More Top Picks Dehydrator
player ready...Most every successful coach will tell you it takes elite players to win championships.
Take, for instance, Morgan Park in boys basketball.
While there’s no denying the impact coach Nick Irvin has made since taking over in 2008, he also has had a remarkable run of the talent.
Particularly from 2010 to 2020, when the Mustangs won four state championships.
With that said, it should come as no surprise that Morgan Park has five spots on my list of the top 10 boys basketball players in the Southland from 2010 to 2020.
A sixth just missed the cut.
While only one player on this list has made it to the NBA, more than half are still playing in college or — in one case — in high school.
Translation? The final chapter from this decade has not been written.
There’s no disputing, however, the remarkable talent from this era.
Remember, the No. 1 criterion for my list is a player’s high school performance — not college, not professional, not small fry.
Here’s the final part of my three-part series, with players listed in alphabetical order:
Wayne Blackshear, Morgan Park (2011): The 6-foot-5 guard was a matchup nightmare for most defenders. Could dominate from the perimeter and the lane. As a senior, he averaged 32 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocked shots.
Ayo Dosunmu, Morgan Park (2018): When the lights were at their brightest, the 6-5 guard was at his finest. As a senior, he averaged 24.4 points, 5.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds for the Class 3A state champions. As a junior, he averaged 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for 3A state champs. Declared for the NBA draft after two seasons at Illinois.
Marcus Garrett, Hillcrest (2017): The 6-1 shooting guard was relentless on both ends of the court. As a senior, he averaged 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. As a junior, he averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals. Currently playing at Wabash Valley.
Marquise Kennedy, Brother Rice (2019): I can’t recall one player carrying more of a scoring load for a team than the 6-1 combo guard did during the 2018-19 season. He was Mr. Clutch. As a senior, he averaged 25 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists. As a junior, he averaged 17.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Currently playing at Loyola.
Marcus LoVett, Morgan Park (2015): The 6-1 combo guard was a show-stopping talent. Exceptionally gifted with superior quickness. As a senior, he averaged 25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. He piled up 45 points in a dizzying performance during a 3A state semifinal loss to Belleville Althoff.
Charles Matthews, St. Rita (2015): There was nothing the 6-6 guard couldn’t do. Whether it was draining 3-pointers or beating defenders off the dribble, Matthews was smoother than soft serve ice cream. As a senior, he averaged 21.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.
Adam Miller, Morgan Park (2020): The 6-4 combo guard has unlimited shooting range and can get to the basket. But also watching Miller launch 25-footers was poetry in motion. As a senior, he averaged 27.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists. As a junior, he averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists while establishing a new scoring record at the Rich South Big Dipper. Committed to Illinois.
Charlie Moore, Morgan Park (2016): The 6-0 point guard often had a smile on his face as he ripped out the hearts of opponents. As a senior, he averaged 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds. As a junior, averaged 18.1 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Helped the Mustangs to a pair of 3A state titles. Currently playing at DePaul.
Tyler Ulis, Marian Catholic (2014): There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the mesmerizing 5-9 point guard. A generational talent who proved size doesn’t matter. Finished as the program’s all-time leader in points (2,335), assists (578) and steals (283). Averaged 13.3 points as a freshman, 21.8 points as a sophomore, 21.9 points as a junior and 24.9 points as a senior. He was a second-round draft pick of the Phoenix Suns.
Alonzo Verge, Thornton (2017): Only played one season for Wildcats, but made the most of it. The 6-4 guard was a dominant force, averaging 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Currently playing at Arizona State.
More Top Picks Best Whole House Water Filters For Well Water
