HF MLK Suburban Challenge: Monday Standouts
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In the blistering cold many people fought the elements to travel to Homewood-Flossmoor High School on for some exciting basketball matchups. I was able to catch the last two games on Monday here are the top players from those contests. …
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Continue ReadingIn the blistering cold many people fought the elements to travel to Homewood-Flossmoor High School on for some exciting basketball matchups. I was able to catch the last two games on Monday here are the top players from those contests.
Thornton 67 – Niles North 60
Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL – Thornton 2024 – Illinois
The top player in the state had his best scoring output of the season as he finished with a career-high 30 points. There was nothing Niles North players could do with Morez in the paint. He was doubled and triple-teamed at times and was able to score. Johnson was dominant because he finished most plays through contact and also made fre throws to complete traditional three-point plays. As a defender he blocked 4 shots and pulled down 17 rebounds. What an effort for the #1 in the state.
Yaris Irby Yaris Irby 5'10" | PG Niles North | 2025 State IL – Niles North 2025
Irby had some strong moments before going down with an arm injury. He scored well-off drives to the bucket attacking the left side of the defense. Off the ball, he knocked down a few three-pointers and a pair of pull-up jumpers. Yaris is an aggressive guard who attacks his matchup often usually getting the best of them. In the third quarter he went for a floater falling and one of the Thornton players fell on his arm. He would return in the 4th but you can visibly see he was favoring the right arm. He finishes with a team-high 20 points.
Reid Olson Reid Olson 6'0" | PG Niles North | 2025 State IL – Niles North 2025
Reid had a South Suburban coming-out party yesterday as many fans were not familiar with his shooting ability. Olson started the game off with deep threes locking his eyes on the rim as soon as he crossed half-court. His shooting helped Niles North jump out to a slight early lead. As Thornton made adjustments Reid would make his catches on passes off flare and double screens to get open. In the third, he was also removed with a leg injury as he collided with a Thornton player. Returned in the third quarter. In the loss, Olson finished with 17 points. He also received an offer from Roosevelt Head Coach Dee Brown who was in attendance.
Homewood- Flossmoor 71 – Romeoville 58
Gianni Cobb Gianni Cobb 6'0" | PG Homewood Flossmoor | 2024 State IL – Homewood-Flossmoor 2024 – Columbia
The speedster on the court got his game going in the second half with shots from behind the arc. Gianni made some big shots to open the Vikings margin early in the third once he saw a few go in he opened up his attack game as he drove to the rim getting tough layup after layup against Romeoville’s guards. His signature play of the day was a wrap around his back to a slight reverse layup. Cobb would lead his team in scoring with 20 points in the win.
EJ Mosley EJ Mosley 6'0" | PG Romeoville | 2025 State IL – Romeoville 2025
Mosley was the most efficient guard yesterday. He showcased his shooting from all three levels at times hitting nothing but net on most shots. EJ looked strong playing with ball screens picking and choosing how to attack. He was poised at getting to his spot scoring one-handed floaters and pull-up jump shots. As a defender, he guarded the ball well getting his hands on a few passes. He finished with a game-high of 21 points and left with an offer from Kent State.
Bryce Heard Bryce Heard 6'6" | SG Homewood Flossmoor | 2025 State #86 Nation IL – Homewood-Flossmoor 2025
Heard has been really good as of late getting some early dunks in transition and playing more loose in fastbreak situations. Bryce was active on both sides of the ball stifling the offense of Romeoville at times by being able to cover multiple guys. The junior has also looked good getting to the rim drawing fouls often getting a handful of free throws to help his point total. He finished with 16 points and a handful of rebounds.
Adam Walker Adam Walker 6'10" | C Romeoville | 2025 State IL – Romeoville 2025
Walker was the one eye-opening player that caught my attention yesterday. He’s a legit 6’10 player who blocked several shots before he got into some would trouble. Adam is a gangly frame player who is showing promise. He rebounded the ball well covering the ground with his length. As a scorer, he kept things simple around the basket using hook shots and soft touch around the rim. He has morphed into a solid Division 1 prospect in such a short time. I expect to see him get some attention from schoosl soon.