Here are this week’s candidates for Prime Time Performer.
You can vote once every 12 hours until the polls close on Friday at 5 p.m.
Jack Boll (SHG Defensive Back) The Cyclones started out their quest for the 6A state title by putting up a 10-0 lead on Prairie Ridge. Things didn’t go so well after that for SHG, but their first touchdown of the game came from Jack Boll. The senior defensive back scooped and scored from 66 yards in the first quarter, returning a fumble forced by Spencer Redd. A defensive touchdown in his final game in a gold helmet is a good way to go out.
Avante’ & D’Ante’ Cox (Rochester WR/DB’s) We’ve tried to keep them separate all season because, frankly, they each are in the top 5 most talented players in the CS8. But the Cox brothers put up such similar numbers in the 4A state title game, we decided to combine them for their final shot at winning the Prime Time Performer in their senior season. They both had an interception against Johnsburg and both caught ten passes. D’Ante’ had 167 receiving yards and two touchdowns and Avante’ had 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The numbers don’t put into perspective what these two meant to this 2016 state championship team and even Derek Leonard said after the game, he doesn’t understand why these two don’t have more division one offers on the table.
Yaakema Rose (Lanphier Guard) Two steals and two game sealing buckets to give Lanphier their first Adam Lopez Country Financial Thanksgiving Tournament championship is a great way to start his senior season. Yaakema Rose knows he has to be the guy this year with Xavier Bishop gone and he’s off to a pretty decent start. He had 19 points on Friday and Saturday and started the year with 27 against Pekin on Wednesday.
Brady Hays (Jacksonville Guard) The Crimsons are off to a 5-0 start and a big reason why is the return of senior guard Brady Hays who has struggled to stay healthy throughout his high school career. Hays scored 20 points against Glenwood on Saturday night, 18 points against Dunlap, 13 points against Pleasant Plains, 20 points against Morton and 25 points against Macomb including 18 in the first quarter. A healthy Hays makes Jacksonville a CS8 contender once again.
Isaiah Bowers (Lincoln Forward) Aron Hopp, Garrett Aeilts and KJ Fry have all graduated. That leaves a big burden on the shoulders of Railsplitters junior Isaiah Bowers and in the Eaton tournament, he handled it well. Bowers does a little bit of everything and is the vocal leader for Neil Alexander’s team this season. He made the all tournament team while leading Lincoln in scoring in their first five games, in which they went 4-1. CS8 coaches this year and Apollo coaches next year better start game planning to stop him now.
Trevyon Williams (Southeast Guard) The Spartans drew Bolingbrook in their first game of the season. That may be the best opponent they play all season. After losing to the Raiders, Southeast finished up with the consolation crown at the Team Soy Turkey Tournament, including a win over Harvey Thorton on Saturday. Southeast was led by senior point guard Trevyon Williams who scored 25 points to power the Spartans.
Max Day (New Berlin Forward) Welcome to a new era of Pretzel basketball. Not only is Blake Lucas leading New Berlin to tournament titles already but junior Max Day is making his name known early in the season. The Chatham transfer started his career as a Pretzel with 22 points, including the only field goal in overtime to beat Lutheran High in their season opener. He added 19 points later in the week against Meridian and 23 against West Central. Day and the Orange and Blue went on to go 4-1 in the Gene Bergschneider Thanksgiving Tournament and win the title.
Raina Gully (Springfield High Guard) The Lady Senators have started the season strong once again and look to be a top contender for the CS8 title that they shared last season with Rochester. Senior Raina Gully led Springfield High to the Galesburg Thanksgiving Tournament title, including 15 points against East Peoria, 14 against East Moline and 22 points against Alleman. Springfield High kicks off their CS8 schedule this week on Thursday, watch for Gully and the rest of the girls in red and white to show the conference what they can expect this season.
Max Muller (PORTA Forward) The PORTA Bluejays won the Mt. Pulaski Tournament last week and senior forward Max Muller led the way. Muller scored 13 against Tri-City, 26 against Decatur LSA in the championship game and 25 points against Mt. Pulaski. An early estimation would have Muller as the leading candidate for the area scoring title this season.
