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2011 DO or DIE BOYS BASKETBALL COMPANION

Welcome to the 2011 KHQA DO OR DIE BASKETBALL WRAP UP SHOW Internet Companion. Hope you got the chance to enjoy it either live on April 9th or on-line here at ConnectTriStates.com. If would like to purchase a hard copy DVD as a souvenir, you can do so by calling (217) 222-6200 during normal business hours and requesting a dub of the Do or Die Show.

We ask only that you enjoy these All Star offerings in the spirit they were intended. This is purely entertainment and purely based on nothing more than our opinions. We aren't experts in any sense of the word. We aren't college scouts. We are just a bunch of regular guys who see a whole lot of basketball every winter. And very little of what is said here will determine or shape anyone's future careers in the sport of basketball. This is simply a fun way for us to recognize some really outstanding young people. If you feel strongly about any of our opinions or would like to voice any of your own, I am always open to discussion. You can contact me at cduerr@khqa.com and all things said in confidence to me remain in confidence. I will warn you though that any discussion that starts with "how could you pick (insert player name here) over my son or daughter" will be roundly ignored and dismissed with prejudice. I fully invite you to assert the positives of your candidate of choice. You start tearing down other kids, you and I will have a serious beef.

In the sake of full disclosure, I remind you that no player who served a disciplinary suspension this season for non-basketball reasons is eligible for either our Player of the Year awards or First Team All Do or Die honors. If you want to make this particular All Star team, we demand citizenship and character as well as a sterling points per game average. Beyond that, I hope you enjoy. It has been, as always, our pleasure serving you.

Yours in Basketball,

Chris Duerr

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2011 KHQA Boys Basketball Player of the Year

BRAD HAMILTON, Pittsfield

Rationale: You were expecting someone else? No one else came remotely close. And this mind you, from a quality field of candidates. Brad Hamilton was the epitome of what we look for a in Player of the Year candidate. Great stats. Impeccable character. Stood tallest in the biggest of moments. The undisputed leader of his teams success. If you can fashion an argument against the Saukee All Stater, I would certainly do you the courtesy of listening. But I don't think you would could convince anyone who saw Hamilton play that he was anything less than the single best basketball player in the Tri States this year.

Runner-Up: ZAC MAIN, Central

Past Winners:

2010-Zach Forbes, Quincy High

2009-Ryan Stuckman, Quincy Notre Dame

2008-Matt Patterson, South Shelby

2007-Jared Summers, Quincy High

2006*-Mike Smith, Van-Far

2006*-Justin Brock, Liberty

2005-Cody Stoneburner, North Shelby

2004-Mike Smith, Van-Far

2003-Chad Cox, Macomb

2002-Nathan Emrick, Griggsville-Perry

2001-Mike Fitch, Pittsfield

2000-J.D. Summers, Quincy High

1999-Craig Lewis, Keokuk

1998-Jason Littig, Bluffs

1997-Bill Heisler, Warsaw

(*shared award)

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2011 KHQA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year

JEFF ABELL, Winchester West Central

Rationale: The simple argument here is that there were two really worthy candidates above all others. And that Candidate A not only finished with a bigger state trophy than Candidate B, but beat him heads up in their only head to head meeting. And at some level, that logic probably held sway in our decision. But I think so simple a description does a disservice to both Jeff Abell (Candidate A) and Brad Tomhave (Candidate B) in a season in which both turned in tremendous bodies of work. I know Brad Tomhave likes to make fun of me for pointing it out, but there was a two week stretch in December when the Saukees could not even execute a simple entry pass to the post and the Pittsfield Coach himself needed to be talked off the ledge. To be able to reverse that negative polarity so quickly and completely, capped by a trip to Peoria, speaks volumes about how great a job Tomhave and his staff do. Truly a magical season in Pittsfield, re-kindling one of the great traditions in IHSA Basketball. Jeff Abell's team had its moment of crisis in the preseason, when the schools expected best player transferred to Jacksonville. The Cougars never showed any ill effects. Jeff Abell simply coached up the kids he had, plugged them into his befuddling defensive system, and and away West Central went to a second place state finish. There is nothing overly fancy about what West Central does. It's just straight forward, hard nosed basketball in the image of the guy calling the game from the bench. But it works. And this year it worked historically well. We've been saying for years that Jeff Abell belonged in any conversation of the area's best boys basketball coaches. And for those that had reservations, the man now has the trophy and signature season to prove it. And let this serve as a reminder to all, the caliber of not only coaches, but men, we have in the Tri State's teaching the sport. It has to be heartening to now the young men of the Tri State's futures are pinned to quality folks like Brad Tomhave and Jeff Abell.

