Is Simeon Favored To Win Another Class 4A State Title?

Some folks would say Stevenson(Lincolnshire) is favored with Jalen Brunson the top player in the state and his running partner Conner Cashaw. Yes these teams played in February and Stevenson won. Yes Stevenson played well, but Simeon had a lot of young talent and more beat themselves with dumb turnovers. They will play again in the City Suburban Shootout in February 2015, it will be the matchup of the year in the State Of Illinois. Here's Simeon's roster: STARTERS: POINT GUARD- EVAN GILYARD(5'8" SOPHOMORE)-He will probably be the point guard on this years team, he will also be the key player to their state title hopes. All he has to do is take care of the ball, get the ball to the top scorers for Simeon, and play pressure defense on the ball. Easiest job and hardest job at the same time. SHOOTING GUARD- ZACK NORVELL JR(6'4" JUNIOR)-In some corners he is called the best junior in the state of Illinois, a deep long range three point shooter who can also slash to the basket. He also makes a good effort playing on the defensive end of the court. He can play the point in short stretches, they tried him full time last year and it did not work out. Look for him to be a top scorer on this years team. SMALL FORWARD-ISAIAH MOSS(6'5" SENIOR)-  Iowa commit, it  took him awhile to get adjusted to Simeon after transferring from Lincoln Way East last season(Jaylon Tate comes to mind here). He took a big step forward over the summer and became a big time Division 1 prospect. He's a good three point shooter and also can slash to the basket and finish strong. I think he moves into the starting lineup and becomes a leader in his senior season. POWER FORWARD-DJ WILLIAMS(6'7) SENIOR)-Illinois commit took his game to another level also this past summer. He always had it in him but was always too passive. He has become more assertive and is slashing to the basket stronger. Very good midrange shooter still needs to extend to 3 point range. Long and athletic can rebound well and is a good passer, can play point guard in a pinch. CENTER-ED MORROW(6'7" SENIOR)- Nebraska commit is a big time energy player on both ends of the court, a dunking machine even though he's undersized. His motor is nonstop and has developed a midrange jumper. He's a rebounding monster and will dunk on anyone. Look for him to be intimidating in the middle. BENCH: BEN COUPET JR(6'8" JUNIOR)-Has been maddenly inconsistent in his high school career, can be so much more. He did play with more consistency this past summer but not quite enough to keep his starting spot in my opinion. He is getting high Division 1 looks because he is talented with a lot of bounce and a good shooter out to three point range. Has to work on his ball handling to be a great wing player. Is it because he's not the first option and playing with talented players that he floats through games? Or is it that he's not an assertive player? I think we will see the best of him his senior year. FREDERICK SCOTT(6'7" SENIOR)-Sat out last year after transferring from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth Of Wilson,VA. He's a well built young man who can play inside, also has good ball handling and surprising agility for this girth. Good shooter out to the three point line, will help with depth off the bench. Also a Division 1 caliber player. JOSH THOMAS(6'2" JUNIOR)-This kid is very talented, great at slashing to the basket. Since he is so good at getting to the basket have not seen much of his outside shot. He is a good passer off the dribble but seems to play out of control at times. If he gained some control he could play some point guard for sure. I think that would be his college position. MARQUISE(KEZO) BROWN(6'0"FRESHMAN)-I think he will be the only freshman in the rotation. I was very impressed with his defense and defensive intensity when I saw him play this summer. He's a good slasher to the basket, he will get playing time just for his defense alone. He will have to develop a consistent three point shot to maximize his potential. He is a good midrange shooter and finishes well at the basket for a freshman. Also is a good passer. THERE ARE PROBABLY A COUPLE MORE PLAYERS I HAVE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT, BUT THIS TEAM IS TALENTED AND DEEP NEVERTHELESS. MY OPINION IS THEY WIN THEIR 5TH CLASS 4A TITLE IN 6 YEARS!!!!!!!! UNTIL NEXT TIME GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Timothy's Rants: Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!...

Timothy's Rants: Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!...: I will start by saying Black folks have a right to be upset at this. This is happening too often to us as African American men young and old...

Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!

I will start by saying Black folks have a right to be upset at this. This is happening too often to us as African American men young and old. We are profiled as dangerous from the get go by the police. It does not matter if we are armed or unarmed we are targets. We are targets by the police, by the white man, by the establishment which is headed by mostly white men. This goes back centuries to the days of slavery. Why enslave our ancestors at all? One thing I felt white folks in general were lazy people but I will leave that out of this discussion. A lot of it goes back to fear, when it's an even playing field, blacks prevail more often than not. Problem is white folks are scared if we prevail and take over America that we will enslave them as they did us for centuries. This fear is passed down from generation to generation whereas any white person with a badge or in power, have to do their best to intimidate, use their power to keep us black folks in line. Fear was used in slavery to try and keep our ancestors from wanting to escape the plantation to a better life. Newsflash for black folks, especially young black folks who think we live in a "post racial" society, it does not exist. Yes we have come a long way from white fountains and black fountains, also forced to sit in the back of the bus. We have our parents and grandparents to thank for the marches, sit ins and other things they did to benefit us from that inhumane existence. We still have a very long way to go, hence this killing and other killings that have happened to Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and other nameless faceless black men gunned down by the cops. The tragic thing to me is the apathy of African American women to see the atrocities that happen to us African American men or what we have to face every time we step out of our house. It seems like in this latest killing though I see more and more African American women as outraged as the men are. This is a good thing and it's good to see. This latest cold blooded murder by someone who is supposed to protect and serve the public, the moronic police department will not take the statement of a witness. That witness, his friend who was with him and saw what happened has not interviewed with the police yet? It's been 72 hours since the incident happened and still they have not talked to the young man. The other thing is these cops that shoot unarmed African American men, and racially profile us gets PAID administrative leave. What the heck is that? We need to march, let our voices be heard, and do whatever we can to make this stop. It is open season on African American unarmed men to be targeted by the police for just walking down the street. Any change or revolution that has happened in this country has come through violence unfortunately, nothing else seems to work. I shouldn't be surprised since this system of government was founded by violence and thievery. We have to step up as African American and not let this pass, enough is enough. This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.

Following Jesus Christ In My Life!!!!!!!!!

I have not used my blog much to write about the wonderful name and person of Jesus Christ. I will say that HE has been in charge of my life from the beginning. My Mom June Nutter made sure my brother and I went to church just about every Sunday. We sang in the choir, did Sunday School, did plays in the Church. By the way our home church was and still is Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lexington, Kentucky. I can thank my Mother for putting a Christian base for me to live life by. But it is JESUS CHRIST, who has kept my life all these years, and put the Holy Spirit into me. I went off the tracks a bit when I was in the Army, but JESUS brought me back to center and never left me. JESUS CHRIST never leaves you, but we sometimes leave him, and he still gives us a chance to come back to him. JESUS CHRIST forgives us, if we earnestly repent of our sins. People have no idea what "repent" means. 

re·pent

 verb \ri-ˈpent\
: to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right. That is the definition of the word. We as human beings can't just ask for forgiveness, we have to make an effort not to sin again. That is the essence of repentance right there.  If you read further into the definition it also says: to feel regret or remorse. If you keep doing the same sins over and over willingly that is not showing regret or remorse. We as Christians and people have to truly get closer to GOD by repenting of our sins. Also we have to love following JESUS CHRIST, which means doing our best to do the right things. I sin and fall short all the time, but I am making my best effort to repent of my sins. It's still a work in progress for me and for all of us, but if JESUS CHRIST is in our hearts then we will live for eternity. I love the LORD, and I am trying to prove that I do more and more every day GOD gives me on this journey called life. GOD has blessed me and my family immensely, two healthy and beautiful children Reginice 24, and Timothy Jr 20 (though my son has a fractured knee right now, I believe GOD will heal him and make his knee even stronger), beautiful and wonderful wife inside and out Deborah Yordy Coleman. I count my blessings every day of my life. HE has given me everything I could ask for in life, health, happiness, a roof over my head, food to eat, a comfortable place to sleep. I could not ask for anything more the LORD has given me and my family. I am a licensed Illinois High School Association Basketball and Lacrosse Referee which I enjoy doing. I will say anyone that has not given their life to Christ should do so as soon as possible. You never know if you are going to wake up the next day and have a chance to save your soul. GOD can help you with any problem you might have, he will solve it in his time not ours. Anyone not saved you can have Peace in your life by giving it up to JESUS CHRIST. If you want to know more about this KING OF GLORY let me know. I will give you more of my testimony than I have given here. I will end this with a song I learned at Quinn Chapel: PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOWWWWW, PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOWWW, PRAISE HIM ABOVE THE HEAVENLY HOST, PRAISE FATHER, SON ANDDDDD HOOOOOLLLLLY GHOST, AAAAAAAAAMENNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!

