Chicago Public League Sports Blog

Scouting Report - Trevor Gills of Harlan

 

Trevor Gills (6-1, 175lb, sr, Guard) from Harlan

I've know of Trevor Gills from his high jumping ability in track. He is my early pre-season favorite to win the CPS high jump. What a lot of people don't know is that Gills is a pretty darn good basketball player as well. I got a chance to see Gills play at the recent Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York High School.

I left feeling that Gills could be the best player on Harlan's basketball team.

Gills stands at about 6-1 and weighs 175lbs. He is not a small guy for guard and seems to be built solid. As for his basketball play. He plays shooting guard and point guard for Harlan.  I liked his defensive intensity. He's the type of guy that will put relentless pressure on the opposing guard bringing up the ball. His pressure alone resulted in about one or two extra forced turnovers.

I did not keep track of the points during the game that Gills played. But, I did speak to a Harlan assistant coach after the game and he told me that Gill led Harlan in scoring that day. Offensively, I did not get to see any Monster dunks by Gills, but I did get to see his quickness and leaping ability that makes him one of the city's best high jumpers. Gill can score using his ability both by driving to the basket and shooting the mid-range jumper.

Gills is part of a senior laden Harlan team that is in the Red-South conference, the toughest conference in the state with state ranked Simeon, Morgan Park, Brooks, and CVS. So Harlan's conference record may not turn out ot be the best this year. Gill is supported by a couple talented big men that includes 6-8 260lb Ronzelle Fort and 6-6 senior Dondricus Kellum.

Related
Video - Wayne Blackshear - Morgan Park
CPS basketball fan page
Hollis Hill, (guard, sr.) CVS
David Williams (forward, sr. Corliss)
Markee Williams (fr), Morgan Park
Aaron Williams (sr), CVS

Mather Shocks Lane for Luther North Title

Kenneth Murphy (5-10, jr guard)

Mather came in with a gawdy record of something like 11-1. Lane has 4 losses this year. Despite the differences in record, I fully expected Lane to beat Mather in the championship game of the Luther North Tournament. After all Lane is in the Red-North and Mather is in the less competitive Blue conference.

Instead, Mather beat Lane Tech 71-62 to take the championship of the tournament.

Luther North Tournament Final Day Results

Holy Trinity 51, Jones 50

Latin 64, Elmwood Park 48

Maine East 85, Immaculate Conception 70

Northtown 49, Guerin 38

St. Francis de Sales 76, Luther North 66
Alex Vazquez scored 19 points for St. Francis de Sales (7-6).

Consolation Championship: Taft 57, Oak Lawn 50

3rd place: Ridgewood 51, Gordon Tech 46
Pete Mroz scored a team-high 14 for Ridgewood (8-7).


Championship: Mather 71, Lane 62

As I get more details of the game I'll put it in the comments section.

Ameen Solebo of Mather....CPSfan.com 3 sport boys athlete of the year 2009

 
Ameen Solebo of Mather. All-conference in football, wrestling runner up, and defending city champion in the shot put.

When you goto a school that is not named Lane, Simeon, or Morgan Park there is sometimes a tendency for an athlete to be overlooked. Even in a blog like this that specializes in the CPS, athletes still get over looked. Not by design, but because the CPS has so many good athletes. A good example of this is Monica Pinkus of Northside Prep. She went from being known mainly by the girls swimming or Northside community, to one of the most talked about athletes because she got recognition as the female athlete of the year. The reason why she was not talked a lot about was because her sport was girls swimming- a sport which was given only little coverage in this blog.

 

In the case of Ameen Solebo of Mather, I write a lot about his sports of football, track and field, and wrestling yet, I still rarely mentioned his name. Not any longer. For his on field performance, I am giving Ameen Solebo the CPSfan.com boys 3-sport athlete of the calendar year 2009.

 

Solebo is known all over Mather, but for those of you not familiar with Solebo's accomplishments here they are.

 

Football

Solebo is one of the top players for a Mather team that completely overachieved this year. Mather is in a Chicago conference. Teams in a Chicago conference only have one goal. That is, to win the Chicago conference and get moved up to the more competitive Illini conference. For years, Mather was in the Illini conference and even won a Prep Bowl not too long ago. But Mather fell on hard times and got sent down to the Chicago conference a couple years ago. At the beginning of the season, I had Foreman - with their bruising running game and Taft with quarterback Mike Shewchuck pegged to finish ahead of Mather. But, Mather behind the play of Solebo and company prevailed to win the conference and thus move his team up to an Illini conference next year (probably the one with Lane and Simeon).

 

For his efforts in football, Solebo was named all-conference.

 

Wrestling

When I think of the top wrestling programs in the CPS, I think of Lane Tech, Kelly, Fenger, and Mather. Mather and Lane are fierce rivals and their dual meet that they hold every year is much anticipated. One of the top wrestlers in Mather's program is Ameen Solebo. Solebo advanced to state in wrestling two years ago. Last year Solebo finished in  2nd place in the city at 189 lbs to help Mather to a 3rd place city finish.

