updated 9:08 PM CDT, Jul 7, 2017
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2017 Edwardsville PG Mark Smith Adds Kentucky Offer

Class of 2017 Edwardsville High School standout Mark Smith has now added a scholarship offer from John Calipari and Kentucky to his collection.

Smith, a 6’5 point guard, is the reigning Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois and one of the top uncommitted seniors nationally.

Smith averaged 21.9 points, 8.4 assists and 8.2 rebounds per contest this past season.

Kentucky has a need for backcourt talent with DeAaron Fox, Malik Monk, Isaiah Briscoe all declaring for the NBA draft.

Smith will visit Michigan State this weekend with Illinois, Missouri, Northwestern, Kansas State and Ohio State all also in hot pursuit.





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Edwardsville’s Mark Smith Named 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball

Edwardsville High School standout Mark Smith has been named the winner of the 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball Award.

Smith, a 6’5 guard, averaged 21.9 points, 8.4 assists and 8.2 rebounds per game en route to leading Edwardsville to a 30-2 record.

Smith finished with 251 votes. Evanston guard Nojel Eastern finished second in the balloting with 175 vothes. Belleville Althoff guard Jordan Goodwin finishing third with 136 votes.



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Morgan Park Captures Class 3A State Championship

Morgan Park defeated Fenwick 69-67 in overtime to win the Class 3A state title on Saturday. Morgan Park has won the 3A title in three of the past five years.

Morgan Park won despite losing top-ranked junior guard Ayo Dosunmu to a foot injury.

Morgan Park trailed by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter ahead of changing the game with their defensive pressure.

Freshman guard Nimari Burnett led the way with 24 points. Burnett knocked down 6-10 shots from distance including a trio of big triples in overtime.

Fenwick was led by freshman guard D.J. Steward with 26 points.

The state title was the third for Morgan Park head coach Nick Irvin who also won titles in 2013 and 2014.

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Simeon and Whitney Young To Play For 4A State Championship

Simeon and Whitney Young in an All-Chicago Public League Class 4A state championship game.

Whitney Young defeated Fremd 53-47 in their semifinal behind 17 points and 8 rebounds from Lucas Williamson.

Simeon defeated Bolingbrook 60-50 in their semifinal with Talen Horton-Tucker scoring 24 points and dishing out 6 assists.

Simeon owns a pair of wins over Young this season.

The game is set for a 7:15 p.m. tip-off. Simeon’s firepower is well-documented with Evan Gilyard (UTEP), Kezo Brown and Horton-Tucker leading a team that also features Messiah Jones inside and Kejuan Clements providing backcourt depth.

Whitney Young can be equally potent with Lucas Williamson, Javon Freeman and Xavier Castaneda headlining with Justin Boyd, Miles Baker and Craig Beaudion also adding production.

Simeon head coach Robert Smith has six state titles under his belt. Whitney Young head coach Tyrone Slaughter has captured two state titles.

The game is set to tip-off at 7:15 p.m. CST.

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Morgan Park and Fenwick To Play For 3A State Championship

Morgan Park and Fenwick will play for the Class 3A state title today in a Public League vs. Catholic League state final.

Morgan Park defeated Springfield Lanphier 60-53 in their semifinal to advance Lenell Henry leading the way with 12 points and 9 rebounds after standout guard Ayo Dosunmu went down with an injury.

Fenwick defeated Bloomington in their semifinal 67-52 with freshman guard D.J. Steward leading the way with 23 points and 8 rebounds.

Morgan Park will look for another big game from Henry inside on both ends. The team will also look to their youth with freshman Nimari Burnett, sophomore Lamond Johnson and freshman Marcus Watson likely to play key roles.

Fenwick will counter with veteran guard Jacob Keller and Catholic League POY Jamal Nixon inside. Fenwick’s youth will also be served with D.J. Steward looking for another big effort.

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More Articles …

  1. Associated Press Class 4A All-State Teams
  2. Chicago State Super-Sectional: Whitney Young To Tangle With Nojel Eastern, Evanston
  3. ISU Super-Sectional: Chicago Simeon Set To Tangle With Mark Smith, Edwardsville
  4. Chicago Orr Defeats Mt. Carmel 59-39 To Win Class 2A State Title