Teams on the Rise for 2020-2021 Part 2
As we start to look ahead to next season we wanted to identify teams that we think are on the rise heading into next year. Everyone knows the CPS powers will be contenders come March like always, but these 25…
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Continue ReadingAs we start to look ahead to next season we wanted to identify teams that we think are on the rise heading into next year. Everyone knows the CPS powers will be contenders come March like always, but these 25 programs from around the state are ones to watch that could be even better than this year. Here are our Teams on the Rise for 2020-2021 Part 2!
Evanston
How can this team rise anymore? They went to state two years in a row and were primed to do it again this past season before the year was cut short. Well when you have five rising seniors that are hungry for a state title this team could be scary! Jaylin Gibson is the do it all player that stuffs the stat sheet and brings intensity on both ends. Blake Peters is the elite shooter who showcased there is much more to his game this past year. Isaiah Holden runs the shot getting everyone involved with his quickness. Elijah Bull is a sniper from deep. Daeshawn Hemphill emerged as an x-factor.
Fenwick
Maybe the best 1-2 punch in the state for next season. They boast the #2 rising senior in Louisville bound Bryce Hopkins and #2 rising junior in point guard Trey Pettigrew. Hopkins will be the most dominant force in Illinois high school hoops next season with his combination of physicality and skill. One of the favorites for Mr. Basketball. Pettigrew is a high level prospect in his own right. Lead guard that makes others better and can score with ease from multiple levels. Gabe Madej is a player that compliments these guys great with his ability to stretch the floor.
Hillcrest
Love this 2021 quartet! Hillcrest gave Morgan Park everything they wanted in the sectional semi. Next year they could make a run down state. They are dominated by versatile wings and forwards. Julius Rollins has size and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He is joined by emerging 2021 talents Hamahrie Bowers and Jakobi Heady. Each flashed their potential during their junior seasons. The x-factor for this group is football prospect Bucky Irving. He will play that sport in college, but the toughness he brings at the point is huge for this squad.
Joliet West
Well they went from 5 wins to one of the best seasons in school history last year. There is more to come? They will lose Toledo commit Jamere Hill Jamere Hill 6'1" | PG Joliet West | 2020 State IL , but we like the core of this team that will return. That starts with sharp shooter Jaiden Lee Jaiden Lee 6'4" | SG Joliet West | 2021 State IL . The top 20 2021 prospect has a lot of Dajuan Gordon qualities to his game. Freshman point guard Jeremy Fears got experience starting last year and will be ready to make an even bigger impact as a sophomore. Football prospect Trent Howland is a physical rebounder and energy piece. Role players last year we expect to step up are 2021s Terrance Moncrief, Ashawn Burbridge, and Andrew Johnson.
Lake Forest Academy
This team can’t compete for an IHSA state title, but they will have some of the best young talent around. 2021 power forward Jake Wolfe will provide senior leadership and scoring in the post. He will be joined by younger brothers Danny Wolfe who brings versatility and skill on the wing. Their top prospect is 2022 power forward Nigel Hylton. The face up four man emerged at Pangos last fall. More 2022s to track include athletic combo guard Darius Duff and rangy guard Shaedon Simpson.