts. This game should go down to the final seconds.
Game two sees East Chicago playing Merrillville. The Cardinals defeated the Pirates earlier 48-41 less than 3 weeks ago.
The Cardinals were fortunate to survive the tough Gary West Sectional by escaping both Munster and Lake Central before defeating a upstart Lowell squad in the championship. Coach Bob Miles team has fought through injuries and early suspensions to finally have their best five together come tourney time. 6-4 senior Rodney Wash may be the state's most overlooked player. Joining Wash up front have been three year starter Willie Frazier (6-5) and 6-4 junior Melvin Brown, who came back to East Chicago after two years at Bishop Noll. The key for the Cardinals in the regional will be the backcourt production of Donte Edwards and Tremaine Cooley. If these two play to their potential the Cards could be celebrating on Saturday night.
Merrillville Coach Jim East and his Pirates are in the underdog role. After compiling just a 10-10 regular season the Pirates revenged regular season losses to both Valparaiso and Chesterton before overcoming a huge deficit to down Crown Point in the championship. The Pirates are led by 6-4 junior Lavell Cook one of the state's top junior prospects. Sophomore Guard Josh Mayo is back at full strength after missing several weeks with a wrist injury. Senior Geoff Lalic has battled all year in the paint. East also unleashed freshmen Greg Hill in the sectional. Look for a nice crowd over at Michigan City on Saturday.


March 8th
For the second year in a row Merrillville Coach Jim East unleashed a freshmen come tournament time. Last Season the long time Pirate skipper brought up Josh Mayo who made a huge impact in last years sectional. This time with Merrillville down 17 at the half against Crown Point, East put in 6-3 freshmen Greg Hill who promptly led the Pirates to a huge second half by scoring 15 points vs. the Bulldogs en route to a 70-56 sectional championship win.


March 7th
ROOSEVLT BENCH HELPS PANTHERS WIN OVER GRIFFITH!!!
Gary Roosevelt held off Griffith 59-56 at the Calumet Fieldhouse in front of over 6,000 fans. Senior guard Larry Upshaw coming off the bench led the "Velt with 18 including several big shots after Griffith spurts. The star for the "velt was 6-4 senior Geoff Grant who scored 11 second half points subbing for Naquan Jackson, who had foul trouble. Time after time Grant took the ball right to Kenny Harris . Griffith after trailing by 13 early came out firing in the 3rd quarter with Cliff Wilson (22 points) absolutely catching fire from three point range. Harris ened his controversial high school career with 16 points, with just five after the intermission. Roosevelt will take on a Andrean team who defeated Wirt 70-61 in the opener. The 59ers played Roosevelt tough earlier in the year. This one should be another dandy at the Calumet Fieldhouse.


If you are going to tonights Roosevelt-Griffith matchup make sure you arrive early as tickets are going fast and furious. This should be a great game. Can Kenny Harris finally beat Roosevelt. The key is can Griffith get the duo of Jamaal Nash and Naquan Jackson into foul trouble that they have been proned to throughout the season. If you are looking for a surprise tonight look at 6-6, 350 pound "velt senior Quintin Allen. The beefy footballer could be big banging in the paint against Harris. What kind of Gimmick does Griffith coach Gabor have up his sleeve. We shall see.


March 5th
Saint Joseph's College has announced the signings of 13 in state football products. Coach Tom Riva and his staff have done and outstanding job recruiting the state of Indiana. The list:
Tad DeWitt LB Moooersville
Scott Luesse LB Rensselaer
Greggory Smith Causey OL-DL FW Luers
Matt Mooney OL Pendleton Heights
Charles Scott TE Carmel
Julius Taylor TE TH North
Corrie Gregory WR Evansville North
Matt Crick RB Whiteland
John Weaver RB Harding
Zac Williamson DB Elkhart Central
Lavarr Brown DE Perry Merdian
Steve Bunton LB Martinsville
Tyler Mose LB Delphi


March 4
East Chicago beats Munster 39-38. The Cardinals slowed down and knocked out the Mustangs. Yes I said slowed down the Mustangs. The Cardinals deliberate pace worked as they built as high as a 11 point lead. Munster came storming back but could never get the lead. Tremaine Cooley led the Cards with 11 and Rodney Wash added 10. The big story though was free throw shooting by the Cards as Donte Edwards and Melvin Brown coverted 4 straight free throws off one and ones in the final minute before Edwards missed one with 22 seconds left. Munster came down and Josh Martin's layup missed and tipped out to center court and East Chicago advances to take on a Lake Central team that spanked West Side 60-39. Munster eneds a great season at 22-2. Congratulations to coach Mike Hackett on a terrific season. He is truly a great coach and person


March 3rd
All-conference team
Mid-Suburban League East
Buffalo Grove -- John Clancy (Sr.), Brett Gerken (Sr.), Adam Stuart (Sr.)
Elk Grove -- Keith Johnson (Jr.), Jonathan Murphy (Sr.).
Hersey -- Jay Brizzolara (Sr.), Ryan Dwyer (Sr.).
Prospect -- Craig Anderson (Sr.).
Rolling Meadows -- Kyle Schmid (Jr.)
Wheeling -- Marcus Lee (Sr.).
Player of the Year -- Jonathan Murphy (EG).
Coach of the Year -- Ryan O'Connor (BG).
Mid-Suburban League West
Barrington -- Jason Richards (Jr.)
Conant -- Mike Hlavacek (Sr.), Keith Peterson (Sr.), Gary Wiggins (Sr.).
Fremd -- Matt Monaghan (Jr.).
Hoffman Estates -- Bryan Mead (Jr.), Jonny Reibel (Jr.).
Palatine -- Chris Curtin (Sr.), Grant Surprenant (So.).
Schaumburg -- Jim Kalcsits (Sr.), Zach Pancratz (Jr.), Craig Reichel (Jr.).
Co-Players of the Year -- Zach Pancratz (Sch), Craig Reichel (Sch).
Coach of the Year -- Bob Williams (Sch).


FEBRUARY 27th
My friend from Illinois Dan Laffee reports that Northwestern freshman Jimmy Maley has left the Wildcats. Maley hit 5 three point field goals vs Kansas State but has seen limited big ten time.
Next week I will have some of the pairings for the Illinois Class 2A tournament


FEBRUARY 25th
Here is a look at the class 3A tournament
3AAt HAMMOND CIVIC CENTER
Tuesday
Noll (11-9) vs Morton (10-8)
Highland (13-7) vs Clark (5-11)
Friday
Hammond (7-12) vs Gavit (1-17)

Favorite: Highland
Right There: Morton, Noll
Darkhorse: Hammond
Best Draw: Hammond

Players to Watch: NOLL: Gary Patterson, Vince Johnson, Sam Watts MORTON: Adam Keilman, Terrence Murphy, Devin Harper HIGHLAND : Gary Simkus, Kris Boyd, Joey Peres CLARK: Steve Polak, Marc Murzyn Marcus Wheeler, HAMMOND: Jawann Turner, Keonte Aaron GAVIT: Antonio McNeal, Von Emigh

ANALYSIS: Should be pretty wide open. Highland and Coach McCallister have overachieved. Noll PG Gary Patterson has had a good year despite the loss of Kenny Harris and Melvin Brown to transfer. Three of the schools have new coaches. Watch out for Hammond High, the Wildcats may explode with Turner and Aaron to go with a great draw.


At CALUMET
Tuesday
Wirt (8-8) vs Mann (5-12)
Calumet (3-15) vs Andrean (9-10)
Friday
Roosevelt (18-1) vs Griffith (16-3)

Favorite: Roosevelt
Right There: Griffith
Darkhorse: Wirt, Andrean
Best Draw: Wirt, Andrean

Players to Watch: ROOSEVELT_ Naquan Jackson, Larry Upshaw, Tyrone Appleton, Jamaal Nash, GRIFFITH: Kenny Harris, Cliff Wilson, Nate Fentress, ANDREAN: Pete Trgovich Jr., David Carson WIRT: Jonathon Johnson, Robert Eldridge, Isaac Johnson MANN: Doug Mills, Howard Hardy CALUMET: Eddie Pusateri
ANALYSIS: For the second straight year Roosevelt and Griffith matchup. The difference this time is Griffith has Kenny Harris. It should be a great game. Wirt and Andrean should also matchup on Friday. The winner could surprise on Saturday.


At PLYMOUTH
Tuesday
Plymouth (6-13) vs Knox (15-4)
Whitko (11-8) vs Culver Military (4-13)
Friday
Kankakee Valley (3-16) vs Tippecanoe Valley (18-1)

Favorite: Tippecanoe Valley
Right There: Knox
Darkhorse: Plymouth
Best Draw: Tippecanoe Valley

Players to Watch: PLYMOUTH : Ryan Clinton, Ryan Benge, KNOX: Tyler Moore, Cole Herr, CULVER MILITARY: Bub Sheppard, Chris Schumerth, WHITKO: John Woods, Brad Walpole, Alex Frantz, TIPPECANOE VALLEY: Trey Eaton, Ross Stutzman KANKAKEE VALLEY: Calvin Hamstra

ANALYSIS: When was the last time Plymouth wasn’t the favorite. The Pilgrims are young but don’t count them out. Tippecanoe Valley’s Trey Eaton is one of the state’s top scorers. A Look out for Culver Military’s Bub Sheppard..


At FRANKFORT
Tuesday
Twin Lakes (12-7) vs Benton Central (11-6)
Frankfort (12-7) vs Western (14-4)
Friday
Northwestern (5-14) vs West Lafayette (6-12)

Favorite: Western
Right There: Frankfort, Twin Lakes
Darkhorse: Benton Central
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: FRANKFORT: Brandon Crone, John Cunningham, TWIN LAKES: Dewey Brown, Jordan Adams, BENTON CENTRAL: Brock Dawson, Kris Weigle, Brett Butler WESTERN: Alan Davidson, Josh Nelson, NORTHWESTERN : Craig Schuck, Trent Parkinson, WEST LAFAYETTE: Jim Anderson, Scott Curry

ANALYSIS: Defending champ Benton Central has it work cut out to repeat. Indiana’s Mr. Basketball could be decided by this sectional as Brandon Crone with a big performance could make a strong bid for top honors. Twin lakes’ versatile Dewey Brown could be huge.


At NORTHWOOD
Tuesday
Northwood (12-6) vs Mishawaka Marian (6-11)
New Prairie (13-6) vs SB ST. Joe’s (4-17)
Friday
Northridge (10-9) vs winner game 1

Favorite: NorthWood
Right There: New Prairie
Darkhorse: Northridge
Best Draw: Northridge

Players to Watch: NORTHWOOD: Ryan Bradley, Ron Lightfoot, MARIAN: Jason Smigeielski, Ryan Creachbaum, NEW PRAIRIE: Jason Williamson, Brendan Gaff ST. JOE”S Chris Knaub, Matt Weldy, NORTHRIDGE: Matt Crawford, Eric Eaton

ANALYSIS:No favorite on paper though some good teams. NorthWood plays the sectionals toughest sectional while Northridge has the best draw. .


At LEO
Tuesday
Concordia (14-4) vs West Noble (5-13)
Angola (10-7) vs Dwenger (14-7)
Friday
Leo (8-11) vs Lakeland (13-5)

Favorite: Concordia
Right There: Dwenger
Darkhorse: Lakeland
Best Draw: Lakeland

Players to Watch: CONCORDIA: Deon White, Ryan Pressley, Jon Lapsley, DWENGER: Steve Zent, Mike Steinau, LAKELAND: Evan Long, Adam James, ANGOLA: Tyler Hartman, Tyler Poor, LEO: Ben Kellenberger, Steve Clark, WEST NOBLE: Mike Kneppner, Brad Edwards

ANALYSIS: Concordia has a boat load of size. Dwenger surprised many by winning the summit holiday tournament. Lakeland senior Evan Long can score with the best of them.


