Final push
With an improved jumper, Thornton’s Hall says ‘it’s all about confidence,’ before making commitment to East Tennessee State.
For Thornton’s Brandon Hall, the key to improving his game to the point where hewould attract more interest from colleges came down to the basics.
“I couldn’t hit a shot when I was a sophomore,” Hall said. “I improved my jump shot a lot over last season and then this summer. I’m knocking them down more consistently.
“It’s all confidence. If you go out there feeling like you can make every shot and you put the work in, then you can make all the shots you take. It’s a good shot as long as you have confidence in it.”
The work paid off for Hall as the senior guard accomplished his goal of making it to theNCAA Division I level. He recently committed to East Tennessee State.
“I was able to talk a lot with their coaches on Zoom,” Hall said. “They have everything I wanted in a school — nice facilities, good weather. It checked off everything that mattered to me, so it seemed like a perfect fit.”
Over the summer, Hall sought to maximize limited opportunities to compete.
“Junior year, I wasn’t really talking to any coaches,” he said. “I was able to play in a couple tournaments this summer. You wanted to go out there and play your hardest and make a good impression on coaches because you didn’t know when you were going to have that chance again. Everythingwas unknown.”
Hall’s recruiting started to heat up after the tournaments.
“I talked to about seven or eight coaches in aweek,” he said. “East Tennessee State was my first offer. Once they offered me, I felt like I couldn’t gowrong.”
Thornton coach Tai Streets feelsHall can be successful at the next level.
“He’s a versatile kid who can do a lot of things onthe court and he’s got a lot of upside,” Streets said. “I’m very excited. I think that’s a great spot for him.
“He gets it. He’sworking hard. He had a little body fat on him the first couple years, but he looks like a basketball player now. He’s toned up. He’s ready to go.
Hall is especially ready to go for the Wildcats after the way last season ended.
Thornton advanced to the sectional championship round before the rest of the playoffs were canceled by the Illinois High School Association due to the coronavirus.
“I honestly can’t wait to play,” Hall said. “Last year, we were going to the state championship game. Iknowwewere. Thatadds more fuel to the fire. If God willing we have a season, that’s our opportunity to get back to that same place.”
Ivy bound: Senior Keara McGowan, the most accomplished female swimmer in Lincoln-Way Central history, madeher college destination official when she signed with Penn.
“I’m really excited,” McGowan said. “I’ve always had a goal to swim in college, and to be able to do it at such a great school means a lot.”
McGowan holds 10 program records for the Knights. She finished ninth in the state in the 50-yard freestyle as a junior in 2018-19.
Her favorite accomplishment, though, was a team one.
“Winning sectionals as a sophomore,” she said. “Itwas the first sectional championship in Central history and it was just such a special moment.”
Tidbits: In football, LincolnWay East senior defensive back J.C. Vander Kooi committed to Dordt … In baseball, LincolnWay East senior catcher Nicholas Heerde committed to Lawrence and Home woodFloss mo or senior pitcher Carter Andersen committed to Maryville… In basketball, Mount Carmel senior forward Jake Harris committed to Central College … In soccer, Lincoln-Way East senior defender/forward Jeff Newberry committed to St. Xavier … In volleyball, Mother McAuley senior outside hitter Connie LeBel committed to Ferris State.