Thomas Laerke (Findlay Prep) Highlights and Interview with Daniel Poneman at City of Palms

Thomas Laerke, a native of Denmark, is the newest member of the Findlay Prep Pilots. Findlay Prep is a school in Henerson, Nevada that is designed for the best and brightest young basketball players in the world to have the opportunity to play for an elite, around the clock, college style program to better prepare them for their respective NCAA futures. Laerke joins a team that is absolutely loaded with talent from top to bottom; some of the top players on the team are Tristan Thomson (Texas recruit), Cory Joseph (top 10 in the nation), Nick Johnson (top 20 in the nation), and Winston Shepard (top 10 in the nation). I got a chance to watch Laerke in action in his first tournament with the Pilots, the prestigious City of Palms Holiday Tournament, and he put on quite a show. In two of his three games at the event he poured in 17 points per, and he caught the attention of the many college scouts and recruiting analysts in the building with his outstanding play. A long range marksmen, Laerke has gone from having only one college suitor (Idaho) to having tons of schools from across the country vying for his services, and the list is only going to keep on growing.... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Orr vs. Hyde Park- CPS Playoff Highlights- Fabyon Harris, Mycheal Henry, CJ Jones, Treyshawn Jones

Everyone high school athlete wants to win a state title; this much is obvious. For many young men in the city of Chicago, however, there is one crown that is in many ways more desirable: the Chicago Public League City Championship. Chicago is a big city, and basketball is far more than just a game from Lake Michigan to the West side- from the Evanston border to the wild 100's. At the end of the season there can only be one champion; only one team who can truly claim to be the best Chi-town has to offer, and many young Chicagoans are ready to give every once of effort they've got for the chance to make that claim. The game featured in this video, a match-up between Orr (west side) and Hyde Park (south side), was a hard fought and tightly contested game that featured no fewer than four future division one players, and they were only playing to get to the quarterfinals! Fabyon Harris vs. Mycheal Henry, Curtis Jones vs. Treyshawn Jones: a battle for the ages... Enjoy... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Vincent "Air Boy Entertainment" Garrett: Dunks, Blocks, and an Interview with Dan Poneman

Vincent Garrett is the best dunker in the city of Chicago; I think at this point that's indisputable. In this video though, he states on camera that he feels he is the best dunker in America, and it's hard to argue with his claim after you see the footage of some of the dunks he threw down at the MLK classic. Vincent isn't all flash and highlights though; the kid has worked hard and made his way from unpolished, raw athlete to a versatile and dynamic combo forward in no time flat. Garrett has the Marshall Commandos on a roll, and if he takes care of business this week they will roll right to the city championship on the shoulders of "Air Boy Entertainment." A baller on the court- Vince knows how to handle himself off it too; he is smooth, charismatic, and always goofy. He will probably be attending junior college next year, but chances he will have high major options after he has done his two years, and be dunking on fools in the NCAA tourney in no time... For more info email danielponeman@gmail.com

Mike McCall- "Chi-City's Silent Killer" - St. Louis Recruit Clips & Chat with Dan Poneman

