December 4, 2007
Michael J. Ciepierski
TheDemonsDen.net Publisher
Talk about it in Illinois High School Basketball
Over the next week The Demons Den is going to look at the Classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010, and name the best players in categories such as the best shooter, the best rebounder, the best scorer, etc. The first class that will be looked at is the Class of 2008, which is highlighted by some of the best players in the country, such as Iman Shumpert and Michael Dunigan, but also some semi-unknowns that are the best of their trait...
Best Scorer: Nick Fruendt - Batavia - Northwestern
A couple of years ago, many said that Nick Fruendt was going to be the next Jon Scheyer, the current Duke star, because their games were so similar. The comparison could not be more correct. Although Fruendt is not to the same calibur of a scorer, he still gets the nod as being the most prolific scorer in Illinois today for the Class of 2008. Nick is a master at moving without the ball, and hitting the midrange shot. He's going to excel at Northwestern.
Best Shooter: Matt Roth - Washington - Indiana
Matt Roth isn't just the best shooter in the state, but probably the best shooter in the country regardless of class. His range extends about five feet behind the three point line, and he's going to be able to shoot from outside with ease when he enters college with the new three point line. He's really going to open up the lane for Indiana starting next year!
Best Penetrator: Lewis Jackson - Eisenhower - Purdue
Without question the fastest player in the state is Lewis Jackson, and this speed, along with his amazing ballhandling, allows him to get into the lane with ease. What is unique about Mr. Jackson is that being under six foot, he's able to finish above the rim, also making him the best athlete in the Class of 2008 for Illinois.
Best Playmaker: A.J. Rompza - Young - Central Florida
Only 5'9" and 150lbs, but such a high basketball IQ, and the know-how of getting the defense flustered and getting open shots for his teammates. A.J. possesses the best ability in the state of getting into the opponents heads, and takes advantage of it by exploiting them with assist after assist. He needs to get stronger, but has Jason Williams-like ability.
Best Rebounder: Michael Dunigan - Farragut - Oregon
By far the most talented rebounder in the state, regardless of class, is Farragut's Michael Dunigan. Michael gets excellent position on every rebound, boxing out, and outleaps his opponents. Add to this would be that Michael might be the best leader of the class.
Best Defender: John Moran - Jacobs - Northern Iowa
A fearless competitor, John Moran could be compared to current SIU point guard Bryan Mullins, as Moran just does not stay in front of his defender, but does not allow him to get to the basket. Moran possesses quick hands and even quicker feet, and the desire that is almost unmatched in the state. Outside of defense, Moran is also one of the best shooters in the state! Northern Iowa got a steal!
Best Athlete: Lewis Jackson - Eisenhower - Purdue
Another honor for Mr. Jackson! Jackson possesses the best speed in the class, as well as the best vertical leap, which is said to be 40+ inches. Jackson also plays with tremendous strength for being a small point guard. He never allows the defense to out-muscle him. Jackson might be the best athlete in the entire country regardless of class.
Most Underrated: John Shurna - Glenbard West - Northwestern
Most every Top 10 kid in the state is a household name, seeing their names in the papers, on TV, and just talked about. Well, John Shurna is a Top 10 kid from the Class of 2008 that really doesn't get the press he deserves. Although slight in frame, he plays with the heart of a lion, is able to mix it up inside with surprising athleticism, hit the outside shot, is a tremendous defender, and is one of the best passers from the high post in the entire country. Once he puts on some muscle, look for Shurna to be not only a star at Northwestern, but a great player in the Big 10.
Carl Richard - Richards - Indiana State
A few years from now people are going to be watching a Missouri Valley game, and they are going to wonder how Carl Richard went to Indiana State and not a High Major. Last year nothing much was said about Richard, who played well, but out of position. Now that he plays on the perimeter, he has shown that he has an outstanding perimeter shot, good ballhandling ability, intense defense, and he plays above the rim as good as anybody. When it's all said and done, Richard might be the best player, outside of Larry Bird, to play for ISU.
Best NBA Prospect: Iman Shumpert - Oak Park / River Forest - Georgia Tech
The best way to describe Iman Shumpert is simply saying two words: Gilbert Arenas. He's quick, outstanding jumper, great ballhandling, outstanding athleticism, high basketball IQ, and amazing desire. There are no noticeable weaknesses in his game, other than he might be too unselfish at times. Iman is one of the best guards in the entire country, and he's going to carry on the tradition of great point guards at Georgia Tech.