Early Breakdown of 2014-2015 Kentucky Wildcats Roster!!!!!!!!!!

With a lot of the players returning next season with the incoming recruits this should be a great team next season. Roster is now set here we go: STARTERS---------------- POINT GUARD- ANDREW HARRISON(6'6" SOPHOMORE)- This would be a great decision to return, he has to show what he did in the NCAA Tournament can be done consistently over a 30 game regular season. He has to improve his outside shooting, quickness on defense guarding people, and his ball handling. With an offseason and the foreign tour this summer he will be ready to be a Lottery Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. SHOOTING GUARD-AARON HARRISON(6'6" SOPHOMORE)- Along with his twin brother coming back to school would be a great decision. He has to improve his quickness, outside shooting with consistency over a 30 game schedule, and his defense. Same thing will happen with another season under Coach Cal. I see him being a first round pick in 2015 NBA Draft. SMALL FORWARD-ALEX POYTHRESS(6'9" JUNIOR)- Another great decision to return to school as he needs to learn how to play the 3 spot on both ends of the floor. He showed this past season he can guard 3's on defense, his offense he has to improve his dribbling and slashing to the basket with more than one dribble. I see him doing what is necessary to get ready for the NBA, as well as helping Kentucky and giving the Cats a big lineup on the front line. This is his opportunity to grab the bull by the horns, graduate, and make a lot of money in the NBA. POWER FORWARD-KARL ANTHONY TOWNS(7'0" FRESHMAN)- This will surprise a lot of people but Coach Calipari will not be able to keep him and his skill level off the floor. He can shoot from NBA Three point range, has ball handling, and has worked on his back to the basket game to play the power spot. Shot blocking on defense also from this spot, he will have to learn to move his feet better to guard the stretch 4's, but then again he's a stretch 4 himself. CENTER-DAKARI JOHNSON(7'0" SOPHOMORE)-This was a hard one too, but I will go with last years starting center here. He has a legit back to the basket game on offense and you can throw the ball inside to him and he will score consistently. He has to work on his footwork on defense but did surprisingly well in the postseason with this. He also hits the boards very well. BENCH-------CENTER-WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN(7'0" JUNIOR)-Willie is more of a 6th starter as he will bring athleticism and energy off the bench. This also helps his future NBA Career as I think he will be a bench player at that level. He needs to keep improving his low post scoring, hits the boards well and could break the Kentucky shot blocking record. I am surprised he returned but is understandable. Will also give veteran leadership to this team. POINT GUARD-TYLER ULIS(5'9" FRESHMAN)- Yes he is short BBN, yes he is slight, but will pick up weight at Kentucky. He's a disrupter on defense, will pick a lot of guard's pockets. On the offensive end, he's a true floor general, unselfish, will run the offense, can get in the lane, and oh yes he can shoot the three pointer at a high rate. Once he learns the college game he will be one of the top point guards in the country. FORWARD-MARCUS LEE(6'9" SOPHOMORE)-He had a great last 3 games in the NCAA Tournament, he was able to show his athletic skills but he is much more than that. He did not get to show it but he has a good face up 15 footer and can take the ball to the hole. Of course his shot blocking and rebounding attacking the glass, but he will have to get stronger which I think he will, and will get some playing time next season. SHOOTING GUARD- DEVIN BOOKER(6'6" FRESHMAN)-I think he will be able to play some three if needed, but is a knockdown three point shooter that is needed on the roster, also more athletic than people think. He will have to work on his shot selection and his defense as most freshman do, but he will contribute. SMALL FORWARD- DEREK WILLIS(6'9" SOPHOMORE)- Look for him to contribute a lot as he can handle the ball, is a good three point shooter and better athlete than most think, I also think he can guard 3's with his work ethic and willingness to get on the floor. He can also drive to the basket, his key is he has to get stronger for this to happen, I am confident that he will. FORWARD/CENTER TREY LYLES(6'10" FRESHMAN)- There has to be an odd man out on the frontline rotation and I think it will be Lyles and it won't be because of lack of skill. He is very skilled, can handle, shoot from outside and even take guys off the dribble, the problem is his defense and lack of athleticism. I think this will lower his playing time on this particular team. It is good though to have a kid like this who can do so many things. It is possible he could work his way into the rotation. Will be interesting to see. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS(6'1" SOPHOMORE)- There will be minutes for Dominique in the backcourt rotation for his defense if anything. He could push Ulis if he improves his outside shooting and works on his shooting in general. Makes opposing guards work on defense and is bigger defender than Ulis. He will help in practice also with his hustle and making guys work. THERE YOU HAVE IT, MY BREAKDOWN OF THE 2014-2015 KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!!!!!! I THINK THIS LINEUP COULD WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE AND BE A BETTER REGULAR SEASON TEAM THAN 2013-2014 WITH THE EXPERIENCE FACTOR ALONE!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Who's Staying, Who's Going?

