Muddy Waters

4-Star SG # 7 - Jordan Sibert (Rivals Profile - # 39 in Rivals 150 / HS Class of 2010)


4-Star PG # 24 - Kyle Davis (Rivals Profile - # 112 in Rivals 150 / HS Class of 2013)


3-Star PG # 28 - Dayshon Smith (Rivals Profile - # 124 in Rivals 150 / HS Class of 2013)


3-Star SF - Kendall Pollard (Rivals Profile - HS Class of 2013)

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Chicago Tribune High School Sports homepage (Chicago Tribune)

HS Sports homepage (Chicago Sun-Times) . . . . . Boys Basketball Rankings (Chicago Sun-Times)


Morgan Park HS homepage (Chicago Sun-Times) . . . Simeon HS homepage (Chicago Sun-Times)

Putnam Science Academy Mustangs Athletics (Putnam Science Academy)


Norwich Bulletin High School Sports homepage (Norwich Bulletin)


Norwich Bulletin Dayshon Smith Putnam February 2013 (Google search)

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Chicago HS Basketball Results - Friday, January 25, 2013:

Morgan Park 96, Carver 36 (no stats published).

Simeon 73, Harlan 54 (no stats published).

HS Basketball Roundup (Norwich Bulletin - January 25, 2013)

Putnam Science Academy 84, MacDuffie 74

PUTNAM — Dayshon Smith led all scorers with 32 points and added 8 assists and 7 steals for the Mustangs (10-7).

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Muddy Waters

Huge game for underdog Simeon HS and Kendall Pollard tonight:


Simeon, Young Set to Decide Who’s No. 1 (Chicago Sun-Times - January 23, 2013)

Top-ranked Young and No. 2 Simeon are set to clash for city supremacy when the two teams meet at Chicago State on Saturday.

The biggest names in high school basketball—Simeon, Jabari Parker, Whitney Young and Jahlil Okafor—are set to collide Saturday night at Chicago State University.

Combine the talent-filled rosters loaded with Division I prospects, star-caliber players, highly-ranked national teams and No. 1 vs. No. 2 locally, and you could argue this Young-Simeon clash is the biggest regular-season game that’s been played in this state since 1998.

"You have two Chicago teams that play similar national schedules, bring national visibility and are really mirror images of one another in that regard," Young coach Tyrone Slaughter said. "I think to have them playing here in Chicago is pretty special."

Adds Simeon coach Robert Smith, "The magnitude of this game increases because it’s not only local, it’s a high-level game nationally."

No. 1 Young Looking out for No. 2 Simeon (Chicago Tribune - January 25, 2013)

The Dolphins' two out-of-state transfers, 6-foot-4 junior L.J. Peak (South Carolina) and senior point guard Ausar Madison (California), also have made quite a splash in helping Young go 7-1 against nationally ranked teams to ascend to No. 1 in the Tribune Top 20 and No. 2 in USA Today's Super 25.

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Muddy Waters

Although it is not explicitly stated in either article below, it appears that Kendall Pollard led all players in the game with 7 rebounds.


No. 2 Simeon Hangs On to Yop No. 1 Young (Chicago Tribune - January 26, 2013)

Over the past two months, Young has built a convincing case for the No. 1 spot in the national rankings.

Until further notice, Simeon is the king of Chicago.

Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor drew ESPNU to Chicago State on Saturday night, but the Illinois-bound guard tandem of Jaylon Tate and Kendrick Nunn were the difference in No. 2 Simeon's 44-41 victory over No. 1 Young.

The teams could meet twice more in the city and state playoffs.

Parker had just seven points and six rebounds, but Simeon (18-2) held Okafor to eight points.

All four of Simeon's Division I players made big plays down the stretch. Still, Simeon's lead was just 42-41 before Tate decided to attack rather than the pull the ball out and force Young to foul.

Parker attacked a wide-open rim 13 seconds later, but his missed dunk left the door open for Young. Paul White missed badly on a 3-pointer, then Nunn blocked Ausar Madison's desperation heave at the buzzer.

Player of the game: L.J. Peak, Young, 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals.

Key performers: Simeon — Jaylon Tate, 12 points, 3 assists; Kendrick Nunn, 10 points, 6 assists; Kendall Pollard, 8 points, 7 rebounds.

