D.J. Deere, T.F. North
6-1, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 11.0 ppg, 4.7 apg
Notable: Deere was one of the few bright spots for the Meteors last season. He ran the show and will be expected to do the same this year. He also plays good defense and will help T.F. North get back on the winning track.
Alex Foster, Seton Academy
6-7, Sr., F
2011-12 Stats: 13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.5 bpg (at De La Salle)
Notable: Foster, a Minnesota recruit, is one of the top players in the state. He was one of the top players in the Catholic League last year at De La Salle. He adds to the Sting's inside game and will be tough to stop.
Johnny Griffin, Bloom Township
6-4, Sr., C/F
2011-12 Stats: 6.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.2 bpg
Notable: Griffin will be a three-year starter and was a big part of the Blazing Trojans' run to the Class 4A quarterfinals. He will be one of the team leaders and one of the most dominant players in the south suburbs.
Marvie Keith, Crete-Monee
5-8, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 12.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 1.8 spg
Notable: A four-year varsity regular and three-year starter, Keith will have to run the show. He is a good 3-point shooter, but will also be asked to dish the ball inside this season.
Brandon Martin, Illiana Christian
6-0, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 spg
Notable: Martin hit 35 3-pointers and led the Vikings in assists, steals and shooting percentage. He will be one of the top players in the Metro Suburban Conference.
Mack Newson, Illinois Lutheran
5-10, Jr., G
2011-12 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 4.6 apg, 1.6 spg
Notable: His 110 assists last year were a program single-season record. Newson also led the Chargers in scoring. He will be one the best players in the River Valley Conference and should excel on both ends of the court.
Kamal Shasi, Seton Academy
6-0, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 14.0 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 spg
Notable: He was an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association third-team all-state and Associated Press honorable mention selection, as he helped the Sting to a fourth-place finish in Class 2A. His four-point play saved the Sting from a first-round playoff exit. Shasi will be one of the best guards in the state.
Justin Taylor, Thornton
6-3, Jr., F
2011-12 Stats: 10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Notable: One of the returning starters for the Wildcats, he came on strong at the end of last year. He is expected to not only score, but to rebound as the Wildcats look to get back on the winning track.
LaQuon Treadwell, Crete-Monee
6-4, Sr., C
2011-12 Stats: 11.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 2.1 spg.
Notable: Treadwell is a big-time football player, but he is not too bad on the court, either. He is a three-year varsity regular and was the Warriors' No. 1 rebounder and shot blocker last year.
Tyler Ulis, Marian Catholic
5-9, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 20.4 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.5 rpg, 2.0 spg, 48 percent FG, 79 percent FT, 33 percent 3-point FG.
Notable: Ulis is a do-everything performer for the Spartans as he paced them in scoring, assists and ranked near the top in most other categories. He is a very exciting player to watch -- especially when he takes over a game.
Mark Weems, Jr., Seton Academy
6-0, Sr., G
2011-12 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.0 spg, 46 percent FG.
Notable: Weems is another big-time player and was chosen for the Class 2A All-State first team by both the IBCA and Associated Press. He was also voted the outstanding player in the Catholic League South. Look for another great year from him.
Nick Wood, T.F. North
6-4, Sr., F
2011-12 Stats: 14.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg
Notable: Wood had some big games last seaspm and will be expected to have a lot of big games this season -- especially on the boards. The Meteors need some good inside play and Wood is one who will do the job. — Compiled by Mike Nieto
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