Dynamic duo leading way for Simeon
No. 1
There might not be a 1- 2 punch in the Chicago area better than Simeon’s Talen Horton- Tucker and Messiah Jones. The duo has been a prime example of consistency and production.
When you combine the versatility Horton- Tucker brings to the table and the presence around the basket at both ends that Jones offers, it’s no wonder Simeon is 6- 0 and ranked No. 1 in the state.
“They know each other so well and play different spots, so it makes it so much easier,” Simeon coach Robert Smith said of his prized tandem. “We try and keep them together on the same side of the floor, and it’s been a real luxury so far.”
Horton- Tucker, who signed with Iowa State, is one of the most skilled all- around players in the state with his ability to dribble, pass and shoot. The 6- 4 do- it- all threat is averaging 21.5 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals per game.
The Drake- bound Jones, a finisher around the rim and an athletic glass cleaner at 6- 5, is putting up a double- double, averaging 18.3 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
No. 2
The East Suburban Catholic Conference has been hit hard by departures, both to graduation and transfers. But the league is off to a stellar start as teams head to holiday tournaments across the state next week.
The top five teams in the conference are a combined 41- 5 overall. When you add Carmel’s 6- 1 nonconference record to the mix, the ESCC is an impressive 39- 4 outside of conference play.
The ESCC will get its chance over the holidays to prove its worth. Benet plays in a loaded Pontiac field. St. Viator is at Wheeling with unbeaten Niles North and Waukegan. Marist heads to Centralia, where one of the state’s best, Belleville West, will be favored. Marian Catholic hopes to get a shot at the likes of DePaul Prep and Bolingbrook at Hinsdale Central.
No. 3
There are dozens of improved players throughout the Chicago area in the senior class. But no one has made a bigger jump than Notre Dame’s Dusan Mahorcic.
After playing a limited role last season as a junior, the 6- 9 Mahorcic, who moved to the United States from Montenegro during his sophomore season, has im- proved every facet of his game.
“He’s developed his game and improved tremendously based on the work he put in, both in the gym and in the weight room,” first- year coach Kevin Clancy said.
Mahorcic, who had a tripledouble last weekend in a win over Carmel, is averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. The skilled big man is shooting 63 percent from the field and has had games with 34, 25 and 24 points this season.
Now among the City/ Suburban Hoops Report’s top 30 prospects in the Class of 2018, Mahorcic certainly will grab the attention of Division I coaches going forward. He’s a player with good coordination and shooting touch and an undeniable high ceiling.