Mike McCall has been a presence on the Chicago basketball scene for as far back as my memory goes; from throwing down on the AAU circuit on the Illinois Heat to starting as a freshman on varsity for Foreman, there was never any doubt Mike could play. Yeah, Mike was always there alright, but it wasn't until this past year- when he helped lead Foreman to a surprise run to the championship game of the CPS Holiday tournament- that people stopped just watching and started paying attention. See, Mike has never been alone in the backcourt, which in many ways was a blessing and a curse. Every step of the way Mike was side by side with his friend (his "brother") Lavonte Dority. Lavonte - who will play in the Big East next year at South Florida- was always the one with the brightest spotlight on him, the one getting the newspaper headlines and internet buzz, well Mike was stuck being labeled Robin to Lavonte's Batman. Now don't get me wrong, Mike didn't mind his role- he loves his brother and is as humble and appreciative kid as can be- but that didn't mean he was going to sit back and be second fiddle forever. With nothing but heart and desire driving him, Mike worked and worked until he made it clear to the world that he was ready to change his title from sidekick to partner, and since then he has continued his steady ascent to the top of the city hierarchy and into the national rankings. Mike and Lavonte (as well as Eastern Illinois recruit Tommy Woolridge) team up to form arguably the best backcourt in the state, and undoubtedly among the most dominant in the entire midwest. With Mike's lethal outside shot and quickness, Lavonte's strength, explosiveness, and basketball IQ, and the magnificent chemistry that they have formed over the past six years, the Foreman Hornets are legitimate state title contenders- and the newspapers currently rank them as the #2 team in the Chicagoland area. McCall, who Foreman coach Terry Head has labeled "The Silent Killer," because of his deadly scoring ability and humble and focused demeanor, has gone from overlooked kid in the shadows to legitimate candidate for Illinois Mr. Basketball, and in this interview we discuss everything about his journey. There are also some highlight clips mixed in so you can see what Mr. McCall is made of. Enjoy.

Quinton Chievous (Niles Notre Dame 2011) The ESCC's Super Sleeper- Ready to Awake

I had heard all the rumblings over the past few months about some kid with an NBA dad in the north burbs that had a little bit of game, but I had already seen the kid with my own two eyes- sitting on the bench for the Mac Irvin Fire- so I wasn't ready to buy into the hype just yet. I talked to people in the know, asked their opinion, and it was pretty consistent: the kid has serious game- just go see for yourself. So thats what I did, I went and watched him play a game against Lincoln Park- a tough senior led squad from Chicago's north side, and all I can say is I got my money's worth and then some. Quinton Chievious (6'5" SF) poured in 23 points in the second half and overtime, and scored his points in a variety of ways, often while facing double and triple teams. This kid is not all hype- no way jose- his game is almost as real as his bloodline (his dad Derrick was a star at Missouri and played 5 years in the league), and he is stock will only keep on rising. Watch out for the sleeper in the ESCC, because before long he's going to be dunking on you, just don't say I didn't warn you... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Sam Thompson - The Best Athlete in Chicago - Sick Highlight Reel - He's a Freak of Nature 2011

Sam Thompson is widely considered by recruiting experts and scouts to be a top 25 player in the nation for the class of 2011. That would be an honor for some players, but I think they are selling him short. The 6'6 wing has more natural athletic ability than any player I've ever seen, and his skills are no joke either. Sam wowed basketball fans and college coaches across America with ridiculous dunks and big time blocks throughout the AAU season, with the Mac Irvin Fire, and he carried that momentum into the season for #1 ranked Young until an injury sidelined him for most of their conference games. Sam is considering Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio State, Kansas, Oregon State, and Florida, and no matter which school he chooses he is almost guaranteed to be featured more than a handful of times on ESPNs top plays. This highlight reel features a few big time blocks and dunks from two games in December... For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.

Chad Palmer's Player Impressions From '09-'10 Holiday Tournaments

Proviso West

- Thomas Hamilton Jr.: I would be shocked if there was another freshman post player in the nation better than Thomas Hamilton. He has good footwork (using nice drop-steps to get himself closer to the basket), nice hands, and to top it off he shoots well out to the 3pt. line. He made two 3’s in the championship game. His dad is 7’2” so if he grows to be 7’0”, he’s got to be the favorite to be the top player in the nation his senior year.

- Anthony Johnson: Anthony struggled a bit his junior year due in part to his injury. His play during the Proviso West tournament showed why he was projected in the top 100 nationally his sophomore year. He will end up being good player for Purdue.

- Sam Thompson: Dan Poneman has been saying that Sam is the best player in junior class and after seeing him play in the championship game, I may have to start believing him. I always knew he was athletic, my concern has been that he would be another Brian Randle; extremely athletic but doesn’t know how to put the ball in the basket other than a dunk. In the last game he showed a decent outside shot, a nice drive-pull up shot, and a nice drive baseline for a reverse lay-up. If he can create a shot for himself on a consistent basis, the sky is the limit.

