ORR READY FOR MORE
Talented group returns for another shot at postseason glory
Orr has evolved from a basketball afterthought into a media sensation. The Spartans were the subject of Rick Telander’s remarkable series “A Season Under the Gun” last year. There’s even a movie on the way, “Shot in the Dark,” a documentary focused on Orr’s 2014 team.
“It’s overwhelming,” Orr coach Lou Adams said. “I’m ecstatic right now. The kids deserve it.”
1. Orr
Nearly everyone returns from last season’s Class 2A champs, and the Spartans have added Chase Adams from Marian Catholic and Demarius Splunge from Clark. Dannie Smith is one of the area’s most reliable double- double threats, Ty Mosley can do it all on the wing and Raekwon Drake is the city’s premier highlight show. All the pieces are in place for a special season.
2. Simeon
Kejuan Clements, Talen HortonTucker and Messiah Jones all return from the squad that finished second in Class 4A last season. Two transfers, Xavier Pinson and Zion Young, will play significant roles. Freshman Ahmad Bynum is getting raves.
3. Morgan Park
Phenom Nimari Burnett moved to California, but the Mustangs are still loaded. They have the state’s best senior, Ayo Dosunmu, and the best sophomore, Peoria Manual transfer Adam Miller.
4. Young
Starters Xavier Castaneda, Javon Freeman and Justin Boyd all return for the defending Class 4A champs. Junior Myles Baker and sophomore Tyler Beard flashed impressive potential last season and will be key figures.
5. Curie
Treavon Martin and Tyree Martin return to hold things down in the paint and are joined by an all- new backcourt featuring three transfers, Maurice Commander ( Marist), Jayden Gasby ( UP- Englewood) and Marquise Walker ( St. Joseph).
6. Niles North
DeMaria Franklin, Dravon Clayborn and Jamal Stephenson give the Vikings an athletic, dynamic senior core.
They were terrific at times last season but will need to find consistency.
7. Romeoville
The deepest, most talented team in the suburbs. Senior guards DeAndre Heckard and Kahlil Blakney return with 6- 6 Donita Johnson. Junior Mike Salter is one of the area’s most intriguing talents and 6- 5 sophomore Destin Whitaker provides some size. The addition of multi- faceted senior Eddie Creal, a transfer from Joliet West, fills a lot of holes.
8. Fenwick
Sophomore DJ Steward was a sensation last season. He’s back and surrounded by a focused, talented group of seniors: AJ Nixon, Billy Bruce, 6- 4 Mike O’Laughlin and Sam Daniels. Junior Damari Nixon, a 6- 1 guard, had an excellent summer.
9. Waukegan
The Bulldogs lost some major pieces, but the Brown’s ( not related) are all back. Expect 6- 5 junior Bryant Brown to become one of the area’s dominant players. Ja’Dyn Brown and Jordan Brown are talented, clutch guards. They will rely on speed and athleticism.
10. Larkin
Senior guard Anthony Lynch leads a deep group of guards, but 6- 9 senior Jalen Shaw is the key difference- maker. If he finds consistency, the sky is the limit for the Royals.
11. Bogan
Junior Jeremiah Washington is a small but a destructive force. Senior Cortez Bailey adds some
experience. Rashaun Agee, a 6- 5 junior, is one of the city’s best rebounders.
12. Bolingbrook
Junior Tyler Cochran was one of the big eye- openers on the summer circuit. He’s part of an impressive guard trio which includes junior Joseph Yesufu and senior Kaleb Thornton.
13. St. Rita
The Mustangs don’t have a breakout superstar, but they have all the right pieces. Senior guard and leading scorer Jordan Matthews returns. Sophomore guard Joel Watts can play and there is plenty of size with 6- 6 Jeremiah Oden, 6- 8 Cam Bartman and 6- 5 Landen Gladney.
14. West Aurora
Mostly everyone returns from a team that lost to Bolingbrook in the sectional semifinals last season. Camron Donatlan is a four- year varsity star. Senior Jared Crutcher is underrated. Junior point guard Traevon Brown transferred in from East Aurora and will be a major contributor.
15. Oak Park
Senior Isaiah Fuller emerged over the summer. He’ll team with junior Dashon Enoch in an excellent backcourt. Charles Hoehne, a 6- 6 junior, can do a lot.
16. St. Charles East
Senior Justin Hardy is one of the area’s top scorers. The senior class is strong overall and has some the length. The Saints have shooters all over the court, including Nate Ortiz, Zach Robinson and Charles Murphy.
17. Hinsdale South
Senior Zion Griffin, a 6- 6 Iowa State recruit, was the breakout star of the summer. A lot will rest on his shoulders. Senior guard Robert Barnes can play and 6- 8 sophomore Aaron Tims should be a major factor.
18. Farragut
Junior Aaron Strong and sophomore Reggie Strong give the Admirals one of the area’s best back courts. Edmund Forrest is an underrated junior. Size and depth could be an issue.
19. Evanston
The Wildkits lost a ton, but have a stable of talented young guards, led by juniors Lance Jones and Jaheim Holden. It could be a rough start, but the potential here is high.
20. Uplift
Kansas recruit Markese Jacobs is one of the area’s most intriguing talents. If he stays focused and dominates the Titans will be a major threat in the city. Toraze Dobbs, a spirited 6- 5 forward, can play inside and outside.
21. Kenwood
The Broncos have two athletic, highlight reel seniors in 6- 6 Nas Turner and 6- 4 RJ McGee. The emergence of junior point guard Artese Stapleton will be key to any success.
22. DePaul Prep
Junior Perry Cowan is one of the area’s most dependable scorers. Pavle Pantovic, a rugged 6- 5 junior, provides a physical presence. Sophomore Lance Mosley has flashed a ton of potential.
23. Willowbrook
Everyone returns from a 24- 5 squad that was upset in the first round of the playoffs last season. Ethan Schuemer, a 6- 6 senior, can play inside and outside. Shooter Matas Masys is dangerous.
24. Lincoln- Way East
Sam Shafer, a 6- 6 SIU recruit, leads what could be the best team in school history. Two sophomores, 6- 8 Nate Seputis and 6- 7 Sean McClaughlin, provide some nice size.
25. Proviso East
The Pirates expect senior Quinlan Bennett to emerge as a star this season. They also picked up Jeremiah Jones, a transfer from St. Patrick.