At NEW HAVEN
Tuesday
Elmhurst (15-5) vs Wayne (6-12)
Harding (12-5) vs Luers (2-15)
Friday
New Haven (7-11) vs Heritage (6-12)

Favorite: Harding
Right There: Elmhurst
Darkhorse: Wayne
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: ELMHURST: James Hardy, Joe Poindexter, HARDING: AJ Gooden, Geoff King, Jason Thomas, WAYNE : Sylvester Mayes, LUERS: Mitch Hazzlett, Eric Smith, NEW HAVEN: Andrew Nelson, Blake Childs, HERITAGE: Adam Buuck, Josh Gerardot

ANALYSIS: Two time state finalist Harding will be challenges just to get out of this sectional. The Elmhurst Trojans have two big time prospects in Hardy and Poindexter. Wayne has the state’s most talented player in Mayes


At BLACKFORD
Tuesday
Maconaquah (11-8) vs Norwell (5-13)
Bellmont (10-8) vs Jay County (10-9)
Friday
Blackford (2-16) vs Peru (2-16)

Favorite: Bellmont
Right There: Maconaquah
Darkhorse: Jay County
Best Draw: Peru, Blackford

Players to Watch: MACONAQUAH: Micah Quick, Dwayne Humes, BELLMONT: Adam Arnold, Sean Cook, NORWELL: Ben Ballinger, Jason Schortgen, JAY COUNTY: Ben Reinhart, Cam Hummel, BLACKFORD: Jerrid Nickols, PERU: Beau Beard, Antwan Wooten

ANALYSIS: How about two teams with only two wins getting the byes. Maconaquah has surprised many with no returning lettermen. Jay County could be factor with their tough schedule..


At YORKTOWN
Tuesday
Elwood (4-14) vs Pendleton Heights (13-7)
Yorktown (17-3) vs Delta (7-11)
Friday
Alexandria (10-9) vs Mt Vernon (9-8)

Favorite: Yorktown
Right There: Pendleton Heights
Darkhorse: Delta
Best Draw: Alexandria

Players to Watch: YORKTOWN: Pete Campbell, Austin Steele, Pendleton Heights: Dustin Ritz, Keith Atkinson, DELTA: Adam Burcham, Antwuan Amerson, ALEXANDRIA: Mike Kettery, Landon Carroll, MT VERNON: Matt Preusz, ELWOOD: Eli Henson, Josh Vinson

ANALYSIS: Defending state champion Delta will have a uphill battle top repeat. Three teams (Delta, Yorktown and Alexandria have played for state titles.


At LEBANON
Tuesday
Tipton (7-11) vs Hamilton Heights (13-6)
Lebanon (14-6) vs Zionsville (8-11)
Friday
Crawfordsville (7-11) vs Westfield (2-15)

Favorite: Lebanon
Right There: Hamilton Heights
Darkhorse: Tipton, Zionsville
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: LEBANON: Wayne Denger, Casey Noland, HAMILTON HEIGHTS: Bill Bowen, Doug Hartley, TIPTON: Brandon Henry, Landon Morris, ZIONSVILLE: Ryan Stephens, Chad Danz, Nick Payne, CRAWFORDSVILLE: Rich Fuller, WESTFIELD: Shane Smoot, Willy Wells

ANALYSIS: Lebanon’s record is deceiving the Tigers are a state title contender. Hamilton Heights is led by the coach’s son Billy Bowen. Zionsville and new coach Dave Ferrell has plenty of size.br>

At GREENFIELD CENTRAL
Tuesday
New Palestine (13-5) vs Roncalli (11-6)
Chatard (14-2) vs Brebeuf (9-9)
Friday
Beech Grove (10-7) vs Greenfield Central (12-6)

Favorite: Chatard
Right There: Brebeuf
Darkhorse: Everyone else
Best Draw: Beech Grove, Greenfield

Players to Watch: CHATARD: Dan Cage, Mike Dury, Ryan Baker BREBEUF: Sonny Troutman, Jordan Carter, BEECH GROVE: Matt Clemens, Anthony Beckham, GRENNFIELD: Wes Carmony, Josiah Sears, Mark Galbraith, NEW PALESTINE: Kent Raymond, Andy Zellers RONCALLI: Jeff Manley, Stephen Schott

ANALYSIS: The hardest sectional in 3A. All 6 teams are.500 or above. Chatard and Brebeuf game should be great opening round matchup. Last game went to overtime. Look for the winner here to go a long way..


At SHELBYVILLE
Tuesday
Greensburg (12-6) vs Rushville (4-15)
Shelbyville (13-5) vs Franklin County (2-16)
Friday
Whiteland (7-12) vs South Dearborn (6-12)

Favorite: Shelbyville
Right There: Greensburg
Darkhorse: Whiteland
Best Draw: Shelbyville

Players to Watch: SHELBYVILLE: Cody Fair, Wyatt Ash, GREENSBURG: Robert Barker, Ben Giesting, WHITELAND: Nathan Perdue, Matt Crick, RUSHVILLE: Eric Green, Kyle Munson, SOUTH DEARBORN: Ty Fuchs, Ryan Meyer, FRANKLIN COUNTY Zach Broerman

ANALYSIS: This should be a two horse race between host Shelbyville and Greensburg. Xavier signee Robert Barker leads Greensburg. Shelbyville has a deep team.


At MADISON
Tuesday
North Harrison (16-3) vs Silver Creek (9-9)
Corydon Central (13-6) vs Scottsburg (14-5)
Friday
Providence (9-10) vs Madison (10-10)

Favorite: North Harrison
Right There: Scottsburg
Darkhorse: Corydon
Best Draw: Madison and Providence

Players to Watch: NORTH HARRISON: Blake Snodgrass, Chad Miller, SCOTTSBURG: Joe Humes, Dan Watson, Brian Roberts, CORYDON: Kyle Savely, Nevin Dunaway, PROVIDENCE: Tyler Adkinson, Jeff Lovan, MADISON: Lou Rohfling, Gary Mouser, SILVER CREEK: Josh Lanham, Geoff Miller

ANALYSIS: Another balanced sectional. Look for the high scoring duo of Miller and Snodgrass of North Harrison to be prevalent.


At GREENCASTLE
Tuesday
Greencastle (9-10) vs Edgewood (6-12)
Danville (14-4) vs Owen Valley (9-10)
Friday
West Vigo (3-16) vs Brown County (10-9)

Favorite: Danville
Right There: NONE
Darkhorse: Owen Valley, Brown County, Greencastle
Best Draw: Brown County

Players to Watch: DANVILLE: Mark Creviston, Mark Murphy, OWEN VALLEY: Darrin Line, Bryan Arnold, BROWN COUNTY: Cole Smith, Brett Miller, Craig Hoskins, EDGEWOOD: Jarrod Brothers, Chris Moynihan, GREENCASTLE: Andre Skates, John Sibbitt, Eric English, WEST VIGO: Chris Lawson, Pat Dillard

ANALYSIS: Danville is the prohibitive favorite with the best record and hardest schedule. Greencastle, Owen Valley and Brown County may be able to challenge.


At WASHINGTON
Tuesday
Washington (15-3) vs Pike Central (5-14)
Princeton (9-11) vs Vincennes Lincoln (15-6)
Friday
Jasper (11-8) vs Sullivan (10-8)

Favorite: Washington
Right There: Vincennes
Darkhorse: Jasper
Best Draw: Jasper

Players to Watch: WASHINGTON: Luke Zeller, Jeff Richardson, VINCENNES: Zach Halter, Curtis Painter, JASPER: Ben Schmidt, Chris Schmidt, SULLIVAN: Jeff Moore, Kyle Lane, PIKE CENTRAL: Andrew Houtsch, Chris Collins , PRINCETON: Darrius Jackson, Josh Chavis

ANALYSIS: College coaches from coast to coast have been to Washington to check out 6-11 sophomore Luke Zeller. The Hatchets have a huge front line. Rivals Jasper and Vincennes make this an exciting sectional.


At BOONVILLE
Tuesday
Gibson Southern (18-2) vs Mt Vernon (10-10)
Bosse (3-15) vs Boonville (5-14)
Friday
Memorial (8-11) vs Heritage Hills (15-4)

Favorite: Gibson Southern
Right There: Heritage Hills
Darkhorse: Memorial
Best Draw: Heritage Hills

Players to Watch: GIBSON SOUTHERN : Eric Campbell, Clint Campbell, Ryan Karaff, HERITAGE HILLS: Dusty Neighbors, Troy Cox, MEMORIAL: Dave Haire, Matt Brinkmann, MT VERNON: Jace Redman, Josh Redman, BOONVILLE: Zach Collins, BOSSE: Eli McNary, Lance Buse

ANALYSIS: Gibson Southern has a experienced deep group. Veteran Coach Marty Echelbarger has plenty of quickness at Heritage Hills. Both memorial and Bosse play tough schedules in the Southern Indiana Conference.


February 24th
With the tournament draw today. The first thing you notice is some of the indredible first round matcups especially in class 4A: East Chicago vs Munster, Valpo Vs Merrillville, LaPorte vs Riley, Muncie South Vs New Castle, Pike vs North Central, Arlington vs Cathedral, Harrison vs Reitz. In 3A how about Roosevelt vs Griffith and Chatard vs Brebeuf. Is it time for seeding??? I will start a class by class look at the sectionals. Here is class 4A:
Sectional previews
4A

At GARY WEST SIDE
Tuesday
Lake Central (11-7) vs Gary West Side (5-11)
East Chicago (14-5) vs Munster (20-1)
Friday
Lowell (10-10) vs Wallace (8-9)

Favorite: Munster
Right There: East Chicago
Darkhorse: Lake Central
Best Draw: Wallace

Players to Watch: EAST CHICAGO: Rodney Wash, Donte Edwards , Willie Frazier, Tremaine Cooley , Melvin Brown MUNSTER: John Jamicich , Nate Burchfield , Josh Martin , Dustin Bothwell , Jim Phelan GARY WEST SIDE : Sean Smith , Jory Peters , Robert Hall , Jon Moore , GARY WALLACE: Jason Rhodes, Marcus Rhodes, Donte Williams, LAKE CENTRAL: Adam Summers, Adam Dobrzienicki, LOWELL: James Jeffries, Justin Bales, Matt Roberts

ANALYSIS: This as usual could be a dog fight. Defending champion West Side defeated Munster in the opener a year ago. Munster is the favorite with Mike Hackett’s squad breaking the school win record. Depth and backcourt speed will be keys for Munster. East Chicago could be huge as the Cards seem to be playing well. Senior Rodney Wash has had a breakthrough year for the Cards. Point guard play is a concern. West Side’s 5-11 record is deceiving as the Cougars played much of the year without talented 6-5 Jory Peters. 6-7 junior Sean Smith is steady as can be. The rest of the Cougar lineup will be the decide how far the Cougars will go. Lake Central has surprised many this year with a 11-7 record as of the draw. Coach Jim Black’s team has the most depth in the sectional. When Jason and Marcus Rhodes of Lew Wallace are hot look out, the Hornets can play with anybody. None of the teams facing each other in the first round have played each other.


