Well the City Playoffs begin tonight, to me it's the hardest high school basketball tournament to win in the country. Want proof? Jabari Parker's 4 time State Champion Simeon teams only won the City Tournament once. What would make this must see television around the country would be if Curie and Whitney Young clashed in the Final? Big Cliff Alexander (Kansas) vs Jahlil Okafor(Duke), two of the top 3 players in the country. But both have some big land mines in front of them before this matchup could materialize. Here are the contending teams: CURIE- Big Cliff Alexander(Kansas) has had a National Player of The Year type season for Curie. The improvement of this team is it's guards have finally started getting Alexander touches in the interior every time down the floor. Key will be the Stamps Brothers both guards (Josh a senior, and Joseph a junior) being knockdown three point shooters. Devin Gage is key at the point steadying the offense. Curie has lost once all season which was in Michigan when Alexander sat out due to suspension. Can they win their first City Title? WHITNEY YOUNG- This veteran team and defending City Champ has a rough road to the Finals, especially with possibly Morgan Park in the quarterfinals and Orr in the Semifinals. Leader is the senior trio of Jahlil Okafor(Duke), Paul White(Geogretown), and Miles Reynolds(St Louis) a 3 point sniper. Key will be the play of point guard Ant Moseley, and staying out of foul trouble especially since Whitney Young has no bench to speak of once again. Will they defend their title? ORR- This is my 3rd choice, they have quietly had a wonderful season with only 2 losses. They have inside play with Marlon Jones (6'8" senior) and Tyquan Greer (6'7" senior) doing damage on the glass. To me the key is the Coaches son Lou Adams Jr(6'4" senior) can he control his emotions and take advantage of his explosive and immense talent? If he can then they might pull the surprise and win the City Tournament. BOGAN- This is a small, explosive team that won the toughest division in this league the Red South. Luwan Pipkins (5'9" junior) a small quick explosive guard who can light up the gym from three point range, also Bryce Barnes (5'7" sophomore) is another explosive point guard who keeps the pace up. Key will be rebounding as Antonio Thomas will be key on the glass. This is a young team with only one senior in the rotation, could be a year away. SIMEON- Four time defending 4A State Champs have been up and down this season. They are frightenly young like Bogan and have been inconsistent most of the season. They are starting to play better in the last couple of weeks, Donte Ingram(Loyola Chicago) 6'5"senior swingman has taken a big leadership role the past couple of weeks. Ed Morrow (6'7" junior) has been a monster on the glass, Illinois commit DJ Williams (6'7"junior) needs to be more assertive if they are going to have a chance at the title. Evan Gilyard(5'11" freshman) has been effective at the point, Simeon as a possible date with Curie in quarterfinals. MORGAN PARK- Defending Class 3A State Champ has been up and down this season also. Josh Cunningham (6'7" senior) is probably the best uncommitted player in the country has to be a leader, Lamont Walker(Missouri Kansas City) 6'5" senior is the defensive ace. Charlie Moore (5'9" sophomore) has to run the team for Morgan Park to have a chance at the title. They also have to hit the glass better for their size. THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!! THIS WILL BE AN EXCITING 2 WEEKS CULMINATING WITH THE FINALS ON FEBRUARY 21ST!!!!!!!! WILL COME BACK WITH PREDICTIONS FOR THE QUARTERFINALS!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!
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