Young — Jahlil Okafor, 8 points, 4 blocks; Paul White, 8 points, 6 rebounds.

Simeon Wins Showdown, Edges Young (Chicago Sun-Times - January 26, 2013)

In a nationally televised game between No. 1 Young and No. 2 Simeon, stars Jahlil Okafor and Jabari Parker had off-nights. Illinois recruits Jaylon Tate and Kendrick Nunn picked up the slack, leading the Wolverines to a 44-41 win Saturday at Chicago State.

Parker finished with seven points and Okafor had eight. It wasn't exactly the preview of two future pros that the network counted on.

Simeon out-rebounded Young 32-24.

Peak finished with 20 points, and White added eight points and six rebounds for Young (18-2).

Okafor shot 3-for-9 from the field and had six rebounds and five blocks. Some foul trouble and Simeon’s zone defense bottled him up in the first half, in the second it was Simeon’s 6-7 center Russell Woods that did the job.

Parker shot 3-for-11 and had five rebounds. White, a 6-9 junior, defended Parker most of the night.

I suspect that if any other player in the game had more than 7 rebounds, they would have received a mention in one of the articles above.

In any event, I'm really looking forward to watching Kendall, Kyle, and Scoochie play basketball in Dayton Flyers uniforms.

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College Hoops

I had a chance to watch the Whitney Young vs Simeon game last night, and there was alot of talent on the floor. True bb fans in general and UD fans in particular are going to like Kendall Pollard. Second time I've seen him play. Reminds me a bit of a right handed Devin Oliver with a little better shot. He's a very good rebounder and an excellent defender. Made the defensive play of the game sliding over to block a dunk. He received alot of 'props' from recruiting gurus Paul Biancardi & Dave Telep who were doing the game for ESPNU. I realize fouls played a part and its only one game, but if that was all you've seen of Jabari Parker you would wonder how he could be a top ranked player. Young's starters were almost all juniors. I didn't hear the name clearly, but AM is recruiting and has offerred one of their players according to Biancardi.

AdamtheFlyer

The best thing about Pollard (and there are many good things) is that he already understands how to play basketball. There was a play in the second half where Pollard got behind the defense for a dunk, but how he did it struck me. He took a wide angle to open a passing lane and broke to the rim at the perfect time. Not many kids understand that aspect of the game before they get to college. Most just run at the rim with a hand in the air, and expect a teammate to be able to give them the ball because no defender is on their hip.

He is a good defender and is good on the glass, and he also plays very well away from the ball on both ends of the floor. You can see his basketball IQ is very high. It's really tough to be the 4th option on your HS team when you are a D1 recruit and would be the best player on most opposing teams, and he clearly accepts that role and it has made him a better overall player.

You can't pretend to know how good he will be, but I like his chances to contribute from day 1 and have a successful college career. Archie got himself a player.

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Sure, I've been called a xenophobe, but the truth is, I'm not. I honestly just feel that America is the best country and the other countries aren't as good. That used to be called patriotism.

MichFlyer1

Has anyone heard that Kavanaugh is coming back next year and that is why Archie has not recruited a center? I have heard he is coming back.

AdamtheFlyer

The only thing I have heard definitively is that all parties (school, basketball program, Kavanaugh) are keeping their options open. Honestly, I think if Archie could find a good big man to come in as a freshman next year, Kavanaugh won't be back.

I don't know if that will happen, though, but I don't really hear a lot about the 2013 class anymore. Well, at least nothing that didn't originate from Schwade's site. I don't sub to his site, but I'm not going to throw around his info in such a public setting, either. I do know Archie was at the Huntington Prep vs La Lumiere game at Flying to the Hoop, and I'm guessing he wasn't there to watch Andrew Wiggins as a fan. Scuttlebutt in the arena said he was there to see a La Lumiere 6'10" junior named Johnathon Wilkins. He has interest from many schools but only low level offers right now.

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Sure, I've been called a xenophobe, but the truth is, I'm not. I honestly just feel that America is the best country and the other countries aren't as good. That used to be called patriotism.

Muddy Waters

Parker, Okafor Defer to Teammates (Chicago Tribune - January 27, 2013)




Simeon's Kendall Pollard hangs on the rim after a dunk Saturday against Young at Chicago State.

(Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune / January 27, 2013)

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Video: Simeon vs. Whitney Young - the 'Bragging Rights' Game (Chicago Tribune - January 27, 2013)

Scenes from the nationally televised game between No. 1 Whitney Young and No. 2 Simeon, two perennial Chicago Public League rivals (2 min. 49 sec.) - John Owens/Chicago Tribune.

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Muddy Waters

Chicago Tribune High School Sports homepage (Chicago Tribune)

# 24 Simeon's Kendall Pollard

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Michael O'Brien's Super 25 Rankings (Chicago Sun-Times - January 27, 2013)

Simeon's victory over Young Saturday at Chicago State was enough to propel the Wolverines back to the top of the rankings.

With record and last week's ranking.

1. Simeon (18-2) 2

Jaylon Tate got it done

2. Morgan Park (19-2) 3

Gave Wolverines better test

3. Young (18-2) 1

Two more chances vs. Simeon

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Boy's Basketball - Chicago Tribune Top 20 (Chicago Tribune - January 28, 2013)

Records through Sunday; previous ranking in parentheses.

1. Simeon 18-2 (2)

Zone neutralized Jahlil Okafor.

2. Young 18-2 (1)

Could have two more shots at Simeon.

3. Morgan Park 19-2 (3)

Faced Bogan on Monday for second place in Red South.

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Muddy Waters

Morgan Park 79, Tilden 44 (Chicago Sun-Times - January 29, 2013)

Kyle Davis led all scorers with 32 points.

HS Basketball Roundup (Norwich Bulletin - January 30, 2013)

Putnam Science Academy 72, Vermont Academy 60

SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. - Jemal Mosley hit four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 21 points for the Mustangs (11-7).

Dayshon Smith contributed 20 points, eight assists, and five steals.

The Simeon Wolverines were idle last night.

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College Hoops

It was one game, but the fact that UD got absolutely manhandled on the boards vs X, and neither Gavs nor Scott took off their warmups doesn't bode well for next year. Maybe Kavs returns or maybe Scott/Gavs transform their games and become a presence down low. If not, and AM can't bring in a big for next year that can be plus factor defensively, its going to be a real struggle despite Davis, Smith and Pollard.

xu95

Two requirements to post in this thread is pictures and high school stats. You provided neither. I might have to delete.

Muddy Waters

Here's the latest on Kevin Dillard's replacement:


Morgan Park Rolls Lane (Chicago Sun-Times - February 7, 2013)

Kyle Davis poured in a career-high 42 points as the host No. 2 Mustangs scored a stunning 71 first half points in annihilating Lane 123-51 in a second-round Public League City Tournament game Thursday.

Morgan Park advances to meet No. 11 Curie, which won 56-34 over North Lawndale on Wednesday, in the quarterfinals at Chicago State on Sunday.

The Mustangs (23-2) bolted to a 14-2 lead 2:29 into the game and never looked back as Davis opened the game with a three-pointer.

Kyle Davis was spectacular in every way. He scored 25 in the first half and added 13 points in the third quarter. He added seven rebounds, seven assists and six steals.

Davis easily eclipsed his previous career-high of 32 points. "It's been great playing with these guys, and the way they've welcomed me into their family," the Hyde Park transfer said.

Kyle Davis isn't the only future Flyers' PG who can score:


HS Basketball Roundup (Norwich Bulletin - February 7, 2013)

Putnam Science Academy 67, MacDuffie 66

After trailing by six at the half, the Mustangs rode Dayshon Smith’s 29 points to take the one-point victory in the away game.

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Muddy Waters

Simeon's Kendall Pollard Excels Against Bogan (Chicago Sun-Times - February 10, 2013)

Simeon senior Kendall Pollard scored a team-high 14 points and held Bogan’s sophomore-star Luwane Pipkins to 2-for-16 shooting in the Wolverines' 59-49 Public League quarterfinal win over the Bengals at Chicago State on Sunday.





There’s a serious case to be made that Wednesday’s Public League semifinals will feature the four best teams in the state. With the Illinois High School Association’s four class tournament format, it will be the only place those four teams will compete against one another this season.

No. 1 Simeon, No. 2 Morgan Park, No. 3 Orr and No. 4 Young all won quarterfinal games Sunday at Chicago State. Simeon and Young will play in the Class 4A state playoffs, Morgan Park and Orr are Class 3A.