At VALPARAISO
Tuesday
Valpo (16-3) vs Merrillville (9-10)
Portage (7-12) vs Chesterton (14-5)
Friday
Crown Point (9-10) vs Hobart (5-13)

Favorite: Valparaiso
Right There: Chesterton
Darkhorse: Merrillville
Best Draw: Crown Point

Players to Watch: VALPARAISO: Brian McMillan, Mike Hills, Jason Renn, CHESTERTON: Tom Radtke, Mike Yagelski, Erik Babcock, MERRILLVILLE: Lavell Cook, Josh Mayo, Igor Ristevski CROWN POINT: Chris Thomas, Brian Sparks, Chad Pruzin, PORTAGE: Dan Paulsen, Kyle Autrtey, Buster Battreall HOBART: Bryan Fuller, Matt Glover

ANALYSIS: This could be as wide open a sectional as any. Chesterton is looking for its first sectional title since 1987. The Trojans and coach Tom Peller have to sectionals best front line. Valparaiso has again compiled a great record and have a nice inside outside combo in McMillan and Hills. Don’t ever count out Merrillville as coach Jim East’s Freshmen surprise in the sectional last year was Mayo, could Greg Hill be this year. The Crown Point Bulldogs have struggled since 6-5 banger Kyle Robbins went out with a season ending concussion. 6-7 forward Chris Thomas may be the best player in the sectional. Valpo defeated Merrillville 61-59 on February 7th.


At MICHIGAN CITY
Tuesday
Washington (5-12) vs Adams (15-5)
LaPorte (14-5) vs Riley (17-3)
Friday
Clay (10-10) vs Michigan City (7-11)

Favorite: Riley
Right There: LaPorte, Adams
Darkhorse: Michigan City, Clay
Best Draw: Clay

Players to Watch: RILEY: Brandon Dixon, Vynsynt Vann, Brandon Prince, ADAMS: Kenny Love, Lee Booker, Ryan Werntz LAPORTE: Eric Gerding, Andy Tanklsey. Joel Tonagel, Todd Dermody MICHIGAN CITY: Jon Jones, David Kelly, Jon Novak CLAY: Ryan Mann, Graham Nelson WASHINGTON: Anthony Grundy

ANALYSIS: Riley would have to be considered the favorite with big guy Brandon Dixon and a host of athletes. LaPorte under first year coach Tom Wells started off slow but have rebounded well and are red hot entering the tournament. Adams may have the sectional’s best athlete in Kenny Love. The Michigan City Wolves are starting to turn it around and are the host school. Don’t count out Joe Huppenthal’s Clay Colonials who may have played the state’s toughest schedule. Defending champion Washington is one of four schools in this sectional with a new coach in Chad Johnston. The tow favorite who square off on Tuesday opened the season with Riley pasting the Slicers 98-80.


At ELKHART CENTRAL
Tuesday
Elkhart Central (17-3) vs Elkhart Memorial (2-16)
Concord (16-3) vs Penn (12-7)
Friday
Goshen (13-5) vs Mishawaka (8-12)

Favorite: Elkhart Central
Right There: Concord, Goshen
Darkhorse: Penn
Best Draw: Goshen

Players to Watch: ELKHART CENTRAL: Derek Drews, Jerimy Robinson, Stuart Mayes CONCORD: Adrian Conrad, LeVon Parker GOSHEN: Andrew Hershberger, Matt Lewallen, PENN: Josh DeLoddere, Adam Cramer, Tyler Brown MISHAWAKA: Tony Mauro, Nate DeVreese ELKHART MEMORIAL: Derek Blosser, Trent Osborn

ANALYSIS: High Scoring Derek Drews son of Elkhart Central coach Mike Drews has emerged as one of the state’s top juniors. The Blazers have plenty of quickness. Goshen is led by four year starter and Western Michigan bound Andrew Hershberger. Concord has surprised many with a small quick lineup. Don’t; ever count out Penn and veteran coach Dean Foster. Defending champion Memorial has struggled mightily with a young team.

At WARSAW
Tuesday
Carroll (8-10) vs Wawasee (14-5)
Warsaw (12-6) vs Columbia City (17-1)
Friday
East Noble (6-12) vs DeKalb (19-1)

Favorite: DeKalb
Right There: Columbia City
Darkhorse: Warsaw, Wawasee
Best Draw: DeKalb

Players to Watch: DEKALB: Adam Liddell, Alex Kock, Matt Knapp, COLUMBIA CITY: Marcus Moore, Doug Sheckler, Scott Moore, CARROLL: Seth Lochmueller, Lowell Grissom EAST NOBLE: Jeff Wedding, Eric Troyer, Matt Shook WARSAW: Ryan DeGeeter, William Knepper, WAWASEE: Clint Custer, Kory Lantz

ANALYSIS: A potential rematch of DeKalb and Columbia City could be big as Columbia City handed DeKalb its lone loss. DeKalb has ahuge front line led by Purdue recruit Adam Liddell and Alex Kock. Columbia City’s backcourt features the Junior twin combo of Marcus and Scott Moore. Warsaw and first year coach Doug Ogle has plenty of experienced football players looking to keep the Tiger tradition. Carroll has had a lot of success in the tournament the past few years and have a nice duo in Seth Lochmueller and Lowell Grissom. Wawasee could make hay as well with plenty of frontcourt size.

At HUNTINGTON NORTH
Tuesday
South (12-5) vs Homestead (11-8)
Snider (12-6) vs Huntington North (7-11)North (6-11) vs Northrop (8-10)

Favorite: FW South
Right There: FW Snider
Darkhorse: Homestead
Best Draw: Northrop

Players to Watch: FW SOUTH: Marty Kizer, Durrell Hayes, Bernard Pollard, SNIDER: Marcus Johnson, Pete Roberts, Ryan Sims, NORTHROP: Will Lerwis, Josh Gaines, Marcus Nellems, HOMESTEAD: Erich Martin, Kevin Mitchell, James Haifley FW NORTH: Roberto Fortes, Slewyn Lymon, HUNTINGTON NORTH: Thad Frame, Sam Ryan, Austin Kline

ANALYSIS: Defending champion Homestead’s record is deceiving as Erich martin can score in bunches. Coach Ryan Bond at South Side has a quick deep talented team who will press you for 32 minutes. Snider has a great freshmen class that has played beyond their years. How will they respond to a sectional atmosphere. Super Frosh Marcus Johnson is incredible, but the Lebron James comparisons are unfair now. Northrop in led by Tenn-Martin Signee Will Lewis in the paint. Don’t count out host Huntington North as Coach Eric Foister is a savvy tourney coach.


At LAFAYETTE JEFFERSON
Tuesday
Kokomo (15-4) vs Logansport (4-14)
Harrison (11-7) vs Marion (2-17)
Friday
Jefferson (15-4) vs McCutcheon (9-9)

Favorite: Jefferson
Right There: Kokomo, Harrison
Darkhorse: McCutcheon
Best Draw: Jefferson

Players to Watch: JEFFERSON: Peyton Stovall, Dustin Keller, HARRISON: Jared Wynn, Pete Minchella KOKOMO: Matt Bell, Adam Martin , Jake Quest MCCUTCHEON: Clayton Richard, Kelly Martin < Bart Hunsicker LOGANSPORT: Nick Hipsher, Ryan Long

ANALYSIS: The host Bronchos should be the favorites with Ball State signees Peyton Stovall and Purdue football recruit Dustin Keller. Kokomo coach Mike Wade has a tremendous leader in Matt Bell. Harrison has the most size of any team in the sectional. McCutcheon’s footballers led by Clayton Richard are anxious for tourney play. Who would ever think Marion would be 2-17 and playing mostly freshmen


At NEW CASTLE
Tuesday
Anderson Highland (8-11) vs Richmond (9-10)
Muncie Central (12-7) vs Anderson (8-12)
Friday
Muncie South (15-3) vs New Castle (16-3)

Favorite: New Castle
Right There: Muncie Central, Muncie South
Darkhorse: Anderson, Richmond
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: NEW CASTLE: Anthony Turner, Ben Smith, MUNCIE CENTRAL: Kendrick Miller, Alex Daniel , Josiah Miller, MUNCIE SOUTH: Andre Amerson, Linne Balfour, ANDERSON: DJ Menifee, Terrence Roberts, ANDERSON HIGHLAND: Corey Johnson, Andre Echols RICHMOND: Dominic James, Joe White, Dustin Campbell

ANALYSIS: The host Trojans have an exciting duo in Vincennes bound Turner and Smith. The Bearcats have a deep and talented squad led by sophomores. Muncie South has limited size but plenty of quickness. Both Anderson teams are also contenders. Look out for Richmond with potentially the sectionals best player in Sophomore guard Dominic James. Muncie South will try to revenge a 6 point loss to New Castle in the opener on Friday.


At NOBLESVILLE
Tuesday
Pike (20-0) vs North Central 14-4)
Broad Ripple (3-13) vs Carmel (11-7)
Friday
Hamilton SE (17-2) vs Noblesille (13-7)
Favorite: Pike
Right There: North Central, Hamilton SE
Darkhorse: Noblesville
Best Draw: Carmel

Players to Watch: PIKE: Robert Vaden, Justin Cage, Darren Yates, Courtney Lee, David Barlow, Parnell Smith, NORTH CENTRAL: Anthony Passley. Julien Mills, AJ Ratliff HAMILTON SE: Eric Osborn, Joe Reitz, CARMEL: Josh McRoberts, John Washburn, Craig Swoope, NOBLESVILLE: Jared Boser, Justin Skipper, BROAD RIPPLE: George Hill
ANALYSIS: The bad news for five of the teams in this sectional is that Pike is here. At this point there is no indication that the Red Devils will be challenged. North Central has two of the state’s top juniors in Passley and Ratliff. Hamilton SE and coach Brian Satterfield may be the state’s biggest surprise at 17-2. Carmel sophomore Josh McRoberts (6-9) can be dominant. Tournament tested Nobelsville and veteran coach Dave McCullough always has a trick or tow up his sleeve


At ARLINGTON
Tuesday
Warren Central (14-6) vs Lawrence Central (3-14)
Lawrence North (17-1) vs Connersville (12-6)
Friday
Arlington (12-7) vs Cathedral (15-4)

Favorite: Lawrence North
Right There: Cathedral, Arlington
Darkhorse: Warren Central, Connersville
Best Draw: Warren Central

Players to Watch: LAWRENCE NORTH: Greg Oden, Chaz Spicer, Brandon McDonald, Mike Conley, CATHEDRAL: Zach Decatur, Chuck Flynn, Phil Kealing, Tommy Corbett ARLINGTON: Fitzgerald Batteast, Ryan Gold, Deonta Vaughn, Jamar Thomas WARREN CENTRAL: Kenny Page, Courntey Nunn, Luke Todor CONNERSVILLE: Zach Henderson, Zach Gessell LAWRENCE CENTRAL: Marlon Dabney, Darrin Granger

ANALYSIS: With only one senior on their roster Lawrence North is thought to be a year away. Don’t tell them that as the deep Wildcats led by outstanding freshmen Greg Oden and Mike Conley have lost only once. Cathedral was counted for dead when Robert Vaden left for Pike. The Irish have a big strong front line and a heady PG in Zach Decatur. The old saying ios it is hard to beat a team twice. How about three times that is the task Scott Hicks and Cathedral have vs Arlington. The Irish beat the Knights twice in five day in January. Knight Coach Larry Nicks and opponents have seen super soph Fitzgerald Batteast explode onto the scene. Warren Central junior guard Kenny Page can play with anybody.

At BEN DAVIS
Tuesday
Tech ( 7-11) vs Ben Davis (10-8)
Avon (9-10) vs Northwest (12-6)
Friday
Decatur Central (2-16) vs Brownsburg (14-6)

Favorite: Ben Davis
Right There: Brownsburg
Darkhorse: Northwest
Best Draw: Brownsburg

Players to Watch: BEN DAVIS: Stanley Burrell, Brian Faires, AVON: Jeff Gabonay, Adam Pence, BROWNSBURG: Nate Hainje, Sammy Dotlich, NORTHWEST: Cornelius Bambo, Mike Durrett TECH: Tyrone Anderson, Jamaal Little DECATUR CENTRAL: Coby Reuter

ANALYSIS: Ben Davis has the best player in Burrell. The Giants and first year coach Scott White has a deep bench of football players use to winning. Brownsburg is led by Nate Hainje and also has a terrific sophomore class. New Northwest coach Victor Bush has some talented athletes as well.