- Mike McCall: I’ve been hearing people talk about how much of a steal Eastern Illinois got with Tommy Woolridge (which they are absolutely correct in that statement) but what about the steal St. Louis got in Mike McCall? Mike is hard to guard because he can beat you on the dribble and he can shoot, not only off the catch, but also off the dribble.

- Alex Dragicevich: This guy doesn’t get talked about enough; he is really good. He needs to be a candidate for Mr. Basketball; not saying he should get it, just saying he should be in the mix. He is so strong with the ball. When he has the ball in his hands, something good usually happens. He either gets in the lane for a good shot, gets fouled or passes to an open player. Coach Weber is smart to put him at the point guard; a lot of other coaches would have put him at the 3 or 4 position.

- Jacob Williams: College coaches need to keep an eye him. He’s one of those players that could break out and catch everyone off guard. He’s long, athletic, and shoots the three well. He needs to get stronger with the ball. If he can work on his ball handling and can score off the bounce a little more, his stock will rise. I am not sure Jacob himself knows how good he could be.

- Keith Carter: I think Keith will be the most improved player over the next couple of years. He has got a lot of potential. He can blow by defenders on the dribble; he just needs to work on his decision making once he gets by them. I think he will end up being the best point guard in Illinois in his class.

Pontiac:

- Jereme Richmond: What can I say about Jereme that has not already been said? Well, here it goes… I have never heard any talk about how smart of a basketball player Jereme is. Because people get so wrapped up in his attitude, they miss his good basketball I.Q. He knows the game of basketball. I think he will understand to motion offense better than any freshman Illinois has had in the last 6 years. I also like that he doesn’t force shots. I firmly believe he has better head on his shoulders than people give him credit for.

- Jabari Parker: I am 50/50 right now on whether I like Thomas Hamilton or Jabari Parker better. Jabari’s skills and high basketball IQ will exceed his athleticism. He plays more like a senior than he does a freshman. In his hoops report Joe Henricksen is dead on when he says “He’s old school in many ways – from the skills he possesses at a young age to the way he thinks about the game and carries himself on and off the floor”.

- Lawrence Alexander: When Peoria Manual gets talked about, the names I always hear are Andrew Jordan, Jeff Stokes, or Marvin Jordan but what about Lawrence Alexander? This 6’3” senior guard/forward is just as valuable as the other three and probably more athletic. He needs to work on his ball handling a little more but he is a decent mid-major player.

Pekin

- Tracy Abrams: We still haven’t seen the finished product with him yet. He has improved his three point shot from last year but still needs to be consistent with it. He needs to finish better in the lane after beating his defender. He doesn’t have a problem getting by his defender, but he doesn’t capitalize from it by finishing. His decision- making will continue to get better. The best of Tracy Abrams is still yet to come.

- Adonis Filer: This 6’2” junior two guard from Mount Carmel had a nice tournament with point totals of 11, 29, 17, and 19. He should increase his stock among other two guards in the state of Illinois if he keeps playing like this. He is a good compliment to Tracy Abrams.

State Farm:

- Chassen Randle: The game I watched him play was probably the worst I have seen him play and I’ve seen him play at least a dozen times. He is still one my favorite players in the junior class. He is such a smart player. I don’t think I have seen him take a bad shot. He’s very patient and selective on his shots. He shoots the ball well from three and finishes well around the basket. I think some fans wanted him take over in the 4th quarter when Rock Island was behind, but that is not Chassen’s game; he is not a take over a game type player. Rock Island could have set some double or triple screens to get him open shot though.

- Aaron Simpson: 6’0” sophomore combo guard from North Chicago. I haven’t seen a sophomore guard score in bunches so much since Rich Mcbride was a sophomore. He’s a very good shooter from the 3pt line and can put it on the floor and get by defenders as well. Once in a while he can get out of control when attacking the basket. I think I agree with chicagohoops.com ranking him #1 in the sophomore class for right now.

