Contenders, Sleepers, & Prospects: Big Twelve 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 Big Twelve Conference!
Pre-Season Player of the Year
Chris Payton (Bloomington)
Payton is the #5 overall prospect in the 2019 class in the state. The Bloomington big man is a physical and athletic post that put up monster numbers as a junior and should take it up another notch as a senior. Payton is a versatile post that on the high school level is a nightmare to check. He can overpower opponents in the post and also take them from the high-post off the bounce. Big time rebounder and shot blocker.
Team to Beat
This is a tough one, but we are going to give the slight edge to Bloomington over Normal Community. Bloomington has the best player in the conference in Payton and that takes them over the top. Also have a lot of solid role players led by Donzell Johnson and Garrett Hooker. Summer standout Nate Duckworth is transferring in. Tough and shot maker!
Sleeper Team
Peoria Notre Dame is a young squad to watch that’s best basketball is ahead of them. With junior scoring combo guard Connor Dillon along with sophomore standouts Matthew Williams and Noah Reynolds.
Top Prospects to Watch
Chris Payton (Bloomington)
Donzell Johnson (Bloomington)
Garrett Hooker (Bloomington)
Bryson Cowper (Champaign Centennial)
Khailieo Terry (Champaign Central)
Amareon Parker (Champaign Central)
Sean Houpt (Danville)
Tevin Smith (Danville)
Nathanael Hoskins (Danville)
Nate Duckworth (Bloomington)
Terance Fisher (Normal West)
Drew Wollenschlager (Normal West)
CJ Wilbourn (Normal Community)
Evan Pogge (Normal Community)
Cortez Mosley (Peoria Richwoods)
Isaiah Donnell (Peoria Richwoods)
Pee Wee Brown (Peoria Manual)
Josh Ivory (Peoria Manual)
Connor Dillon (Peoria Notre Dame)
Matthew Williams (Peoria Notre Dame)
Noah Reynolds (Peoria Notre Dame)
Rayshaun Buckner (Peoria High)
Payton Sheen (Urbana)
Top Contenders
- Bloomington
2. Normal Community
3. Danville
4. Peoria Notre Dame
5. Champaign Central
6. Normal West
7. Peoria Richwoods
8. Peoria Manual