 

Track and Field

 
Mather also has one of the top track and field programs in the city.  A large part of Mather's success the past two years has been due to the efforts fo Solebo. 

 

Two years ago Solebo finished 4th in the shot put and 3rd in the discus at city.Last year, Solebo finished 1st in the shot put and 2nd in the discus to help Mather's 4th place city finish. Solebo finished 4th at the tough Loyola Academy sectionals - just missing the second and final state qualifying mark. The top 3 advanced to state.

Oh, by the way, Solebo also runs on Mather's 4x1 and 4x2 relay teams.

Videos Now - Mather vs Ridgewood - 1st 10 minutes of basketball game 12/29/09

Videos Now: last few seconds of Gordon Tech Lane Tech basketball game 12/29/09

more videos and coverage coming soon....

Intense

Lane Gets By Gordon Tech 58-55 in Rivalry Battle

This was my first time seeing Lane play this year. I was immediately impressed by the play of point guard Anton Adkins (jr- 5-10). This guy is one cocky player. But he can back it up with his play. In addition to the 3 or 4 3 pointers he made, he made some amazing assists and some clutch free throws.

The game between Lane Tech and Gordon Tech at the Luther North Holiday Tournament completely lived up to it's billing as Lane Tech won a see saw battle 58-55.

This game had so many story lines and was one of the most pulse pounding games I've seen in a while.

First of all, Lane Tech and Gordon Tech are only two blocks away from each other. I grew up calling Gordon Tech goats. A lot of my elementary school classmates went to Gordon, which back then was all-boys. My classmates were jealous that Lane had girls.

Then, this is probably the best team Gordon Tech has had in at least a decade. They are senior led with players like Martell Moore. Moore is a 6-0 guard and their leading scorer. Lane could not stop him all night as he led Gordon with about 25 points. Gordon is also big with players like 6-5 Danny Britt.

Martell Moore of Gordon Tech shoots a free throw.

Lane was down by 12 to Gordon Tech in this game. But with the aide of a full court doberman like defense, Lane came back to tie the game at 47 at the beginning of the 4th quarter. The 4th quarter saw the crowd intensity raise as all the players picked up their game battling for every possession. Near the end of the game, an intense Adkins silenced the Gordon Tech cheering section with his free throws. They in return got verbal back to him. A parent and some students ended up jawing with the referee. the referee kicked out a verbal parent.

At the end of the game, my throat was parched due to all the yelling and cheering I did at the game.

I'll get up some pictures and videos of this game in future posts.

Lane plays Mather Wednesday (Dec 30) for the championship.

Comeback

Down 17, Mather comes back to stun Ridgewood in Luther North Tourney Semi's

Benji Osinake (jr, 6-2, Forward) of Mather is surrounded by Ridgewood players. I was impressed by Osinake's agressiveness and toughness. After the game, I asked him:"your a street baller?" He came back and said "Yeah". He also told me he is the cousin of Mather three sport star Ameen Solebo (discus city champ).

I traveled to the North Side of Chicago to watch a Mather team that came into this game with a record of about 10-1 - with their only loss to Lincoln Park earlier this season. The stage was big- the semi-finals of the Luther North boys basketball Holiday Tournament. The first half was even as the teams played close.

But  in the second half a surprising Ridgewood team erupted to take a 17 point lead. Then Mather began to show why it was 10-1:

• Leading scorer Brandon Roby (6-2, guard), only a junior hit a couple three pointers. Roby, in my opinion is the most talented player on the team. He can hit the outside shot and drive to the ball.

Kyle Gordon (6-2, guard/forward, jr) sparked the comback with a three pointer and a big 2nd half bucket.

Mather ended up winning 73-67 over a deflated Ridgewood team that had hopes of making their first ever Luther North Tourney final. Mather, rarely goes this far as well. Mather plays north side rival Lane Tech for the championship tomorrow (Wed).

More videos, pictures, etc on this game in future posts.

400 Threat

Deon Sanders of Dunbar returns with the 5th top state meet time in the 400

The Dunbar Mighty Men from the south side have an improving track program.

Dunbar's Deon Sanders (sr) came within 2 places and only .58 of advancing to the final day of the state finals in the 400 meter dash. He ran the race of his life running a PR of 50.09 but fell just short. In his state prelim heat he beat Damiriuas Thomas of East St. Louis and Marlon Stoby of Evanston. They both had state finals aspirations.

Last year, Sander's was largely not known. This year, Sanders returns as the 9th fastest 400 runner from the Dystat 2008-0 season 400 Leaderboard.

Top 15 Returning "AAA" runners from the Dyestat 2008 final leaderboards..

400
1. Eric Oliver Homewood-Floss SR 47.85
2. Aryan Avant Nequa Valley SR 48.76
3. Derek Drew Oswego East JR 49.20
4/5 Kyle Ishman Belleville East SR 49.24*
4/5 Dameon Morgan Edwardsville SO 49.24*
6/7 Sam Howard Lake Forest SR 49.74*
6/7 Dominique Manley Collinsville SR 49.74*
8. Damirius Thomas East St Louis JR 49.80
9. Deon Sanders Chi Dunbar SR 50.09
10/11Marlon Stoby Evanston JR 50.14*
10/11Tavarius Thomas Zion-Benton SR 50.14*
12.DeMykhal Teague East Moline SR 50.16
13.Andy Martinez East Moline SR 50.31
14/15Tesean Jackson Downers Gr Sout SR 50.34*
14/15 Brian Snyder New Trier JR 50.34*

Spencer Williams (so) of Calumet returns with the 2nd fastest 400 meter time in the CPS.

