Underclassmen aren’t disappointing
No. 1
The senior class in the area lacks bona fide, high-profile stars who are nationally ranked and sought-after high-major recruits.
But the younger classes seem to have more potential.
Morgan Park guard Adam Miller is already ranked among the top 35 prospects in the country in the Class of 2020.
Young’s DJ Steward, who is currently a top-100 prospect nationally, showed he’s ready to elevate his stock after a great performance at the Chicago Elite Classic. He scored 25 points and added eight rebounds and three assists in the victory against Mater Dei (California).
Superstar sophomore Max Christie of Rolling Meadows is off to a fantastic start, too. Even with a two-point game in a loss to Wheaton South, the 6-5 guard is averaging 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Mustangs’ 4-1 start.
No. 2
The breakout player of the year thus far? How about little-known Dom Martinelli of Glenbrook South.
A veteran senior group, led by point guard Will King, has coach Phil Ralston’s Titans rolling. But the 6-0 start has been fueled in large part by Martinelli, a 6-3 junior who averaged 9.3 points last season.
Martinelli scored 34 points in Glenbrook South’s stunning victory against Evanston last week and is averaging 23 points. He was MVP of the Buffalo Grove Thanksgiving Tournament.
Already a savvy scorer, Martinelli put in a ton of work in the offseason and has improved his perimeter shot.
“My mindset when last season ended was to become a better all-around player, but I especially wanted to become a better outside threat,” Martinelli said. “That extra work has made me a more confident player.”
No. 3
Benet is a different team with a look that currently deviates from its past success.
If you haven’t noticed, the Redwings have scored 60 or more points in each game this season and are averaging just under 70 points in their 6-0 start. Last year, Benet scored 60 or more points eight times during the entire regular season.
Benet can score, play with pace and shoot the basketball. But there is cause for concern as this team hasn’t shown the type of toughness and defensive prowess that Gene Heidkamp’s teams usually do — at least not yet.
Senior Will Engels is a luxury on the perimeter and there is difference-making size and versatility in the tandem of 6-6 Kendrick Tchoua and junior Colin Crothers, who combined to score 51 points in last week’s 77-60 victory against St. Charles East.
The 6-7 Crothers can work around the basket while also being capable of stepping away and making perimeter jumpers.
Tchoua has been a load, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds. The 6-6 senior is one of the best unsigned prospects in the Class of 2019.