IHSA boys' basketball state tournament: 10 players to watch
Mar. 7—No McDonald's All-Americans this season or future Illini will play in the IHSA boys' basketball state tournament this year in Champaign.
But this is the state tournament. The best teams still remaining with some of the best players in the state. With the games tipping off Thursday and continuing through Saturday at State Farm Center, Sports Editor Matt Daniels breaks down 10 players to watch out for in Champaign:
1. Lathan Sommerville
Peoria Richwoods
He outplayed Illini signee Morez Johnson Jr. in a super-sectional win on Monday. A double-double machine, the future Rutgers big man can add to his sensational season starting Friday in the Class 3A state semifinals.
2. Angelo Ciaravino
Chicago Mt. Carmel
If the Caravan want to win its second straight title in program history, the Northwestern recruit will be at the forefront in Class 3A. Much like he was on Monday night in an overtime super-sectional win against St. Patrick.
3. Gianni Cobb
Homewood-Flossmoor
State championship teams need dynamic senior guards. Cobb fits the profile for the Vikings with his solid all-around game, and he's a big reason why H-F is a big favorite to win the Class 4A state title.
4. Jaheem Webber
Normal Community
Champaign native and veteran Wright State coach Scott Nagy will be keen to see how his future post presence plays this weekend. Webber can affect the game at both ends for the Ironmen as they vie for a Class 4A state title.
5. Connor May
Palatine
Safe to say the Pirates aren't in Champaign this week without the efforts of their do-everything senior forward. At 6 feet, 7 inches and 215 pounds, May does just about everything for the Class 4A state semifinalist.
6. JC Anderson
Mt. Zion
Only a sophomore whose college future may rest in football, the 6-7, 230-pound big man is nimble on his feet. And plays beyond his years for the Braves, a Class 3A state semifinalist for the first time.
7. Ryan Tucker
Byron
The senior is a prolific scorer, averaging 23.2 points and draining 84 three-pointers as the Tigers will play in their first state tournament game on Thursday afternoon in Class 2A when they meet up with Benton.
8. Lawrence Horton
Phillips
Only a junior, the guard stuffs the stat sheet for the Wildcats and averages a team-best 20.9 points. Play like that against Williamsville on Thursday, and Phillips has a shot to win its first state title since 1975.
9. Zack Evans
West Central
The team from Winchester hasn't lost to an in-state foe since the second week of December. Evans, a senior who is averaging 20.8 points and rebounds, is a big reason why the Cougars are in the Class 1A field.
10. Tyjuan Hunter
Hope Academy
He may not look like much at first glance, checking in at only 5-5 and 130 pounds, but Hunter is no joke on the court. The sophomore averages 18.1 points and 5.3 assists for the high-flying Class 1A state semifinalists.