Sanders is also the top returning CPS runner in the 400. 

50.09 - Deon Sanders (sr) - Dunbar
51.30 - Spencer Williams (so) - Calumet
51.37 - Lyndon Darden (sr) - Whitney Young
51.38 - Welton Crayton (jr) - Harlan
51.46 - Malcolm Brown (sr) - Kenwood
51.86 - Cameron Allen (sr) - Whitney Young
52.47 - Mac Melto (so) - Northside Prep
53.18 - Marlon Marshall (sr) - Urban Prep
53.30 - Tomaszc Cylo (so) - Lane Tech
53.44 - Vincent Perkins (sr) - Harlan
53.44 - Theapolus Lee (sr) - Lincoln Park

400 is Deep in the CPS

With so much young talent in the 400, this is a deep year for the CPS.

Deon Sanders (sr) - of Dunbar was the city runner up last year- only .400 of a second behind champion Chris Kyles of Lane Tech.

In third place behind Sanders was Lyndon Darden (sr) of Whitney Young. Darden also happens ot be one of the city's top bowlers in the city. If he keeps improving in both sports, Darden could an early candidate for the athlete of the school year 2008-09. Darden is part of a Whitney Young team, that is senior laden and could be the best Whitney Young team in years. Whitney Young also has Cameron Allen (sr) - who scored at city last year in the 200 and can do the same this year in the 400 if he chooses to run that event.

Spencer Williams (so) of Calumet ran the third fastest time last year in the 400 and won the frosh-soph city championship in the 400. But Spencer's season ended in a disappointing note last year when he just missed qualifying for state in the 400 after Welton Crayton (jr)  of Harlan beat him at sectionals. Williams is part of a very talented group of CPS  freshman-sophomores that saw 5 runners break 54 seconds. All 5 runners at the frosh-soph level ran times fast enough to score at the varsity level. Keep an eye out on this talented group of returning 400 runners that includes Mac Melto (so) of Northside Prep, Tomascz Cylo (so) of Lane Tech, and Rahim Foster (jr) of Mather.

4x100 preview

long jump preview

high jump preview

Scouting Report : Aaron Williams of CVS

Aaron Williams (sr, 6-5 Forward) from CVS.

If your team finishes the season 26-6, wins a regional title, and beats Simeon as CVS did last year, the top individuals on the team get's a lot of attention. Aaron Williams, a 6-5 senior forward returns for CVS this year, looking to help his team once again.

I got a chance to see Williams play earlier this year. Williams is your solid high school forward. At 6-5 he has the height that coaches are looking for. He is a bit lanky and still needs to build his upper body if he wants to succeed at the next level. His reputation is that he is a bit of a "Tweener". That is not big enough to play power forward at the college level, and not quick enough or has enough of an outside shooting touch to be an effective small forward at the college level.

My take on Williams is that he is a versatile player at the high school level. He has enough quickness and mid range jumper ability, that you cannot put a slow center on him. At the same time if you put someone too small on him, he can use his 6-5 frame and strength to muscle you inside. I view Williams as a small Horace Grant type player. He can hit the mid-range jumper if he's open and still muscle you inside. He is also an above average rebounder and adds toughness inside.

Williams is one component of another very good CVS team. Williams has a DI college prospect in Hollis Hill on his team and point guard Robert Hurd (so) that can hlep get the ball inside to Williams.  However, unlike last year, this team won't sneak up on anyone. I have CVS to be at least a CPS quarterfinal team.

Related
Video - Wayne Blackshear - Morgan Park
CPS basketball fan page
Hollis Hill, (guard, sr. CVS)
David Williams (forward, sr. Corliss)
Markee Williams (fr), Morgan Park

Neilski's Top 10 CPS Boys Basketball Rankings - 12/28/09

1. Whitney Young - showed why they are number one in victory over #3 Simeon 62-55
2. Morgan Park - Crane gives Morgan Park their first loss in the CPS Holiday Tournament
3. Simeon - upset by Foreman in the CPS Holiday Tournament
4. North Lawndale - 1 point win over Crane in 3rd place game of CPS Holiday Tournament
5. Hyde Park - lost to Simeon 51-39 in CPS Holiday Tournament
6. Foreman - upset Simeon in CPS Holiday Tournament finals
7. Crane - ranking will be testes at the CPS Holiday Tournament at Malcolm X.
8. CVS - upset by Dekalb at Dekalb Holiday Tournament
9. Brooks - wins own tournament with victory over Prosser
10. Orr -  loses to Foreman in CPS Holiday Tournament

others - Harlan, Farragut, Lincoln Park, Von Steuben, Curie, Mather, Harper