Chicago Hoops ChicagoHoops.com is the #1 High School Basketball, and College Basketball Recruiting Site in the state of Illinois. JG Gear "JG Gear is the only place to go for quality uniforms and customer service that is second to none!" - Brian Stinnette, ChicagoHoops.com Message Board The ChicagoHoops.com Message Board is the place to talk basketball in the state of Illinois. No matter if you are looking to talk High School, College, Professional, Middle School or Girls basketball.....The ChicagoHoops.com Message Board is the place to be. Chicago Hoops Chicago Hoops.com Go To ChicagoHoops.com Article Archives Classified Ads Contact Us Search Chicago Hoops Newsletter Subscribe Message Boards Message Boards Prospect Rankings Class of 2007 Class of 2008 Class of 2009 Class of 2010 Subscribe Subscribe Illinois Stars Open July Strong With Next Level Invitational Title And Strong Kentucky HoopFest Showing, Looking To Close Out Month Even Stronger In Orlando, Florida Chicago Hoops July 17, 2008 Email Questions/Comments To brian@chicagohoops.com The Illinois Stars have enjoyed a great run this spring and summer on the travel team circuit, and opened the July Evaluation Period by winning the 17-U title at the Next Level Invitational in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the Next Level Tournament, Wisconsin-Green Bay-bound Seth Evans (Seneca), Eriq Harris (Chicago Marshall), and 2010 standout Rayvonte Rice (Champaign Centennial) led the charge as the team rolled to the championship. The team followed up that effort with a great showing in the Kentucky HoopFest. The team continued their great play and won their pool before being knocked out in tournament play by Indiana Elite. In that game Evans, Harris, and Rice went head-to-head with some of the other top players in the country and impressed the huge group of coaches that were courtside. Other top players in July for the Stars have been Xavier Humphrey (Fenwick), Alexander Culver (Champaign Central), James Gill (Chicago Payton), Shea Sumpter (Rich East), and Dennis Hodges (Chicago Curie). Humphrey, Culver , and Gill have surprised coaches with their great play on both ends of the floor. The 6-6 Sumpter has been a force on the boards, and Hodges impressed college programs with his length and overall skills. The Illinois Stars will head to Orlando, Florida for the AAU SuperShowcase, and the 17-U AAU National Tournament to complete their July schedule.