At PERRY MERIDIAN
Tuesday
Center Grove (9-9) vs Greenwood (10-7)
Manual (2-15) vs Southport (6-12)
Friday
Franklin Central (8-9) vs Perrry Meridian (18-4)

Favorite: Perry Meridian
Right There: No one
Darkhorse: Center Grove, Franklin Central, Greenwood
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: PERRY MERIDIAN: Austin Montgomery, Justin Petty, Brandon Ray CENTER GROVE: Jordan Coffey, Kurt Peters FRANKLIN CENTRAL: Derek James, Donald Washington GREENWOOD: Terry Ratliff, Matt Pittman, Adam Swain MANUAL: Rafael White, Michael Woodson, SOUTHPORT: Brad Howell, Herbert Terry

ANALYSIS: Can Perry Meridian avoid the upset with the outstanding trio of Montgomery, Petty and Ray it sure looks that way. Center Grove has some size led by Coffey. Greenwood puylled off the upset last year and look to do it again. Derek James on of Mark James leads Franklin Central.

At TERRE HAUTE NORTH
Tuesday
TH South (11-9) vs Northview (18-2)
Mooresville (6-13) vs Martinsville (14-5)
Friday
TH North (12-7) vs Plainfield (16-4-

Favorite: Northview
Right There: Plainfield, Martinsville
Darkhorse: TH North, TH South
Best Draw: Martinsville

Players to Watch: NORTHVIEW: Logan Whitman, Zach Keyes TH SOUTH: Evan Harruff, Jeremy Lock, TH NORTH: Luke Blank Steve Jeffers, Ethan Tyler MARTINSVILLE: Casey Schwab, Tim Dearlove PLAINFIELD: Wes Criswell, Jasper Tanner, Matt Paetz MOORESVILLE: Dave Yaraschefski, Josh Jones

ANALYSIS: As balances a sectional as there is in 4A, with 5 of 6 teams have winning records. Northview has the record have they played the competition. TH North coach Jim Jones and TRH South Coach Pat Rady have been around forever and their experience should be accounted for. Martinsville has a young and tall team. Plainfield has its best team in a few years


At COLUMBUS NORTH
Tuesday
Columbus East (16-3) vs East Central (14-4)
Bloomington South (11-8) vs Franklin (2-17)
Friday
Bloomington North (17-2) vs Columbus North (6-13)

Favorite: Bloomington North
Right There: Columbus East
Darkhorse: Bloomington South, East Central
Best Draw: Bloomington North

Players to Watch: BLOOMINGTON NORTH: Errek Suhr, Mike Davis Jr, Anthony Lindsey, COLUMBUS EAST: Mike Wohlford, jeff Prebeck, BLOOMINGTON SOUTH: Grant Gibson (injured), Clay Crick, Drew Adams, COLUMBUS NORTH: Jared Stout, Evan Burton, EAST CENTRAL: TJ Brown, Brandon Kaiser, FRANKLIN COMMUNITY: Tom Kegley
ANALYSIS: This should be North’ to lose. The Cougars are led by Suhr, who will be a walk on at IU and Mike Davis Jr., Veteran coach Steve Brunes has Columbus East looking for a long tourney run. South has a lot of shooter for veteran coach JR Holmes.

At SEYMOUR
Tuesday
Seymour (12-7) vs New Albany (11-8)
Bedford (12-7) vs Jennings County (8-10)
Friday
Jeffersonville (15-5) vs Floyd Central (4-14)

Favorite: Jeffersonville
Right There: New Albany
Darkhorse: Seymour, Bedford
Best Draw: Jeffersonville

Players to Watch: JEFFERSONVILLE: Matt Pait, Robbie Grinestaff NEW ALBANY: Mitch Brown, Victor Cousins, Ryan Wheeler, SEYMOUR: Jon Pierce, Jack Schneider, JENNINGS COUNTY: Greg Kreutzjans, Baron Kent, BEDFORD: Jerod Speer, Tyler Kalber, Jeremy Burch FLOYD CENTRAL: Robby Gray, Derek Summers, Cameron O’Neal
ANALYSIS: Long time rivals New Albany and Jeffersonville will fight it out with Seymour and Bedford also looking on. Jeff PG Matt Pait is a solid leader. New Albany has a group of athletes who are mostly football players. Bedford Big man Tyler Kalber (6-9)could be a big factor in who wins this.

At CASTLE
Tuesday
Castle (9-8) vs Central (11-7)
Harrison (16-2) vs Reitz (17-3)
Friday
North (4-14) vs Winner game one
Favorite: Harrison
Right There: Reitz
Darkhorse: Castle, Central
Best Draw: NONE

Players to Watch: HARRISON: Kente Hart, Melvin Hall, Jon Lee, REITZ: Kyle Anslinger, Andy Kissell CASTLE: JT Scholl, Chris Hale, CENTRAL: Joe Schuler, Riley O’Neal NORTH: Jeff Stinson, DeAngelo RoachANALYSIS: Many feel that Tuesday first round matchup between Harrison and Reitz will be the championship. Both of Harrison’s losses have been to Reitz (by 7 and by 9 points). Harrison has tons of speed, while Reitz counters with plenty of shooting. Castle and a physical central team may also contend.

FEBRUARY 22nd and 23rd
Can Pike go undefeated?? That is one of the big questions facing Indiana High School Basketball as the Tournament draw comes out on Monday. First the Red Devils will have to host Lawrence North (17-1) on Tuesday it should be great prelude to an exciting tournament.
My early picks for state championship games
4A- DeKalb vs Pike
3A- Gary Roosevelt vs Chatard
2A- Wheeler vs Forest Park
1A- Kouts vs South Central (Elizabeth)
This week I will have a class by class breakdown of each class sectional


FEBRUARY 21st
Munster (18-1) and Griffith (16-2) square off for the second time tonight. The Panthers nipped the Mustangs on January 31st 53-46. Tonights game will be at the Calumet fieldhouse. Plent of fans are expected to fill the 5,000 seat fieldhouse. This one should be a dandy and help both teams prepare for the tournament.

FOOTBALL NOTES:Twin Lakes OL Troy Harker is leaning torwards being a preferred walk on at Indiana. Teammate Dewey Brown is waiting unitl after basketball season.

Munster LB Adam Del Rio has accepted a preferred walk on spot at Indiana. RB Steve Smith is going to concentrate on academics in college. TE Jim Phelan is taking a look at football and basketball options after basketball season ends.

Scecina's Joey Grant and Jeff McGuiness are either going to be walk on at IU or Ball State, or accept A small school offer.

Portage QB Adam Hasiak is deciding between Wabash and DePauw. DE Frank Knez is looking at St Francis and Wabash. OL Eric Smith is leaning to Wabash.

Oak Hill's trio of FB-LB Trey Boswell (leaning to Anderson), HB-FS Kirk Winger (Anderson or Taylor) and OL-DL Ryan Hovermale (leaning to Lake Forest (IL)) are close to decisions.


FEBRUARY 19th
FOOTBALL RECRUITING TIDBITS
Warren Central OL Mike Clevenger looks like he is going to Indiana Univesity as a preferred walk on but is still weighing his options according to Warren Central Head Coach Kevin Wright.

Lawrence Central DB Brandon Golder is leaning to Purdue as a preferred walk on.

Cathedral QB Zach Decatur is visiting Dayton this weekend.

Mammoth OL Adam Gibson of Decatur Central is going to Wisconsin as a preferred walk on. Teammate Carlton Summler is looking at junior colleges as well as Indiana State.

Anderson Highland RB Corey Johnson is weighing a football offer from St. Francis as well as a preferred walk on for football at Purdue. Johnson is also awaiting word from the Naval Academy for basketball.

Anderson teammates RB Justin Wilkerson and DJ Menifee are looking at Indiana State. Wilkerson also is looking at Joliet JC, Harper JC and Erie (PA) JC.

Hamilton SE OL Ryan Barclay is deciding between walking on at Ball State or Indiana as well as looking at the University of Indianapolis and Wabash.

New Albany WR Warren English Malone is visting Indiana State soon. Teammate WR Victor Cousins is leaning to Rochester (MN) JC.

Park Tudor OL JP Day has committed to Brown in the Ivy league. Teammate Patrick Oldham is deciding between walking on at Indiana or going to Wabash.

South Spencer FB-LB Dusty Young is looking at Georgetwon (KY), St.Francis, Dayton and Indiana State.

Chesterton FB-LB Nick Johnson is looking at St Joe's, St Francis, Wabash and Hillsdale. Kicker Steve Joyce is leaning to Valparaiso University. CB David Novotney is looking at the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy. OL-DL Mark Fekete is sifting through Manchester, Anderson and St. Joe's.

Delta FB-LB Aaron Kerkhof has committed to VMI. Teammate DB Antwaun Amerson is looking at Hillsdale, Findley and the University of Indianapolis.

Columbus East TE Kurt Engleking is looking at Junior Colleges as is K David Smith. WR-DB Kevin Abner will either walk on at Ball State or look at the D3 level.

Columbus North K Drew Robbins will walk on at Indiana. OL-DL Matt Wren and OL-DL Jason Addis are looking at St Francis. QB Evan Kleinhenz may walk on at BYU.

Lake Central WR-DB Geoff Walker is deciding between Wabash, DePauw, St Joe's, Tri-State, and Valparaiso.

Speedway TB-OLB Jonathan Powers is headed to Anderson University, while teammate WR-DB Rob Linville is going to St. Francis. QB Chris West and FB-LB Nick Taphorn are still looking, with West also weighing basketball opportunities.

Plymouth LB Kevin Einsphar is headed to Carthage.

FEBRUARY 18th
The Lake Athletic Conference Tournament resumes tonight with four games in the winners bracket.
HIGHLAND (11-6) at NOLL (10-8)
This one should be the best of the night. Highland defeated the Warriors 51-48 back on Janury 24th. The Trojans are one of the area's biggest surprises. Coach Doug McCallister's team has improved greatly since tha start of the season. The improvement began with 6-8 junior Kevin Thomas and 6-3 freshmen Andy Helmer and Derek Moser moving up from the Junior Varsity. Junior Kris Boyd is capbale of putting up big scoring nights.
Noll despite the loss of Kenny Harris and Melvin Brown have been competitive very night. Junior PG Gary Patterson has led this team all year. Vince Johnson is a quick 6-4 junior.
MUNSTER (17-1) at MORTON (10-7)
This game could be closer than people realize. Morton is a decent basketball team just ask Griffith.
The Mustangs have been solid all year long. With big Guy Jim Phelan improving every minute the "Stangs" are going to be tough.
The Governors despite the season ending loss of Darion Reed have been good. Senior Shooting guard Adam Keilman can light it up. 6-5 junior Terrance Murphy has been a pleasant surprise for the Governors.
GAVIT (1-16) at GRIFFITH (14-2)
This one should be ugly from the start. The Gladiators have struggled all year with injuries and player defections.
The Panthers though hope to use their bench personnel a lot before a potential remathc with Munster on Friday.
WHITING (6-9) at LOWELL (9-8)
Lowell won this earlier matchup 62-55. Junior James Jeffries is a nice leaper for the Red Devils.
Whiting is led by Vinnie Donovan . This could be a exciting contest.

The Semi finals will be Thursday at Calumet with the Championship on Friday.


