The Big Twelve should have some serious firepower this year. We are looking at some of the teams to watch with notable prospects in the conference.
Champaign Central
Central struggled last season, but look for a significant improvement leaning on versatile 6-foot-7 forward Chris Bush. After impressing over the summer and leading the team in points and rebounds as a sophomore, he is in position to open a lot of eyes outside of the area. Their second leading scorer, Axel Baldwin, also returns as a face-up threat at the forward spot. They will have a chance to take a step forward as a program this year.
Normal Community
They will have the biggest lineup in the state and some of the best chemistry of any team who brought in multiple transfers. Wright State commit Jaheem Webber (6-foot-10) and 6-foot-5 point guard Braylon Roman are the key returners. Webber has transformed his frame and should dominate the paint this year. Roman, a skilled playmaker, is an automatic mismatch. 6-foot-6 Bloomington transfer Niko Newsome was a 20-point scorer last year, but he is one of the best wing defenders in the state as he showed for MidPro during the AAU circuit.
6-foot-9 forward Noah Cleveland is back after taking last year off and he could be the real x-factor. A legitimate Division 1 talent with athleticism and strength, Cleveland will have a huge year playing primarily the four. Another key transfer, Conner Smith, will help the backcourt and give some scoring punch from the outside. If that isn’t enough, how about bringing a 6-foot-9, potential Division 1 recruit off of the bench in Kobe Walker? This team has the lineup to beat anyone in the state. Depth and health contingent, they could be making a trip downstate.
Normal West
Normal West has their top two scorers back in Nate Moore and Gavin Camp. The backcourt combined for nearly 120 threes a year ago and should give them consistent double-digit scoring threats. Look for 6-foot-2 guard Isaiah Robinson, a solid D3 recruit, to play a bigger role for a typically guard-heavy group. There should also be an increased role for lanky, skilled 6-foot-5 senior Taylor Hafermann, who was in the regular rotation last year. A name to watch is freshman Camron Dunson-Riggs, who is one of the most physically ready freshman in the state. The wing can score in isolations, has supreme athleticism, and will be a nightmare in transition. He’s got it.
Peoria High
The focal point will be Leshawn Stowers, a 6-foot-5 junior guard who broke out over the summer with MidPro. The physicality and IQ that he shows on both ends will shine this season. He’s an easy Division 1 recruit. They should be bolstered by the transfer (back) from Rico Jackson, who is supposed to help up the tempo and provide assistance as a scorer. DaQuan Little should also take a big step forward with the departures of a couple of the primary scorers from a year ago. They will be a contender with their rock-solid perimeter options.
Peoria Manual
Dietrich Richardson is going to be a star, not just in the Peoria area, but throughout the entire state. He has electric athleticism, great length at 6-foot-6, and true point guard skills. With a deep senior class graduating, Richardson is the top returner as a junior and projects as the top option. Daniel Finley, another guard who was up as a sophomore, will need to assume a larger role while energetic senior guard London Tolliver could be a spark plug. Jakyle Green will give them some support on the interior as well. This should be an entertaining team to watch around Richardson.
Peoria Notre Dame
With the transfer of Cooper Koch, Peoria Notre Dame will have a different look. I have always been a big fan of the potential of Eoin Dillon, who had a huge AAU showing with the Illinois Wolves before ultimately committing to Belmont. The 6-foot-9 stretch forward will be the centerpiece and has developed the off-the-dribble game to adjust to the increased defensive attention he will receive. Ted Dilmer was honorable mention all-conference as a junior and is an athletic kid who produces on the wing. 6-foot-8 forward Eliot Lynch has put on tremendous strength since last year and now has the build to deliver damage inside. Division 3 coaches continue to be intrigued with his value and he should complement Dillon well.
Richwoods
Richwoods was one of the more impressive teams who I saw all summer. Obviously, the addition of 6-foot-10 big Lathan Sommerville (Rutgers), a top-100 national recruit with great feet, strength, and touch, helps. I feel pretty confident in saying that he should be a first-team all-state player this year. But it’s more than a one-man show. Tavie Smith was an all-conference selection last year and can really go with the ball in his hands. The defensive intensity and athleticism of this group will be off the charts. Jaivyn Moore has good length and activity, and JD Etherly should provide value as a slasher and transition option. There is a lot to like about how this group, who won 25 games last season.
Urbana
This may be the team with the brightest young cores in the area after adding a few impactful transfers. Senior Malcom Morris is the elder statesman of the group, returning as a 6-foot-7 center who can affect some things in the paint. Sophomore Kyree Hillsman is athletic, good with the ball, and was an honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago. Two of Hillsman’s AAU teammates transferred in and should make a big difference for the young team. Sophomore Jadin Schilb (6-foot-4) continues to improve and brings top-level shooting and a projectable build. He’s got a chance to be really good. Another 6-foot-4 transfer, junior Jaylen McElmurry gets to and above the rim well, has sound mechanics, and looks like a kid who has more growing to do.