Our Kentucky Wildcats ended up NCAA Runners Up, while it is disappointing I am satisfied. We had a great run in the NCAA Tournament. Here's my take on what happens with our underclassman and their stay in college or go to NBA choices: JULIUS RANDLE- Gone, gone and.......did I say gone? He is a Top 5 pick, plus no more double and triple teams this to me is obvious. He does have to work on his right hand, defense, and extending range on his jumper, but I feel he will. I see future NBA All-Star teams for Julius. JAMES YOUNG- Gone also, but with a caveat. He's a late lottery pick as of right now, but I see him moving up with the individual workouts. He needs to work on his defense, ball handling, and passing but the upside is too difficult to ignore by NBA GM's. He could stay and improve his draft position for love of Kentucky, but I still think he's outy. ANDREW HARRISON- This one is very iffy, I think if he declares he will be a late first round pick but his brother is not certain to be a first round pick which I think will impact his decision. He has to work on his outside shooting, floor game, and defense. I believe he will test the waters, not like the information he gets, and returns to school. He can improve his position to Lottery with another season at Kentucky. AARON HARRISON- Also iffy, he is currently projected late first to early second round pick. of course second round is non-guaranteed money. He needs to get his jump shot more consistent and work on his floor game and defense. This decision also depends on what his brother is going to do. They will probably be on different NBA Teams, so why not play another season with your brother? Returns to school. WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN- He says his career is incomplete because he missed the last three games of the NCAA Tourney. Also says he enjoys school and is not ready to go pay bills in the real world. All of that being said, I think he will be gone and jump to the NBA. He has a couple of skill sets the NBA can use right now and 7 foot with his upside and can move his feet on the perimeter in pick and roll situations. Needs work on his offense but plenty of long time NBA players with his skill set. Gone to the NBA. ALEX POYTHRESS- I believe he stays for a couple of reasons. One he's a second round pick right now, two he is very close to his degree and could get it with one more season. Three he needs more work on his dribble moves and outside shot that could be polished with one more season. Returns to school. DAKARI JOHNSON- Improved leaps and bounds as the season progressed. he started out as my whipping boy on the team and became very productive. If he came out he would be a late first round pick for a playoff team to ease into the league. I feel with another season, improved footwork, and more work on conditioning, he could be a Lottery Pick next season. Returns to school. MARCUS LEE- Great tourney run replacing Cauley-Stein, but he is raw, a lot of room to improve, and within 2 seasons could turn into a Lottery Pick. Stays in school. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS AND DEREK WILLIS- Both of these guys stay in school and I think Derek Willis makes a big jump in playing time and production next season, this kid can play folks. Hawkins will improve as well especially on the offensive end with his confidence. THERE YOU HAVE IT, WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO. GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Super Tuesday IHSA Class 3A Super Sectional Breakdown!!!!!!!!!!

