Palatine’s May takes D-III route
Talented scorer heading to Washington U. in St. Louis
Small-college commitments at the Division II and Division III levels often can go unnoticed. But Palatine’s Connor May committing to Washington University in St. Louis is one that resonates.
May committed over the weekend to the Division III school and figures to be one of the highest-ranked prospects headed to that level when it’s all said and done. The nationally ranked basketball team and the elite academics were enough for May to make the commitment.
After helping lead the Pirates to a MidSuburban League championship a year ago, the 6-7 forward again is leading Palatine, averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game.
May recently surpassed 1,000 career points and is among the top five scorers in Palatine basketball history.
Waubonsie Valley impresses
Maybe the least talked about unbeaten, ranked team in the area is Waubonsie Valley. That will change as the Warriors surely add wins to their red-hot 8-0 start.
In a tough and balanced DuPage Valley Conference, it’s Waubonsie Valley that has quickly solidified itself as the favorite after a convincing win over Metea Valley last weekend.
And it’s Waubonsie Valley that has emerged as the team to beat in the Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs this month.
There’s talent in place. Senior Tre Blissett is an athletic 6-5 Swiss Army knife who leads the team with 13.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals a game. Junior point guard Tyreek Coleman (10 ppg, 3.5 apg) makes them go, and Moses Wilson (7.3 ppg) is another super intriguing player quickly making a name for himself.
But Waubonsie offers a neutralizer beyond its personnel. Coach Andrew Schweitzer’s team blends its quickness and length to form what is quickly becoming a frustrating ballpress defense. From getting the ball up the floor to rotating the ball to contesting shots, everything is difficult against it.
Schweitzer implemented the ball-press the moment he arrived as head coach in 2021. He spent seven years as part of coach Mike Healy’s Wheaton Warrenville South program, which has thrived using the ballpress. Schweitzer’s plan was to bring over what he knew from coaching with Healy.
“There are rules, rotations and certain things when installing the ball-press,” Schweitzer said. “But when the kids figure it out and get a feel for it, that’s when it can take another step.”
Schweitzer still believes there’s plenty of room to grow, but the effectiveness of the defense is clear. The Warriors have yet to allow an opponent to score 45 points this season.
Grieves sets a date
Metamora has become a household name in Illinois high school basketball the past few years, thanks in large part to coach Danny Grieves.
Under Grieves, the Redbirds have put together consecutive 30-win seasons, finishing second in the state in 2022 and winning a Class 3A state title last season.
This is a central Illinois school where football has ruled for decades and where basketball enjoyed very little success before Grieves’ arrival in 2011. Metamora had never won a sectional championship and just six regional titles the previous 60 years.
But one of the more underrated coaches in the state is calling it a career. After originally planning to retire after the 2024-25 season, Grieves recently announced this will be his last season.
Grieves will bring his final Metamora team to the Chicago area this month. The Redbirds, who are once again a serious threat in Class 3A, will play at the Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York.