Teams on the Rise for 2020-2021 Part 3
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 3!
Mascoutah
This is a sneaky good team next year in southern Illinois. The key for them is 2022 point guard Justin King. The smooth rising junior keeps seeing his stock rise each time we see him play. Makes plays for himself and others. Braden Bryant is a two guard to watch in the 2021 class.
Mundelein
One of the better inside-outside combos in the state here. Both are 2021s. On the perimeter you have Drake commit Conor Enright. He is a high IQ point guard with zip on his passes. Also a sound shooter. Works well in the pick and roll game. He is complimented perfectly by his interior running mate Scottie Ebube. This post is one of the top big men in the state with his physical body and ability to score inside. Trey Baker is a sneaky scorer who had a huge outburst late in the year.
Neuqua Valley
John Poulakidas is the star for Neuqua Valley. The top 10 2021 is one of the best prospects in the rising senior class. Elite level jump shooter that has one of the most lethal pull up games in recent memory. Diversified his game quite a bit as a junior and we can’t wait to see what he has in store next season. Connor Davis is a strong bodied small forward that can shoot it off movement and rebounds well. Max Rivera is one to watch at the point.
Niles Notre Dame
Notre Dame had a chance to win the whole thing this past year and next year will be the prohibited favorite in 3A. This team has gradually been on the rise for the last few seasons because of their phenomenal 2021 class. Anthony Sayles is the top point guard in the class. He is an explosive guard that gets to the rim and sets others up with his crisp passing. Louis Lesmond can flat out shoot the rock with a smooth jumper and has bounce at the rim. Troy D’Amico was the most productive of the three as a junior. Skilled combo forward that can stretch the floor and cause mismatches. Watch out for 2023 point guard Sonny Williams Sonny Williams 6'1" | PG International Sports Academy | 2023 OH who will see a bigger role this year.
O’Fallon
This squad showed growth throughout their campaign this past year. Next season they will contend as one of the premier squads in the metro east. Shaun Riley will be the key for this team. The 2021 power forward is a face up four that can play inside/outside. Gets on the offensive glass. His rising senior running mate is Mason Blakemore. The athletic two guard is a multisport standout. In the 2022 class they feature a pair of quality players in top 20 prospect Caleb Burton and junk yard dog big man Dawson Algee. Their production will be the key for this team.