FEBRUARY 16th
Sorry for the lack of updates this weekend. I was on a family obligation and was unable to access the internet. I will update on Monday. By the way the folks in Cincinnati should learn about this wonderful new invention called the snowplow.

FEBRUARY 13th
Top ranked and undefeated Pike will receive its biggest challenge to date as they travel to Bloomington tonight to take on the North Cougars. The Red Devils ranked 3rd nationally have blown through their competition thus far. Coach Larry Bullingotn's Pike squad (17-0) is outscoring its opponents by a whopping 27 points per game. The closest contest was a 6 point win over Perry Meridian in the County Tourney. The Cougars (15-1) of coach Tom McKinney have lost just to Muncie Central and have outscored their oppeonent by an average of 19 points per game.
Pike is led this season by 6-6 junior Robert Vaden the talented forward is averaging over 15 points for this talented Red Devil squad. Other key Pike players are Jusitn Cage, David Barlow, Parnell Smith, Courtney Lee and Darren Yates. This Pike team is so talented that Smith doesn't even start.
Bloomington North may not have a big gun this season such as a Jared Jeffries ort Sean May. What The Cougars do have is balance led by seniors Mike Davis Jr. and Errek Suhr. Junior PG Anthony Lindsey and Bil Duany coming off an injury that has cost him the last year and a half will have to be huge tonight if Bloomington North is to pull off the upset. If you are going get their early I am sure it will be standing room only.


FEBRUARY 11th
In front of a few select people on Tuesday West Side defeated Wallace 69-67 at West Side. With the girls sectionals going on only about 100 people made it out to this thriller. 6-5 Junior Jorie Peters hit the game winning three at the buzzer. There were 3 baskets in the final 20 seconds without the clock stopping. First 6-7 junior Sean Smith converted a layup with 20 seconds left. Wallace came back down and fed 6-6 senior Donte Williams who gave Wallace the brief lead with 8 seconds. West Side super quick sophomore Robert Hall then fed Peters on the right wing for the game winning three. Smith led the Cougars with 19. Peters and Hall added 19 and 11. Wallace was led by 6-1 senior Jason Rhodes with 18. 6-2 junior Preston Dunham addded 17 including 15 in the second half. Dunham reminded me of Brandon Richardson tonight with his outside shot. If Dunham plays like this come sectional time they could be a factor. Lew Wallace super soph Marcus Rhodes struggled with fouls and had only 3 points.

West Side (69)
Smith 19, Peters 17, Hall 11, Kelly 9, Pullen 5, Moore 3, Buggs 3, Bell 2, D.Wright 0, R. Wright 0, Nelson 0, Smith 0, Jones 0; 69
Wallace (67)
J.Rhodes 18, Dunham 17, Williams 15, Jackson 8, Lumpkin 4, M. Rhodes 3, Powell 2, Boone 0, Taylor 0, Bess 0, Hollis 0, Polk 0, Flournoy 0, Harris 0; 67


FEBRUARY 10th
Heritage Christian completed an incredible tournaround in less than 2 weeks. On January 25th Cathedral defeated the Eagles 74-37 in the Indianapolis City Tournament. This past Saturday Heritage Christian defeated the Irish 67-35 as Todd Abernethy had 33 points inlcuding 19-24 from the line. The Irish shot just 15-57 from the field. Cathedral PG Zach Decatur missed the ballgame. I have seen teams split games but not by these margins. Heritage Christian pulled off a 69 point turnaround. This is why the game's are played on the court.
FEBRUARY 9th
St. Francis has added the following football players in addition to the previous mentioned.

Derrick Alderman RB Richmond
Anthony Freimanis DL Danville
Brandon Holley DL Homestead
Chris Jones DE North Central (Farmersburg)
Mark McGoun QB Brownsburg
Scott Osborn OL-DL Indy Northwest
Jon Rodgers DL Indy Northwest
Cliff Stallings LB Homestead
Chad Taylor OL Madison
Bo Thompson WR Ben Davis
John Williams LB Southmont
Reggie Williams DE Indy Northwest
Matt Wren OL Columbus NOrth


FEBRUARY 7th
Chesterton defeats Merrillville 63-60. The Trojans overcame a 15 point deficit after 3 quarters to beat the Pirtaes. Merrillville suddenly in the 4th quarter had no clue how to break a press and was throwing the ball off the rafters. Merrillville's 6-17 free throw shooting sure didn't help. Chesterton who improved to 12-2 was led by 6-2 junior Matt Campbell with 22 including 12-13 from the line. 6-9 senior Tom Radtke , who committed to Army, was solid with 12 points. The real sleeper is 6-4 senior Mike Yagelski with 17 points. The athletic forward is a solid D2 prospect from the forward spot. Yagelski will be a huge contributor at the college level in the right situation.
The Pirates were led by sharp shooting senior Igor Risevski with 17. The 6-2 senior had 13 of those in the first quarter. Igor is a very effective spot up shooter. The Pirates welcomed back super soph Josh Mayo. The lightning quick and talented Mayo had 12 points and for some reason did not have the ball in his hands late. The key to Merrillville is 6-4 junior Lavell Cook (12 points). The spidery junior needs to play under control. Cook has to lead the state in charge calls. Merrillville has to regroup after throwing this game away. This win for Chesterton and first year coach Tom Peller, a former Merrillville assistant, has to be the biggest since winning the sectional in 1987. The Trojans now have to be considered a favorite at the sectional that includes Merrillville, Valpo, Portage, Crown Point and Hobart.


FEBRUARY 6TH
My look at the top 220 Football players in Illinois next year

Illinois class of 2004

Quarterbacks
Cedric Criss 6-1 205 Eisenhower
Britt Davis 6-3 170 Riv. Brookfield
Joe Ganz 6-2 200 Stagg
John Gier 5-9 160 Grant
Joe Grubsic 6-1 175 Marian Catholic
Tim Hannagan 6-1 180 Rich East
Chris Jansen 6-3 180 Libertyville
Chris Kudbya 6-2 190 Elk Grove
Don Larkin 6-0 170 Oak Forest
Ross Larson 6-3 200 Lincoln Way Cen
Sean Lewis 6-7 200 Richards
Dusty Napoleon 6-2 180 New Trier
Mike Neuhaus 6-4 200 Shepard
Dan Nicholson 6-3 190 Brother Rice
Marcus Randle El 6-0 180 Thornton
Todd Schultz 6-2 190 Palatine
Trent Steckle 6-3 200 Crystal Lake South
Karlos Whitaker 6-1 190 North Chicago
Vashon Winton 6-2 175 Simeon

Running Backs
Jamail Bradley 5-9 170 Schaumburg
Justin Bobo 6-1 190 TF North
John Bubeck 5-11 180 Nequa Valley
Carnall Byrd 5-10 200 Elk Grove
Matt Caffey 6-0 200 Romeoville
Torris Childs 5-9 200 Zion Benton
Pedro Cunniingham 5-10 170 Westinghouse
Dave Dobertsyn 6-1 180 Andrew
Steve Embry 6-1 185 Harper
Kevin Fontana 5-11 180 Libertyville
TJ Griffin 5-11 210 Wheaton North
Anthony Higgins 5-9 170 Fenton
Aaron Kirchoff 6-0 200 Barrington
Jeremiah Marks 6-0 190 Glenbard West
Walter Mendenhall 6-1 190 Niles West
Erick Newman 5-11 180 Downers Grove South
Chris Rodriquez 5-10 170 Marian Catholic
Brad Scaduto 5-10 170 Oak Lawn
Evan Shy 6-0 180 Conant
Jaime Sullivan 5-10 165 Senn
Averill Sutchar 6-1 190 Bartlett
Timothy Taylor (FB) 6-2 240 Harper
Jamil Walker 6-2 200 Fremd
Leon Wiggins 5-9 180 Conant

Wide Receivers
Mike Albian 6-1 175 Montini
Mark Bennett 5-11 170 Providence
Joe Bonodonna 5-9 150 Stevenson
Ryan Cibulka 6-3 180 Lake Park
Steve Clanton 6-0 170 Morton
Johnny Collier 6-0 170 Westinghouse
Bryant Creamer 6-2 180 Simeon
Mike Doxie 5-9 160 Lisle
Thomas Dwyer 6-2 165 Brother Rice
Jordan Eversley 6-2 180 Morgan Park
Jeremy Fears 6-3 200 Joliet Township
PJ Giesi 6-1 180 Fremd
Emmanuel Little 6-3 180 Farragut
Fabian Martin 5-10 170 Prosser
Alex Perkowski 6-0 170 Hinsdale Central
Don Pirkle 6-2 170 Lincoln Way East
Kevin Sabbs 6-4 200 Robeson
Jack Simmons 6-6 200 Carmel
Eric Taylor 6-2 190 Carver
Greg Turner 6-1 180 Addison Driscoll
Noah Wiza 6-2 180 Riverside Brookfield
Ryan Wudtke 6-5 190 Elk Grove

Tight Ends
Peter Basso 6-4 220 Naperville North
Dan Bland 6-2 200 Providence
Brock Collins 6-4 220 Prosepct
Jim Jadron 6-4 225 Joliet Catholic
Kevin Jarvis 6-2 200 Mt. Carmel
Brandon Johnson 6-3 220 Marshall
Dave Johnson 6-4 210 Fremd
Chris Miller 6-3 200 Carmel
Jonathon Patton 6-6 240 Hubbard
Eric Royyer 6-3 220 Stagg

Offensive Linemen
Tony Arroyo 6-3 240 Whitney Young
Phil Babich 6-5 220 Shepard
Dan Barmantje 6-3 260 Rolling Meadows
Alex Baro 6-3 240 Lincoln Way East
Trevor Bendling 6-4 270 Fenton
Anthony Bertoletti 6-4 250 Sandburg
Jeremy Breath 6-3 330 Joliet Township
Jeff Burdorf 6-5 300 Naperville Central
Wesley Butler 6-3 250 Crete-Monee
Drew Cairo-Gross 6-3 270 Carmel
Jameel Clark 6-1 220 Glenbard East
Michael Clements 6-2 240 Fremd
Dan Doering 6-6 235 Barrington
Dane Fraedrich 6-5 250 Sycamore
Xavier Fulton 6-5 250 Homewood Flossmoor
Jeremy Gaughan 6-2 250 Providence
Brian Guimon 6-8 300 York
Adam Hansen 6-3 250 Lincoln Way Central
Alex Jan 6-5 250 Riverside Brookfield
Jermaine Jones 6-4 240 Whitney Young
Jim Kulovitz 6-3 230 Joliet Catholic
Dave Lindquist 6-4 250 Highland Park
Dan MacAntee 6-2 290 Providence
Erik Madsen 6-4 240 Joliet Catholic
Joe Malik 6-2 250 Naperville Central
Mike Mazzone 6-4 250 Addison Trail
Tim McFall 6-4 250 Rolling Meadows
Arnoldas Narmanatas 6-5 340 Hinsdale South
Mike O’Malley 6-4 325 Wheeling
Tim Paulsen 6-3 235 Maine West
Joe Pereiro 6-4 270 Sandburg
Pat Phalen 6-4 290 Wheaton North
Darius Powell 6-5 250 Hillcrest
Terrance Robinson 6-3 280 Fenger
Alex Rucks 6-6 280 Stevenson
Jeff Schneider 6-3 250 TF South
Myron Shephard 6-2 270 Harper
Kyle Smith 6-3 230 Plainfield South
Sean Staffield 6-4 260 Oswego
Mark Steffen 6-2 270 Barrington
Austin Strawn 6-3 250 Cary-Grove
Frank Tomasello 6-0 240 Addison Trail