Runner-Up: Brad Tomhave, Pittsfield

Past Winners:

2010-Brad Tomhave, Pittsfield

2009-Clay Vass, Central Lee

2008-Jesse Crawford, Knox County

2007-Dave Phelps, Brown County

2006-Andy Anderson, Canton

2005-Steve Carvajal, North Shelby

2004-Brian Meny, Van-Far

2003-Steve Carvajal, North Shelby

2002-Scott Douglas, QND

2001-Darin Powell, Hannibal

2000-Sean Taylor, Macomb

1999-Hal Shaver, South Shelby

1998-Reno Pinkston, Nauvoo-Colusa

1997-Jeff Dahl, Warsaw

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2011 ALL DO OR DIE TEAM

CENTERS

First Team

Starter: DALTON HOOVER, Pittsfield

Reserve: EVAN MCGAUGHEY, Illini West

Reserve: BRETT KIRTLINK, Louisiana

Rationale: He hit the bucket that saved a season and sent Pittsfield to just its second ever state trophy, but Dalton Hoover was assured big shot status long before his Supersectional Heroics. The Saukee Big Man emerged as a nightly force to be reckoned with in his junior season, using his 6'6" frame to terrorize any and all comers. His improvement at the Defensive end was impossible to miss. Head to head, Dalton limited Central Lee All Stater Andrew Mathison to just five points and three rebounds. He was even less merciful to future Quincy University Hawk Drake Vermillion, shutting him out for three quarters. He ended his season with 65 blocked shots, altered countless others, and chipped in nearly 10 rebounds per game. His offensive game flourished as well, whether he was bodied up in the paint or floating out on the perimeter and firing off three pointers to the same effect as some of the region's best two guards. His Most Valuable Player performance at the Macomb Western Holiday Tournament is just a taste of what the Tri States has in store next season, and reason for forward looking optimism in Pittsfield even in the post Brad Hamilton era. Suffice it to say, no area player has more upside potential or a brighter future ahead.

Thanks to a growth spurt in both stature and game, Evan McGaughey may stake his own claim to "best of the big men" honors for 2012. His junior year campaign was certainly eye opening, as Evan became Illini West's unquestioned lynchpin. Blessed with guard skills in a 6'7" frame, McGaughey commanded constant defensive attention from the rim to the three point stripe, where he connect on nearly 45% of his limited attempts. For a big kid, Evan already has tremendous face up game and well honed shooting touch. He made impressive strides as a defender and rebounder as the season wore on and has that unflappable court demeanor you look for as well. If he can remedy his durability issues and stay on the floor for a full season, Evan's numbers and impact in his senior year should far outpace the effort that earned him honorable mention all state this season.

The main catalyst in Louisiana's two year basketball renaissance, Brett Kirtlink helped lift the Bulldogs from perennial doormat to 2010 District titlist and this winter, one of Northeast Missouri's most viable teams, despite boasting no other size to speak of. The 6'3" senior was without a doubt, the best and most versatile post defender we saw all season. Blessed with great natural timing and superb wingspan, Kirtlink averaged just over three blocks per game this season; and used those long arms of his to pull away two steals a night as well. The Bulldog Big displayed great scoring efficiency around the basket, hitting on 59% of his shot attempts for 15 points an outing. He was a singular presence on the boards as well for Louisiana, with 8 ribs per night and earned first team All Clarence Cannon Conference esteem for his efforts; a rare honor for a program that had previously suffered for so long.