Aaron Simpson: Scoring Machine: #1 Sophomore in Illinois Highlights 32 points- 2 four point plays and Interview

Aaron Simpson (North Chicago 2012) is a flat out scoring machine, and many consider him to be the #1 sophomore in the state of Illinois. The 6'0" combo guard gets his points from all over the floor, and in this game he does his damage from the outside; he hit 7 threes, including 2 four point plays, against a loaded Chicago Marshall squad at the MLK classic. Simpson plays on the AAU circuit with Team NLP, coached by former NBA player and current ESPN commentator Dickey Simpkins... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Michael Simpson (North Chicago) Unsigned Senior Highlights vs. Chicago Marshall and Interview

Michael Simpson of North Chicago High School may get overshadowed at times by his younger brother (Aaron- top sophomore in Illinois), which is a shame because this kid has some serious game himself. He may be small, but he is quick, strong, smart, and tough, and when I caught a recent North Chicago game against Chicago Marshall he displayed all of these qualities and showed why he is one of the elite unsigned prospects in Illinois. Michael is trained by former NBA player Dickey Simpkins (CEO of Team NLP), who raves about Mike's work ethic and leadership... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Nick Johnson (Findlay Prep 2011) Highlight Reel and Interview with Daniel Poneman

Nick Johnson (6'3" Combo Guard 2011) has been having a fantastic season for the Findlay Prep Pilots: the #1 ranked team in America. ESPN.com ranks Johnson, who is the nephew of NBA legend Dennis Johnson, as the #19 prospect overall in the 2011 class and he has an impressive overall ESPN Scouts Inc. rating of 96/100. Johnson is a big time athlete with a versatile game, and can play both guard slots very affectively. In this interview Nick talks about the best players he has faced this season, his basketball bloodline, of course we go in depth about recruiting (he is considering Arizona, Arizona State, Kentucky and more), and don't think we didn't leave a little time at the end for shoutouts... for more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com

Nus Kahn (Maine East 2010) "The Indian Iso" Unsigned Senior Highlight Reel

Nus Kahn (6'0" G) may not be a household name, but he has quietly put together quite a resume through his career at Maine East. The CSL conference is one that is headlined by big time recruits on the wing and in the front court (Jereme Richmond, Duje Dukan, Alex Dragicevich etc), but there aren't many guards in the CSL, or any conference in Illinois for that matter, who can go toe to toe with The Indian Iso. A high scoring combo guard, Nus has a tight handle, an explosive first step, and a nack for finding a way to get to ball in the basket. Nus is still not committed to play anywhere in college yet, but theres no doubt that he should have some pretty good options to play at the next level when decision time comes... for more info email Danielponeman@gmail.com

George Marshall (Wisconsin Recruit) "A Young Man Chi-Town Can Be Proud Of" Interview w/ Dan Poneman

George Marshall (6'0 PG Chicago Brooks 2011) has been at the front and center of the Chicago basketball stage since he was a middle schooler getting national recognition for his tight handle, potent mid range jumper, and his gritty effort and desire that covered every inch of every court he stepped onto. When Marshall entered Gwendolyn Brooks High School of the Chicago Public League he started on varsity from the first game of his freshman season, because even when he was 14 it was clear that he had the poise and fundamentals necessary to compete at such a high level. Now in his junior season, Marshall is nationally ranked and has more than solidified his reputation has one of the elite players in the city, and it is looking like he will be next in a long line of legendary point guards to come out of the city he loves. A true leader in every sense of the word, Marshall recently decided to pull the trigger and commit to play for Coach Bo Ryan's Wisconsin Badgers. He will join a program that is known for making the NCAA tournament every year because of the value they put in the concept of team- groups of kids that give extraordinary effort, buy into Coach Ryan's coaching, and play to win games- not to win individual awards or to be "one and done" (though Coach Ryan has produced his fair share of NBA draft picks.) Anyone who knows George can tell you that there couldn't be a better fit for this talented young Chicagoan who already plays with a mid set and maturity well beyond his years. This video features an interview with George, as well as a couple of highlights from a recent win over Von Steuben at the Whitney Young Shootout...For more info email DanielPoneman@gmail.com.