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THE BEST IN ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RECRUITING!

Capitol City Back on Track
by Pat Benninger
August 7, 2006

The city of Springfield has been an idea area to find central Illinois talent over the course of the last few decades.  However, it seems the city has hit a drought since Marcus Head graduated with the class of 2004.  That assumption is going to change in the immediate future.

Southeast High School will feature a lot of talent.  Incoming sophomore, Lawrence Thomas, returns as the team’s leading scorer but may see himself in a different role this season.  6’0” rising senior guard, Paris Veal, returns for the Spartans, from a year hiatus.  His natural ability to score helps him dominate games.  He should put up big numbers for his team this season.  As a freshman, Veal was looked upon as a contender for the state’s top player in the class of 2007 along with Derrick Rose.  Since, he has had some off the court issues but has gotten them together and should be able to bring some excitement back to the capitol city.  Springfield High School transfer, Tony Jones, will enter his junior season.  As a freshman and sophomore, he averaged 20 ppg and has made a regional reputation for his knack to score.  He will join Veal in a scoring role next winter.  Incoming sophomores, Sean Crawford and Corbin Doss, will also be looked upon to contribute to their team.

Springfield High School will feature a talented rising freshman in Isiah Hale, who rates as a top five player in his class.  He shoots the ball well and knows how to make plays.  With the sudden departure of Tony Jones, he will be a necessity for his squad.  Also, look for 6’5” incoming junior, Tyler Isringhausen, return to the team, after sitting out last season due to complications with the head coach.

Calvary High School will feature underrated point guard, Jaron Davis.  He is a transfer from Springfield High School and is looking to restore his reputation from his freshman season, as he was one two freshmen participating on the varsity team, in the city of Springfield.  Hopefully he can get his teammates to step their game up to par, allowing their team to have a successful season.

Lanphier High School will feature 5’11” combo guard, Karl Madison.  This incoming freshman has proved to be a contender for the most talented guard in his class.  Due to lack of playing, he has been removed from our player rankings but he will be back very soon.  He will be the biggest thing to hit the Lions’ program since Andre Iguadola and Richard McBride.  6’3” senior, Carmaine McBride, Richard’s younger brother, will also be a player to watch for along with athletic classmate, Major Clay.

Though his team will be considered sub par, think nothing near it of 5’9” point guard, Adrian Caves.  He’s very quick and athletic with good ball handling skills.  He is a solid playmaker and plays hardnosed defense.  He will be the key for Sacred-Heart Griffin High School.

Look for the many high schools of Springfield to make some noise this winter as they have the talent to be as successful as any other Illinois powerhouse city.