Contenders, Sleepers, & Prospects: Upstate Eight Conference
We are now in the month of November and that means the season is almost here! With that being said we are looking across the state at various conferences and previewing the teams and players to watch! Today we dive into the Upstate Eight Conference!
Pre-Season Player of the Year
Keenon Cole (Streamwood)
Cole is a power forward that has given a pledge to Northern Illinois. He is a bouncy four man that is super quick with his jumping ability around the hoop. Will be the best rebounder in his conference while posting big scoring numbers as well. Defensively he will be able to defend both bigs and guards.
Team to Beat
Aurora West has quite a senior backcourt with Marquise Walker and Traevon Brown. Walker is a transfer from Curie that has bounced around throughout his career, but he started to make strides as a junior last year. Brown is a scoring threat with range on his shot and speed in the open floor.
Sleeper Team
West Chicago is an interesting team. They have a pair of versatile guards that should cause opponents problems in Isaac Nelson and Jordan Wilkins.
Top Prospects to Watch
Marquise Walker (Aurora West)
Traevon Brown (Aurora West)
Austin Gates (Bartlett)
Pierre Black (Larkin)
Kevin Enright (Glenbard South)
Corey Crowder (Glenbard South)
Alijah Nelson (Glenbard East)
Mattel McMurry (South Elgin)
Keenon Cole (Streamwood)
Isaac Nelson (West Chicago)
Jordan Wilkins (West Chicago)
Top Contenders
- West Aurora
- Streamwood
- Larkin
- West Chicago
- Bartlett