Defensive Linemen
Chris Baugh 6-3 250 St Rita
Kenneth Campbell 6-2 260 Marshall
Don Durbin 6-2 250 Maine South
Nick Fairbanks 6-3 225 West Chicago
John Gavoni 6-3 220 Lincoln Way Central
Matt Gibson 6-3 280 Romeoville
Andy Gonzalez 6-1 260 Glenbard East
Henry Grabowski 6-4 230 Downers Grove North
Ahkyla Griffith 6-4 270 Thornton
Jamil Harris 6-5 240 Thornton
Mitchell Hayes 6-4 250 Homewood Flossmoor
Tom Heatherly 6-0 180 Lisle
Steve Hertzog 6-3 230 Lincoln Way East
Tim Jamison 6-5 230 Thornton
Drew Levy 6-4 240 Hinsdale Central
Roland Martin 6-6 340 Harper
Joe McClearen 6-3 210 Wheaton North
James Morgan 6-3 210 Julian
David O’Rourke 6-3 200 Downers Grove North
Mike Powers 6-2 200 Grant
Darrel Reid 6-2 330 Buffalo Grove
Ryan Tuggle 6-6 250 Bartlett
Derek Walker 6-4 300 Glenbard East
Marquis Walton 6-1 275 Mt Carmel
James Watson 6-2 210 Naperville North

Linebackers
Mike Aikins 6-2 200 Glenbard East
Eric Andino 6-4 220 Buffalo Grove
Chris Ashe 6-1 220 Naperville Central
Brandon Coleman 6-1 220 Rich South
Sam Carson 6-2 220 Downers Grove South
Pat Chmura 6-4 200 Vernon Hills
Derek Coleman 5-10 210 Glenbard West
Kevin Courldis 6-1 220 Stevenson
Trevor Douyon 6-3 200 Rich Central
Tom Edwards 6-2 200 Downers Grove North
Larry English 6-3 230 Marmion
Andy Goldberg 6-3 225 Deerfield
Tyler Hill 6-1 200 Naperville North
Jeff Janus 6-1 190 Lake Zurich
David Johnson 6-0 190 Bremen
David Johns 6-0 200 Jacobs
Jack Kane 6-2 200 Willowbrook
Dave Kaplan 6-0 210 TF South
Dan Kauffman 6-3 220 Elk Grove
Keith Kleist 6-3 200 Rolling Meadows
Brian Kulkczak 6-2 210 Providence
Ryan Kunce 6-1 220 Lockport
Mike Labelle 6-2 210 Wheaton Warrenville South
Brian Lagiglia 6-2 200 Lockport
Ronnie Lindahl 6-0 200 Lake Park
Byron Miles 6-0 220 Morgan Park
Kevin Mulligan 6-2 210 Immaculate Conception
Chris Patterson 6-3 230 Hubbard
Dustin Ruby 6-1 220 Sycamore
Russ Shell 6-3 200 TF South
Marcus Sole 6-1 180 Bloom Township
Steve Swanson 6-1 200 Reavis
James Tranchietta 5-11 180 Addison Driscoll
Russ Weil 6-2 220 Minooka
Charlie Welke 6-3 210 Lincoln Way Central
Adam Werner 6-1 210 Shepard
Jesse Weygand 6-1 200 Crystal Lake South
George Whitten 6-2 180 Prospect
Kyle Williams 6-2 220 Bolingbrook

Defensive Backs
Kwame Agyeman 6-0 190 Lake Park
Andres Andrews 5-10 170 Palatine
Mike Bailen 5-9 170 Highland Park
Marquis Ball 6-1 170 Leo
Kevin Benoit 6-3 175 Glenbrook North
Matt Breen 5-11 170 Montini
Matt Brocki 5-9 200 Warren
Alex Brown 5-10 170 Evanston
Bobby Buchanan 6-0 175 Joliet Catholic
Andre Butler 6-0 190 Thornwood
John Case 5-10 185 Benet Academy
Chris Cryder 6-0 180 Morris
Andrew Forshee 5-10 165 Grayslake
Ryan Fowler 6-1 180 Lake Zurich
Jeff Franklin 5-11 170 Hubbard
Darren Gafford 6-0 200 Westinghouse
Garrett Hibbler 6-2 180 Elgin
Rey Lefuente 5-8 160 Warren
Nathan Lyles 6-0 190 Hubbard
Martel Mabry 6-3 200 Bolingbrook
Leslie Majors 5-10 170 Thornwood
Scooter McIntosh 6-2 180 McHenry
Joe Pauley 6-1 175 Niles Notre Dame
Nick Passarelli 6-0 180 Naperville Central
Brian Piszczor 6-1 170 Providence
Sergio Rivera Thompson 5-10 160 Evanston
Benjamin Rush 5-11 170 Harper
Jorge Sanchez 5-11 170 Bowen
Ryan Scott 6-2 175 York
Ashton Smiley 6-0 180 Richards
Dustin Summers 5-10 165 Providence
Dustin Szczepaniak 6-1 180 Downers Grove South
Sinque Turner 5-10 170 Simeon
Kyle Vock 6-3 200 Wheaton North
James Ward 6-3 175 DeLaSalle
Andy Wenman 5-11 170 Vernon Hills
Karmi Williams 6-1 190 Dunbar
Ken Williams 6-2 180 Plainfield


FEBRUARY 5th
A look at today's football signings

NOTRE DAME
Jeff Samardzjia WR Valpo
Carl Gioia K Valpo (Walk on)

PURDUE
Bernard Pollard DB FW South
Cole Seifrig WR Heritage Hills
Stanford Keglar LB Pike
Ryan Noblet OL Cathedral
Dustin Keller WR Lafayette Jeff
Rafael Price WR River Forest
Pat Oxley OL FW Dwenger
Jason Renn QB Valpo (Walk on)
Jake Standeford WR Monrovia (Walk on)

INDIANA
Ryan Skelton WR Center Grove
Joel Stubblefield DT Pendleton Hts
Jon Sandberg DT North White
Chris Mangiero OL Bloomington South
Nick Sexton TE Bloomington North
Jake Powers LB Danville
Todd Barnard DB Ben Davis
Ben Wyss OL FW Luers
Landon Story DB S. Wells (Walk on)
Nick Luce DT Vincennes (Walk on)

BALL STATE
Temidayo McCarthy DL Merrillville
Dustin Brown OL FW North
Lorenzo Wims DL FW Snider
Casey Gillin QB Indian Creek
Seth Rainey RB Mt. Vernon
Mike Dorulla DB Valpo
Scott Bradtmiller OL FW Northrop
Cortland Booker LB West Lafayette

INDIANA STATE
Collin Godby OL Hamilton Hts
Brandon Logan LB FW Snider
Bryan McCulley RB Pike
Matt Messmer FB Jasper
Josh O'Brien LB FRanklin Central
Zach Odle DB Franklin Central
Ben Schmidt QB-DB Jasper
Chris Schmidt WR-DB Jasper
Prenny Stokes DL McCutcheon
Bruce Williams DB Ben Davis
Matt Winger OL McCutcheon

SAINT FRANCIS
# Full list released Friday February 7th
Adam Blakey FB Ben Davis
John Coggins OL Valpo
Rich Gregory OL Ben Davis
Dan Knepper DE FW Dwenger
Brian Kurz LB FW Luers
Jhormy Martinez RB FW Luers
Andy McHenry OL Valpo
Vincent Price DE Warren Central
Zach Rainey WR Ben Davis
Dale Sharpe OL Warren Central
Ryan Smith QB FW Northrop
John Wolf OL-DL Franklin Central

UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Mitch Brown QB New Albany
Kevin Deitel WR Center Grove
Marcus Nalley RB Roncalli
Brent Surface DT Michigan City

BUTLER
Nick Windsor LB Valpo
Matt Murphy LB Danville

OTHER SIGNEES
Clayton Richard QB McCutcheon- Michigan
Mike Macellari DE SB Clay- Stanford
Steve Wiggins OL FW Wayne (JUCO)- Ohio University
Jovan Witherspoon WR FW Luers (JUCO)- Central Michigan
Otis Shannon RB Cathedral (JUCO)- Western Kentucky
Kelly Martin WR McCutcheon- Western Michigan
Rob Caldwell LB Andrean- Navy
Joe Schuler LB Evansville Central- Kentucky
Kevin Mitchell DB Homestead - Illinois
Sean O'Drobinak TE Crown Point- Bowling Green
Elliott Hood OL Franklin Central- Vanderbilt
Jenkins Reese LB Warren Central- Bowling Green
Tyree Pollard TE Warren Central- Toledo
Justin Tharp OL Indian Creek- Toledo
Mike Raffaeli OL Lawrence North- Central Michigan
John Masters OL Carmel- Michigan State
Jared Evans OL Ben Davis- Miami (OH)
Bryan Mattison DL Penn -Iowa
Chris Douglas DL Warren Central- Joliet JC
Ryan McManaway K Heritage Hills- Holy Cross
Adrian Demko WR Valpo- Columbia
Jon Polston QB Ben Davis- Air Force
Mike Richardson DE Ben Davis- Tenn State
Mark Baurnfiend DT Penn- Hillsdale
Tony West RB Penn- Western Kentucky
Anthony Kirkland DT Gary West- Illinois State
Matt Crick RB Whiteland - St Joe's
John Weaver RB Harding- St Joe's

OTHERS WHO LOOK TO SIGN
Ray Everhart RB Castle- Kentucky, JUCO
Jawann Turner WR-DB Hammond- Purdue, Wisconsin, ??
Mike Clevenger OL Warren Central- INDY, IU, Kentucky
Anthony Freimanis DL Danville
Brett Goins QB Andrean- Wabash, Purdue walk on
Brian Wood RB New Albany
Warren English Malone WR New Albany
Sean Bird WR FW Luers
Troy Harker OL Twin Lakes
Dewey Brown DB Twin Lakes
Tyler Harmon RB Perry Meridian- St Joe's, Indy
Adam Gibson OL Decatur Central- Wisconsin ??
Bo Thompson WR Ben Davis
Chris Holle OL McCutcheon
Jason Spillbeller OL Bloomington South
Donte Williams TE Gary Wallace
Jaymar Johnson WR Gary Wirt
Quintin Allen OL Gary Roosevelt
Louis Urbancic TE Brownsburg
Dustin Huff QB Martinsville
Darion Reed WR Hammond Morton
Willie Frazier WR East Chicago
Michael Durrett LB Indy Nothwest
Zach Decatur QB Cathedral


FEBRUARY 4th
Roosevelt hits century mark!!!
Gary Roosevelt defeated Hammond High tonight 100-66. The game was much closer as the "Velt" broke it open outscoring Hammond High 34-15 in the fourth quarter. The guard duo of Robert Jenkins (25 points) and Larry Upshaw (23 points) was outstanding. Naquan Jackson had 17 and Tyrone Appleton added 13 for Roosevelt who is undefeated in Indiana.
Leading the way for Hammond High was Jawann Turner with 34 points. The 6-1 senior was outstanding including two slam dunks. Turner also hit a couple of threes and was 10-16 from the line. After the game Turner informed me that if his SAT scores come back he will be signing a big ten football scholarship tomorrow. 6-6 Senior Keonte Aaron also played well despite sitting out more than half the game with foul trouble. This Wildcat team can be a factor in the Hammond Sectional.
Roosvelt (100)
Jenkins 25, Upshaw 23, Jackson 17, Appleton 13, Nash 7, G.Grant 4, Harris 4, Mckinley 3, Emerson 2, D. Grant 2, Allen 0
Hammond High 66
Turner 34, Aaron 14, Meeks 11, Moore 3, Taylor 3, Simmons 1, Herring 0, Heuss 0, Lampkins 0, Covington 0, Daniels 0


The JUCO Football site off of INSIDERS.COM is reporting that former FW Luers All state football and basketball star Jovan Witherspoon has committed to Central Michigan to play football. It would be the 4th stop for Witherspoon. The talented receiver started at Notre Dame, but left for Northwestern during fall practice. After seeing limited playing time at Northwestern (12 receptions for 93 yards and 1 touchdown) Witherspoon enrolled at Harper JC in Palatine, Illinois. The Central Michigan Chippewas are coached by former Michigan Assistant Mike DeBord. Hopefully Jovan has found a home at Central Michigan. He will have two years of eligibility.

