CPS Playoff Preview
The field is set for the Chicago Public League Playoffs (we think) starting on February 6. We are going off the bracket reported by our friend Michael O’Brien of the Chicago Sun Times for these predictions and storylines.
Best First Round Game
The best first round game of the tournament for me is Uplift vs Walter Payton. Uplift is led by Kansas commit Markese Jacobs and productive senior Toraze Dobbs. They have been up and down throughout the season as a team, but they have a star player. What makes this intriguing is the up and coming Payton program. Jabari Chiphe is a prospect in the sophomore class that is emerging as a potential D1 prospect and he is surrounded by a group of solid players.
Best Potential Second Round Game
I am going to pick a couple there. First Farragut and Bogan would be an outstanding second round contest. Pair of athletic and fast teams that are paced by two D1 point guards in Jeremiah Washington and Reggie Strong. The other would be Simeon vs Corliss. Who wouldn’t want to see top 5 2018 prospect George Conditt against the best team in the state? It would also match up a pair of Iowa State commits in Conditt and Talen Horton-Tucker. Corliss has put up a great record, but now they get a real challenge!
Favorite to Win
Until Simeon loses city and state they are my pick unless they have a significant injury. This team has proven to be the best team in Illinois not losing to a team inside the state all season. They have been dominant in their wins over every top team they have played from the state. The Wolverines have the superstar and favorite for Mr. Basketball THT along with Xavier Pinson, Zion Young, Kejuan Clements, Messiah Jones, Kenny Pittman, etc.
Top Contender
Orr is the only team that I think can knock off Simeon in a title game. They have the veterans to match up, athleticism might be even higher at certain positions, and most of all they want it bad! Like I said at the Proviso West Tournament winning that and the city tournament might mean more than state because that should be an easy trip to a state title in 2A. Raekwon Drake, Dannie Smith, and Chase Adams are all playing at a high level. If Tyronn Mosley plays to potential they can win this.
Sleeper Team
Lincoln Park is a team that could make a run and disrupt the five city powers from dominating this tournament. They have a dynamic point guard in Chris Roberts who has the ability to go off at any time. Senior forward Terrence Shannon is emerging as one of the best unsigned seniors in the state. It is a tough road with potentially Kenwood, Curie, and Orr just to get to the title game, but they have the talent to surprise some people.
Five Players to Watch
Raekwon Drake (Orr)
Drake has been one of the most dominant forces this high school basketball season scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. He is out to make a statement to fans, college coaches, and the city of Chicago.
Dajuan Gordon (Curie)
Gordon is the ultimate X-Factor for Curie. He might be the most talented prospect on their team despite coming off the bench. The junior is coming off a huge game at the O’Fallon Shootout.
George Conditt (Corliss)
The state’s top post will get to show what he can do on the big stage. First will be a road game at an always tough North Lawndale and if he can lead his team past them it is Simeon. Your time to shine Mr. Conditt!
Xavier Castaneda (Whitney Young)
Castaneda hasn’t had the dominant year we were hoping for out of the top 10 prospect. He has been solid, but not taken over at any point. He will need to do that if the South Florida commit wants to take his team deep in the playoffs.
Ayo Dosunmu (Morgan Park)
Lastly the best 2018 prospect in the state. Morgan Park could make a run and win the whole thing if Ayo comes back healthy and is back to his old dominant form. If not they could fall in the quarterfinals.
Predictions
Quarterfinals (February 13)
Orr over Bogan
Curie over Lincoln Park
Simeon over Uplift
Morgan Park over Whitney Young
Semifinals (February 16)
Orr over Curie
Simeon over Morgan Park
Finals (February 18)
Simeon over Orr