CS8
Listen to Zach, Derek and Chase discuss the CS8 Power Rankings below:
1. Southeast: Southeast coach Lawrence Thomas said it best just before the season: “We were playing. They were watching.” Coming off an impressive run to the elite eight in 2015-16, Southeast returns a majority of its key playmakers from that squad that defeated Lanphier three times, sans D’Angelo Hughes. Southeast has made a sound early season impression, winning the consolation game in the Decatur Turkey Tournament. The Spartans only lost in that tourney to a Bolingbrook team that is littered with Division I talent. The Spartans are in at No. 1.
2. Lanphier: Right on Southeast’s heals is Lanphier who, like the Spartans, return key players from last season but begin life without one of the best players in program history in Xavier Bishop. The Lions also made early season headlines, winning the Adam Lopez Thanksgiving Tournament last week by defeating Illini signee Da’Monte Williams and Peoria Manual in the semifinals, then holding on against Illini recruit Tim Finke and Champaign Central in the title game in front of a packed house at Lober Nika Gymnasium that included Illinois coach John Groce.
3. Jacksonville: The Crimsons have jumped out to an undefeated start under a familiar face that’s roaming the sidelines in Jacksonville. Cliff Cameron has returned to his head coaching duties, taking the place of Sean Taylor after leading Pleasant Plains to a super sectional appearance last year. Like the No. 1 and No. 2 teams above, the Crimsons return some very talented seniors in James White, Brandon McCombs and Brady Hays. The latter of the three is averaging a team-leading 19.2 points per game. When healthy, Hays is one of the best players in the CS8. The Crimsons take on Lanphier in the CS8 Showcase at The Center this Saturday. Get there.
4. Eisenhower: The Panthers got crushed by Bolingbrook in the Decatur Turkey Tournament final, but Bolingbrook had its way for the most part over the Thanksgiving holiday. Stephon Bobbitt and Stefan Jarrett both return for their last go around with the Panthers. (It feels like they’ve been there forever.) At the PCCC this weekend, Ike will face Southeast, so we’ll be able to find out more about both squads come Saturday.
5. Lincoln: Lincoln was a very young team last year and the Railers had their share of up and down moments. Neil Alexander’s team once again is youth-laden in 2016-17, yet considerably more experienced than a year ago. Unfortunately for all, this is Lincoln’s last season in the CS8 (Sad Emoji.) Expect Lincoln to be very competitive in the conference this season, led by one of the CS8’s best offensive players in junior, Isaiah Bowers.
6. MacArthur: Amir and Armon Brummett. We’ll be talking about these kids until they graduate and probably after they move on to the college level. They’re still only juniors. The twins can score with anybody at this level and dunk better than most. The Generals lose two very productive players, though, in Keymonta Johnson and Dallas McClain. The Brummett’s will carry the team, but who will step up to help produce? MacArthur was one of the hottest teams in the area last year, but couldn’t even win a regional title.
7. Glenwood: A name to keep an eye on? Freshman, Jason Hansbrough. A crafty passer and quick twitch guard that will continue to grow over the next four years. Unfortunately for him, the Titans rotation and supporting cast is light due to numbers. CS8 All Conference player, Parker Allen isn’t playing this year, the Titans only have two seniors and roster size stands at just 11 players. We all know what Glenwood will do well regardless, though: play defense.
8. Springfield: At this point a year ago, the situation on Washington Street was a mess, with uncertainty at the head coaching position that tainted the Senators season. Now, the Joby Crum era is underway. His tenure got off to an interesting start as he was first declined by the school board to become the Senators’ head coach – a decision that was later overturned unanimously, allowing Crum to seize head coaching duties. Crum previously coached for three years at SHG but stated the style of play with this team will be different than the one he used with the Cyclones.
9. SHG: We flipped a coin for slots nine and 10. The Cyclones won the toss, landing in the nine hole. SHG also has a new head coach in a move that has been praised by many. Kyle Krager comes over from Lutheran High. The Cyclones won their season opener, 70-32 over Calvary on Tuesday night. The young head coach gets the chance to rebuild a program with a core of young players.
10. Rochester: Talk about a quick turnaround for the Rockets. Eight days after winning a state title on the gridiron, Rochester opens up the season against Lincoln at the PCCC. That will not be an easy opener for the Rockets.