FEBRUARY 3rd
KENNY HARRIS wins vs. IHSAA!!! WJOB Radio in Hammond is reporting that Lake County Judge Bill Pete has ruled in favor of Harris and Griffith. For those of you who live in the region check out AM 1230 WJOB Radio at 7:00 as the Region Sports Network's Chris Ramirez and Chris Lannin interview the lawyers for Harris. Also check out the TIMES online as Jeff Carroll has the story at www.thetimesonline.com. Jeff has done a wonderful job covering this story. Kudos to Jeff and the staff of the TIMES for their coverage of high school sports.


Taking a final look at the class of 2004 football recruits with tight ends and linebackers.
At tight end FW Northrop’s Josh Gaines (6-3, 240) didn’t have great stats, but is a great athlete playing tight end and linebacker. Gaines is also a excellent basketball player. The play of Corey Benton (6-5, 220) of Cathedral brings back memories of former Irish TE Rylan Hainje , who was recruited coast to coast for football before deciding to play basketball at Butler. Benton is very talented as well standing out on both sides of the ball. Harding has another standout performer in Marques Thornton (6-2, 245). The versatile Thornton can play a variety of positions.

At linebacker speedy Chris Graham (6-0, 220) of Warren Central leads the way. The Broad Ripple transfer had over 150 tackles last season. For good measure Graham’s twin brother Christian is also a top receiver prospect. Two time state champion Chatard’s defense was led by linebacker Derek DiSalvo (6-2, 210), who recorded over 130 tackles.
Another state champion LB Nate Ashworth (6-2, 230) of Roncalli is also a big prospect. Versatile Jimmy Ladd (6-3, 230) of Center Grove is another one to watch. Last season Ladd was more of a threat on offense rushing for over 1300 yards. He also was a standout on defense.


Tight Ends
Corey Benton 6-5 220 Cathedral
Justin Brown 6-5 230 Mitchell
Josi Faust 6-6 220 Cass
Josh Gaines 6-3 240 FW Northrop
Troy Johnson 6-3 210 Shelbyville
David Koronkiewicz 6-4 220 Goshen
Jason Kwiecinski 6-5 235 SB Washington
Matt Peacock 6-5 210 North Putnam
Seth Pickett 6-5 220 Hamilton Heights
Joe Reitz 6-6 220 Hamilton SE
Marques Thornton 6-2 245 Harding
Steve Vaught 6-3 220 Portage


Linebackers
Nate Ashworth 6-2 230 Roncalli
Michael Byrd 6-1 210 Ben Davis
Dane Corrick 6-2 210 Jeffersonville
Derek DiSalvo 6-2 210 Chatard
Chris Graham 6-0 220 Warren Central
Greg Horn 6-1 220 Plainfield
Aaron Jurek 6-2 230 Carmel
Jimmy Ladd 6-3 230 Center Grove
Craig Mansfield 6-1 220 Lafayette Jeff
Chris Marzotto 6-2 225 Lowell
Blake Maurer 6-0 200 Ev. Mater Dei
Adam O’Neill 5-11 175 SB Clay
Courtney Pearson 6-2 200 FW South
Scott Reider 6-1 220 LaPorte


FEBRUARY 1ST
Taking a look at top linemen for next season>
Linemen
It is in the trenches where the state’s top prospect of the class of 2004 plays. Chatard DE-TE Ryan Baker (6-7, 235) had over 25 tackles for a loss in leading Chatard to their second straight state championship. Baker could play either TE or DE in college. Other top offensive line propects include Chad Baldwin (6-6, 270) or Yorktown, Jamarcus Green (6-5, 270) of FW Snider, Andy Campbell (6-5, 260) of Warren Central, Brian Hilts (6-6, 250) of FW Dwenger , Sean Edmundson (6-5, 260) of Center Grove, Spencer West (6-3, 180) of Chesterton and Matt Moses (6-4, 260) of Columbus North.
On the defensive side look for Jordan Grimes (6-4, 280)of Plainfield and Nick Sexton (6-4, 220) of Roncalli to be top linemen.
Offensive Lineman
Kyle Autrey 6-3 270 Portage
Chad Baldwin 6-6 270 Yorktown
Andy Campbell 6-5 260 Warren Central
Aaron Cavazos 6-4 290 Griffith
Sean Edmundson 6-5 260 Center Grove
Jacob Fawley 6-4 240 Penn
Joe Freeman 6-3 270 Hamilton Heights
Kyle Graff 6-6 250 Laf. Jefferson
Jamarcus Green 6-5 270 FW Snider
Matt Hicks 6-3 220 FW Concordia
Brian Hilts 6-6 250 FW Dwenger
Matt Johnson 6-3 270 Valparaiso
Brandon Lee 6-4 260 New Albany
Curt Marmaduke 6-2 270 Browsnburg
Austin Martin 6-2 270 Hamilton SE
Joe McPhearson 6-6 260 Frankton
Andre Meeks 6-4 280 Hammond
Luke Mehringer 6-3 240 Jasper
Matt Moses 6-4 260 Columbus North
Russ Muir 6-5 260 Noblesville
Jameyus Richardson 6-2 270 Gary Wallace
Justin Richey 6-4 235 Seymour
Chris Robinson 6-4 250 Pike
Olamude Sanuth 6-4 270 Hammond Morton
Chris Snodgrass 6-4 260 Center Grove
Jake Stanley 6-4 270 Alexandria
Dave Stroud 6-7 285 Jennings County
Mark Tucker 6-2 310 TH South
Spencer West 6-3 280 Chesterton

Defensive Lineman
Benny Baines 6-2 210 Warren Central
Ryan Baker 6-6 235 Chatard
Steve Clark 6-6 240 Leo
Jordan Grimes 6-4 280 Plainfield
Christian Hall 6-5 250 Clinton Central
Trent Harris 6-3 240 Merrillville
Craig Henderson 6-3 300 Warren Central
Brandt Hollander 6-4 220 North Central
Anthony Johnson 6-3 240 Michigan City
Joe Piowoszkin 6-3 220 Center Grove
Dave Roeckel 6-5 270 Cloverdale
Nick Sexton 6-4 220 Roncalli
Shelby Smith 6-3 240 West Vigo
Casey Sponseller 6-2 220 Penn
Tim Taylor 6-5 330 Gary Wirt
Kyle Thomas 6-4 230 Bloom. North
Deon White 6-4 200 Fw Concordia
Mario White 6-5 210 FW South


JANUARY 31st
Taking a further look at next year's top football recruits
Defensive Backs
Several talented defensive backs in the class of 2004 will be recruited for various positions. Last season Notre Dame recruit Jeff Samardzija of Valparaiso received the majority of the headlines. Dan Paulsen (6-2, 180) of Portage had just as an outstanding year. The athletic Paulsen had 10 interceptions while also catching 57 passes for 734 yards. Versatile Devin Moore (6-1, 180) of Ritter played just about very position for the Cardinals. Moore rushed for over 1,000 yards caught passes for over 500 yards , returned two kicks for scores and also had 3 interceptions. Danville’s Clay Hamblen (6-0, 170) is another versatile kid. Hamblen had 11 interceptions and also rushed for 900 plus yards. Two defensive backs in Evansville to watch are Zach Barrett (6-5, 210) of Reitz and Kendall O’Donnell (6-2, 180) of Evansville North>

Defensive Backs
Uriah Austin 6-0 180 Hammond Morton
Zach Barrett 6-5 210 Evansville Reitz
Nathan Bieszka 5-8 170 Plymouth
Brandon Bryant 5-11 160 Harding
Craig Connell 6-1 165 North White
Gus Davenport 5-9 165 Ben Davis
Chris Deery 5-10 160 Scecina
Jason Egts 5-9 170 FW Luers
Lee Evans 5-10 170 Eastbrook
Scott Flagla 6-3 185 Mishawaka
Clay Hamblen 6-0 170 Danville
RJ Hartsfield 5-10 170 Salem
Justin Henley 5-11 180 Lowell
Kenny Jackson 6-1 180 Gary Wallace
David Link 6-0 190 Elkhart Memorial
Joe Montoleone 6-3 180 Portage
Devin Moore 6-1 180 Ritter
Josh Norris 6-3 190 Bloom. North
Courtney Nunn 6-1 180 Warren Central
Kendall O’Donnell 6-2 180 Evansville North
Dan Paulsen 6-2 180 Portage
Parker Roth 6-1 180 Winamac
Brett Wingardner 6-3 190 Pioneer
Andy Zimmer 6-1 200 Calumet


JANUARY 30th
In a game closer than the score East Chicago defeated West Side 66-58. The Cardinals came back from a 10-2 deficit to beat the best 4-9 team in America. The Cardinals were led by Warrior 6-4 senior Rodney Wash with 19 points and at least 12 rebounds. Wash may very well be the state's most underrated player. Rodney is a tirless worker who follows intructions and works his rear end off!! Tremaine Cooley the Cardinals junior guard had an off night shooting from the field, but added 12 points for the Cards, who hit an unbelievable 35 of 50 free throws. Donte Edwards and Willie Frazier came off the bench to add 12 and 11 points each.
By far the best player on the floor was 6-5 Cougar junior Jorie Peters. The long armed true point guard had 25 points. Peters playing in only his third game of the year is as talented as any. If he was a little more assertive he easily could of scored more. Speedy Sophomore Robert Hall (5-11) had 15 points. The Cougars big guy Sean Smith (6-7) was hampered by foul trouble and ended with 12 points. The Cougars need more production from the forward spots. Senior Jonathon Moore (6-6), coming off an injury, had 5 points and needs more touches. A possible sleeper for the Cougars is high flying junior newcomer Willie Trimble (6-2). This kid can flat out get up. The Cougars may be struggling now. They may very well make a run come sectional time, if they don't wait unitl next year with Peters, Smith and Hall among others joining quite possibly the best Jayvee player around in Merrillville transfer Darrin Weaver (6-4). The talented shooting guard was granted limited eligibility for this season. When the sectional comes around look for both of these talented teams to contend.


For those of you who want more basketball coverage just be patient. Remember a lot of the kids you see on the basketball court also excel on the gridiron. I will be at tonight's big game at East Chicago as the Cardinals take on West Side. It should be a dandy as both teams should be back at full strength. Hopefully some veterans Cards learned a lesson as a seemingly overmatched team almost upset Gary Roosevelt.
The Cougars should be tough now that Jorie Peters is back as well as Jonathon Moore is back from an injury. Should be a dandy tonight.

Taking a look at Wide Receivers for next season
Wide Receivers
If you are college football recruiter and you need some receivers head over to Fort Wayne where four of the state’s best reside. Jon Lapsley (6-4, 190) helped lead a Concordia revival in football catching 75 passes for 1405 yards and 12 tds. The lanky standout is also a top basketball player. Harding standout Reggie Smith (6-1, 175) caught 51 passes for 890 yards and 14 tds in 2002. Last season Snider coach Russ Isaacs moved Justin Wynn to receiver. The move was beneficial for both sides as Wynn had a great year catching 36 passes for 577 yards and 7 tds. . LaPorte has an outstanding prospect in Jerome Vann (6-4, 180). Last season Vann caught 27 passes. At River Forest Coach Tim Gault has had the right Price. Ricky Price (6-3, 190) that is catching passes for him. Price is the younger brother of Rafael Price, now at Purdue. The North Central Conference is known more for basketball but in 2003 recruiter should keep an eye on Lemmie Sanders (6-2, 185) of Marion and Louis Johnson (6-2, 175) of Muncie Central.