Super Tuesday, Super Sectional Tuesday and Class 3A is going to be very competitive, anybody can win State in this class. Here we go in bracket order; NORTHERN ILLINOIS: Lutheran(Rockford) vs Notre Dame(Peoria)-Frankly I don't know a thing about either team so I will venture a guess: PREDICTION: PEORIA NOTRE DAME PUNCHES IT'S TICKET BACK HOME. SPRINGFIELD: Cahokia vs Lincoln- Lincoln is ranked #1 in the state in 3A and Cahokia has two division 1 players in St Louis signee Darius Austin (6'6" senior) and Drake signee CJ Rivers( 6'2" senior). Also Cahokia is looking for a return trip to Peoria for a school that almost shut all of it's athletic programs down for this season due to lack of funds. Obviously they received a reprieve. PREDICTION: CAHOKIA PUNCHES IT'S RETURN TRIP TO PEORIA!!!!!! JOLIET CENTRAL: Bogan(Chicago) vs Morgan Park(Chicago)- This game will be a way as both Red South rivals are meeting for a 4th time. Bogan won both regular season meetings and Morgan Park won at the semifinals of the Proviso West tournament. Luwane Pipkins (5'9" junior) has had a 45 point game in the playoffs and his backcourt mate Bryce Barnes (5'9" sophomore) will be key as well as Antonio Thomas (6'7"junior) will be key on the boards against a big Morgan Park team. As for Defending Class 3A Champ Morgan Park their keys will be defensive ace Lamont Walker(6'5" senior). His defense against Pipkins in the last 3 meetings has been outstanding. Josh Cunningham(6'7" senior) will have to dominate to put his team on top. Charlie Moore(5'9" sophomore) will have to play under control which I think he will PREDICTION: MORGAN PARK PUNCHES IT'S TICKET TO PEORIA AND GET A CHANCE TO DEFEND IT'S TITLE!!!!! HOFFMAN ESTATES: North Chicago vs Orr(Chicago)- I will be at this game once again this year. Last year Orr just ran all over North Chicago. A lot of trash talk the last part of last season by North Chicago saying Orr was scared to play them in the regular season. Orr shut down that talk with an emphatic beatdown last year here at Hoffman Estates. Will the same thing happen this year? Will North Chicago get revenge? Here's the breakdown:North Chicago's Big Three of Murray State signee Jayquan McCloud(6'4" senior), Toledo commit Kurt Hall(6'6" senior), and Javarious Amos-Mays (6'4" senior) will have to effect the game on both ends for North Chicago the whole game, not just in stretches. Minnesota State football signee Arnaud Shead(5'9" senior) will have to control the offense. Orr is shorthanded as Tyquone Greer (6'6" senior) was shot in the calf last weekend and is out for the rest of the season. Most teams that would be devastating but not this one. This is the most talented team in the City of Chicago with All-City Louis Adams Jr(6'4" senior), Malcolm Jones (6'8" senior), Isaiah Hayes (6'1" senior), Sire Caroll (6'7" senior) who stretches defenses with his three point shooting and is replacement for Greer in lineup. Sharp shooter Armani Ousley(6'1" senior) is back from grotesque ankle injury suffered in January vs Whitney Young. Here is my PREDICTION: ORR PUNCHES IT'S RETURN TICKET TO PEORIA!!!!!! THERE YOU HAVE IT, 3 OF THE 4 TEAMS FROM LAST YEAR WILL RETURN TO PEORIA!!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!