“We probably have the four best teams here,” Simeon Coach Robert Smith said after the Wolverines knocked off Red-South rival Bogan 59-49. “It’s probably the best city tournament since we played against [Marshall star] Patrick Beverley and [Crane star] Sherron Collins.”

Simeon senior Kendall Pollard, a strong and fast 6-7 forward, absolutely dominated Bogan’s best player, 5-10 sophomore Luwane Pipkins.

Pipkins managed 14 points in the game, but shot just 2-for-16 from the field.

"He’s our best defensive player," Smith said about Pollard. "We just wanted to take [Pipkins] out of the game."

Pollard was also the Wolverines leading scorer, with 14 points.

Jabari Parker scored 13 and grabbed 14 rebounds. Russell Woods had a double-double, with 11 and 10, and Kendrick Nunn added 12 points.

Simeon (22-2) has already beaten Morgan Park and Young this year. The Wolverines will face Morgan Park in the semifinals on Wednesday, with a possible Young rematch in the championship game on Friday.

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Bogan’s Luwane Pipkins Puts On Show for St. Joseph (Chicago Sun-Times - December 27, 2012)

Bogan’s Luwane Pipkins scored 32 points and went 8-of-11 from beyond the arc in an 80-59 victory over St. Joseph, putting on one of the best performances in the second round of this year’s Proviso West Holiday Tournament.

Muddy’s Observation:

6’-2” PG Jaylon Tate and 6’-3” SG Kendrick Nunn are both headed to Illinois next season.

Yet Simeon Coach Robert Smith decided to assign 6’-7” SF Kendall Pollard to guard Bogan’s best player, 5’-10” sophomore PG Luwane Pipkins, and that decision led to Simeon’s win.

That tells me everything I need to know about Kendall Pollard.

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Muddy Waters

Athlete of the Week: Kyle Davis (Chicago Sun-Times - February 11, 2013)

Morgan Park senior guard Kyle Davis has scored 77 points in the Public League playoffs, including a 42-point outburst against Lane. For his efforts, he is the Sun-Times Athlete of the Week.




Morgan Park’s Kyle Davis moves the ball past Bogan’s Luwane Pipkins.


Davis has solidified the disparate parts of Morgan Park and turned the No. 2 Mustangs into a powerhouse.

"He’s the kind of kid who’s an easy fit," Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said. "It was not that big of a transition for him because he’s a great kid, a great student as well being a good basketball player. He’s the one that has brought us together, the one who calls the meetings, the one with Billy [Garrett] that really pulls us together."

Davis has been the lynch pin of a 25-2 power. He was named first-team at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament, where he led the Mustangs to the tournament title. Since the start of the Public League city playoffs, Davis has been on fire.

He scored 77 points, averaging just under 26 points a game, as the Mustangs went 3-0 last week to qualify for the city Final Four. He poured in a career-high 42 points last Thursday against Lane. In a quarterfinal matchup with No. 11 Curie, Davis scored 14 points and made two key steals and four free throws in an 11-0 run that turned a four-point second-half deficit into a seven-point lead.

For his accomplishments, Davis is the Sun-Times Athlete of the Week.

At 6-1 with tremendous leaping ability, Davis is the pure athlete of the Mustangs’ three-guard attack.

"My strength is attacking the basket," he said. "That’s where I thrive."

Despite his lithe frame, he’s very good at finishing at the basket. His ball-hawking, quick hands and aggressive defensive instincts make him an elite defender.

Davis signed with Dayton, but also received strong interest from Illinois, Xavier, and Butler. "I liked their style of play," he said about the Flyers.

The Mustangs meet top-ranked Simeon on Wednesday, in a rematch against the team that administered their only in-state defeat. The top-seed in the Class 3A St. Laurence sectional, Morgan Park is the favorite to win its first state title since 1976.

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Dayton Flyers 2013-14 Roster

On the hot seat: Alex Gavrilovic, who Archie Miller has benched for 5 of the Flyers' last 7 games, despite the uninspired play of 5th-year senior Josh Benson.

It is widely anticipated that this spring, Miller will add 6'-9", 250-lb. Matt Kavanaugh or a JUCO PF/C (or both if Gavrilovic transfers) to the Flyers' 2013-14 Roster.


Dayton Flyers 5-Year Roster Sorted By Graduating Class


Dayton Flyers 2012-13 Individual Stats (Yahoo!)

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