Wide Receivers
Kevin Bush 6-4 200 Homestead
Josh Clancy 5-10 160 Greenwood
Christian Graham 6-3 180 Warren Central
Jarron Hale 6-1 175 Hagerstown
Kent Harrington 6-3 200 Anderson
Louis Johnson 6-2 175 Muncie Central
Jon Lapsley 6-4 190 FW Concordia
Sammie Lee 6-1 180 Broad Ripple
Mike Lentz 6-5 190 Eastside
Nick Payne 6-4 200 Zionsville
Ricky Price 6-3 190 River Forest
Justin Russell 5-11 180 Lafayette Jeff.
Lemmie Sanders 6-2 185 Marion
Dan Schultz 5-11 180 Lafayette Jeff.
Reggie Smith 6-1 175 Harding
Nick Stockwell 6-0 170 Andrean
Sam Truitt 6-2 180 East Central
Jerome Vann 6-4 180 LaPorte
Tyrus Walker 6-2 185 FW Northrop
Kyle Wimberly 6-5 190 Warren Central
Justin Wynn 6-4 190 FW Snider


JANUARY 29th
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that twins Ben and Chris Schmidt of Jasper are heading to Indiana State. Look for both to be standouts in Terre Haute.

The STAR also has Lawrence North standout lineman Mike Rafaelliheaded to Central Michigan.

Roncalli record setting RB Marcus Nalley was leaning heavily to the University of Indianapolis. A big time program has shown some fresh interest. We will keep you informed.
Lineman Brent Surface of Michigan City will wait unitl after wrestling season to make a college decision. Surface could go for football or wrestling.

Today we take a look at RB's for next seson

Running Backs
If anybody would rank the best high school backfields in America for 2003 Warren Central would have to be considered for top billing. Warrior returnees combined for over 3600 yards last season. Mark Bonds (6-0, 220) will enter his third year as a starter. Though banged up late in the year Bonds still managed to run for 1170 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a sophomore Bonds rushed for almost 1500 yards. Warrior fullback Aaron Lacey (5-10, 205) ran for 1361 yards and 16 touchdowns of his own. The Warriors third halfback Stephen Willis (5-11, 190) fell just short of their coveted 1,000 yard mark, running for 984 yards and 6 touchdowns. For good measure QB Desmond Tardy ran for 891 yards of his own. Look for college recruiter to hang out at Warren Central looking at this quartet of Warriors.
When Jermell Whorton (5-9, 190) was a sophomore at Cathedral the comparisons to Otis Shannon were natural. Whorton though moved to Ben Davis and last season was unbelievable in leading the Giants to the state Championship. Whorton, who also plays point guard in basketball, rushed for over 1760 yards and 28 touchdowns.
For years Concordia was not a factor in Fort Wayne Football. A terrific group of skill players changed that last year. Leading the charge is explosive RB Bryan Payton (5-10, 190). In leading the Cadets to the semi state Payton ran for 1769 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Basketball is king at Floyd Central, but RB Tyler Gholston (5-10, 170) is looking to change that. The speedy Gholston ran for 1316 yards last season.
Two kids who could blossom as old type fullbacks at the college level are Dave Swenson (6-2, 235) of Crown Point and Jermaine Guynn (6-2, 230) of Cathedral.
Speedy Brandon Mosley (5-11, 190) of Merrillville and Craig Jenkins (6-0, 190) both have big time potential.
Dwenger’s Zach Till (6-1, 190) put up great numbers as a junior rushing for 1486 yards.
Jack Kosinski (6-0, 200) , who transferred from Lake Central Griffith prior to last season, is a threat every time he touches the ball. Kosinski compiled over 2000 yards of total yardage.

Blake Allen 5-11 160 Springs Valley
Brett Bach 5-11 180 Highland
Charles Bailey 6-1 190 FW Northrop
Nathan Bieszka 5-8 170 Plymouth
Mark Bonds 6-0 220 Warren Central
Jeremy Brown 6-1 180 TH North
Pierre Bush 5-9 170 North Central
Scott Cassell 5-11 200 West Vigo
Brett Claxton 5-10 220 Shelbyville
Brett Dawson 6-0 175 Vincennes
Bart Early 5-8 160 Chatard
Andre Echols 6-3 240 And. Highland
Tyler Gholston 5-10 170 Floyd Central
Josh Green 5-8 175 Tipton
Jermaine Guynn 6-2 230 Cathedral
Clay Hamblen 6-0 170 Danville
RJ Hartsfield 5-8 160 Salem
Jesse Hayes 5-9 170 Knightstown
Justin Henley 5-10 180 Lowell
Julius Hollis 6-0 180 Gary Wallace
Kevin Hostetler 5-9 150 North Miami
Craig Jenkins 6-0 190 Lawrence North
Joe Johnson 5-11 180 Providence
Jack Kosinski 6-0 200 Griffith
Aaron Lacey 5-10 205 Warren Central
David Link 5-11 185 Elk. Memorial
Brian Moore 6-2 220 Park Tudor
Brandon Mosley 5-11 190 Merrillville
Brad Noble 5-11 175 East Central
Andy Patten 6-0 180 Wheeler
Andre Payne 5-11 180 And. Highland
Bryan Payton 5-10 190 FW Concordia
Ramon Pierce 6-0 180 Alexandria
Tyler Roberts 5-8 165 New Prairie
Kevin Shaw 5-10 190 Center Grove
Dave Swenson (FB) 6-2 235 Crown Point
Zach Till 6-1 190 FW Dwenger
Uriah Austin 5-10 180 Hammond Morton
Tyler White 5-7 155 Paoli
Jermell Whorton 5-9 190 Ben Davis
Stephen Willis 5-11 190 Warren Central
Antwan Wooten 6-0 180 Peru


JANUARY 28th
Starting today we will take a position by position look at the top football prospects for next season.

Quarterbacks
Indiana has long been known as a basketball state. In football Indiana should be known as a quarterback state. Bob Griese, Mark Hermann, Jeff George and Rick Mirer are just a few of the former Indiana prep QB’s to make it big time. Take a look at the famed Southeastern Conference last season. James Banks of Ben Davis (Tennessee), Jay Cutler of Heritage Hills (Vanderbilt), Matt Mauck of Jasper (LSU) and Rex Grossman of Bloomington South (Florida) all started games last season in this famed football mecca. This past season Clayton Richard of McCutcheon garnered recruiting attention from coast to coast before casting his lot with the Michigan Wolverines.
This upcoming season will feature some more talented QB’s looking to make their mark. The two QB’s who figure to get the most attention are Curtis Painter(6-5, 200) of Vincennes Lincoln and Mike Vlahogeorge (6-4, 220) of Lafayette Jefferson.
Painter, who also is a double digit basketball scorer, threw for 2,080 yards and 22 touchdowns while only throwing 7 interceptions, For good measure Painter also scrambled for over 500 yards rushing. Indiana University fans sure hope Painter makes the short trek to Bloomington. Coach Gerry DiNardo will have to hold off national recruiters though.
At Lafayette Jefferson Vlahogeorge will have to rest his arm after attempting 520 passes last season. The bad news for opponents is Vlahogeorge completed 281 passes for 4,259 yards and 37 touchdowns. The yardage is the second best passing season in Indiana prep history. Look for the Boilers to try and hold off national programs from making a run at this hometown product.
Four year starter Anthony Lindsey (6-1, 180) has helped lead the football revival at Bloomington North. Lindsey will be a four year starter in football and two year in basketball. This talented athlete, who threw for 2106 yards and 25 touchdowns, will have his pick of sports for college.
Broad Ripple coach Keith Burke hopes Rob Thomas (6-1, 170) makes his senior season his best. If Thomas does that speaks volumes for this four year starter, who already has thrown for over 5000 career yards. Last season Thomas threw for 2,007 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for over 700 yards.
Last season Warren Central had an incredible season. Losing only to Ben Davis in the regional. The Warriors, who figure to be the favorite in class 5A to bring home the championship in 2003, will be led again by versatile Desmond Tardy (6-1, 180). Last season Tardy did it both on the ground (891 yards rushing) and in the air (594 yards). His 30 completions included 11 touchdowns.
Franklin Central coach Lance Scheib caught passes from Jeff George at both Warren Central and at Purdue. So Scheib knows a little about quarterback play. Trevor Toon (6-4, 180) threw for 1625 yards and 17 touchdowns last season for the Flashes.
The best news for John Hart when he took the Evansville Reitz job was he was able to bring his QB son with him. Nick Hart (6-3, 220) threw for almost 1500 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Quarterbacks who will garner recruiting attention in 2003
Kevin Brandy 6-2 170 LaPorte
Kris Boyd 6-0 170 Highland
TJ Brown 6-2 190 East Central
Wally Cirafesi 6-2 200 Munster
Matt Cowan 5-11 170 Crown Point
Keon Davis 6-2 190 Anderson
Lee Evans 5-10 175 Eastbrook
Garrett Fisher 6-2 175 Hagerstown
Nick Hart 6-3 220 Evansville Reitz
Craig Horman 6-3 200 Lawrence Central
Cory Julian 5-11 160 Tecumseh
Trennen Kidder 6-3 170 Eastside
Chris Klakamp 6-3 180 Seymour
Anthony Lindsey 6-1 180 Bloom. North
Joe McDonnell 6-0 165 SB St. Joe’s
Mark Nicolet 6-3 200 Zionsville
Scott Overby 6-1 175 Westfield
Curtis Painter 6-5 200 Vincennes
Jason Schortgen 6-0 200 Norwell
TJ Siple 6-0 165 Tri-West
Desmond Tardy 6-1 180 Warren Central
Robert Thomas 6-1 170 Broad Ripple
Chase Thurston 5-9 160 Yorktown
Trevor Toon 6-4 180 Franklin Central
Mike Vlahogeorge 6-4 220 Laf. Jefferson
Jeff Wedding 6-3 190 East Noble
Logan Whitman 6-2 180 Northview


JANUARY 27th
Lafayette Jefferson record setting WR Dustin Keller has switched his committment from Toledo to Purdue. Keller is the second Indiana prep to de-committ from Toledo with Jake Powers (IU) also doing so. This could also help Purdue with one of the state's top two junior QB's Mike Vlahogeorge. The record setting Vlahogeorge joins Vincennes Lincoln's Curtis Painter as highly regarded Indiana signalcallers for next season.

Morton WR Darion Reed is visiting Saginaw Valley State next weekend. QB Adam Keilman also had they offer to visit, but would like to pursue basketball offers.

Danville DT Anthony Freimanis was caught in the crosshairs of two coaching changes at Ball State and Louisville. Freimamnis is now gaining interst from Central Michigan and Ball State. Teammate Mark Murphy(LB) is headed to Butler.

No one works harder in helping his players enter college than Mark Hoffman at Valparaiso. WR Jeff Samardzija (Notre Dame) and DB Mike Dorulla (Ball State) made pre-season choices. Record setting kicker Carl Gioia is headed to Notre Dame as a preferred walk on with the possibility of a scholarship should one open. Gioia will have a golden opportunity of replacing Nick Setta after next season. Four year starting QB Jason Renn is headed to West Lafayette and Purdue also as a preferred walk on. Renn if he doesn't get a opportunity at QB could also be moved to another spot. LB Nick Windsor is headed to Butler while WR Adrian Demko is Ivy league bound to Columbia. Other Vikings who figure to make college choices soon include John Coggins, Andy McHenry, Ben Potts, Matt Coburn and Chance Garbison. Kudos to Coach Hoffman and his staff for a