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Second Team

Starter: DRAKE VERMILLION, Beardstown

Why He's Here: He can blame Dalton Hoover for knocking him off the first team, as Drake's Regional Semifinal struggles proved to be the margin of separation here between he and Kirtlink for that final spot. One lousy game hardly diminishes what a great career and season the future QU Hawk enjoyed for the stripes, dominating the paint with 18 points, just shy of 9 boards, and three blocks per night.

Reserve: JOSH PEAK, Jacksonville

Why He's Here: Lithe, dynamic athlete with great scoring ability and deft touch around the basketball. Arguably, of all the post players in our region, Peak was the most gifted at the offensive end, averaging 16 points per game in his debut season at The Bowl. 6'5" Sophomore has unlimited ceiling, chance to be as good as he wants to be over the next two years.

Reserve: EVAN CERVEN, Bowling Green

Why He's Here: Ideal dimensions/great work ethic/ high character. First team All EMO and All District Selection made great use of his prototype size at 6'6" and long wing span to control the paint for the Bobcats. Future Truman State Tight End gives our team added gravitas on the glass and a kid who seemed comfortable battling through paint warfare.

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Third Team

ZACH SMITH, Macon

J.J. CHATFIELD, Marion County

SPENCER RHEA, Central

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POWER FORWARD

First Team

Starter: ANDREW MATHISON, Central Lee

Reserve: DEANGELO DEAN, Quincy High

Reserve: WADE MURFIN, Liberty

Rationale: Central Lee big man Andrew Mathison proved to be worthy of all the preseason hype, no small accomplishment. Asked to shoulder a much larger share of the load as junior, given all the Hawks graduation losses, Mathison rose quickly to the challenge, employing his rare mix of size, power, and speed to post 10 double-doubles on the year on his way to season averages of nearly 17 points and nine rebounds a night. He had four games of better than 30 points on the year and was efficient in getting his shots to fall, pegging 54% shooting from the floor and hitting on nearly 75% of his trips to the free throw line. He's got every skill you look for in a traditional big man, not to mention the ability to play above the rim as well as a surprisingly good mid-range game. With a 2nd team All State nod already to his credit, Andrew Mathison is fast tracking towards even greater state wide acclaim next season, perhaps even some enviable scholarship opportunities as well.

The silver lining to Quincy High School's season, DeAngelo Dean waged one of the more impressive breakout campaigns in recent memory; coming from outside preseason radar to earn All Western Big Six Conference honors. Employing many the same physical attributes that made him an impact linebacker on the gridiron, DeAngelo used his size, range, and ideal frame to frustrate defenders to the tune of 15 points per game. While his long arms made his shot difficult enough to contest, Dean's quick release and sometimes unorthodox spin moves contributed to opponents frustration level. He played with great motor at both ends of the floor and played with great bounce, allowing him to clean up on the glass with seven and half rebounds a night as well as reek havoc as a shot blocker at the defensive end. And consider this, DeAngelo's stellar junior campaign came nowhere close to reaching the ceiling of his potential; giving Blue Devil fans reason for optimism after a 2011 campaign that fell shy of everyone's expectations.

The designated enforcer in Liberty's twenty two victory campaign, Wade Murfin carved out a reputation as one of the region's most daunting low post presences. For our money, we did not see a more relentless offensive rebounder this season as Murfin crashed the glass with authority and to great effect. And once he got the basketball in his hands, the senior was the model of scoring efficiency, converting on a region best 64 percent of his shot attempts for nearly 13 points a night. For an Eagles team without much in the way of real size, Wade Murfin's high energy play and toughness leveled the playing field; allowing Liberty to bully its way over the 20 win mark for the first time in four years.

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Second Team

Starter: JOSH FULLENKAMP, Holy Trinty

Why He is Here: Efficiency and the ability to project size and toughness. Crusader Senior made most of his offensive opportunities, scoring 10 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. Very effective rebounder who was good for nearly eight boards a game.

Reserve: STEFFEN SIMMONS, Canton

Why He is Here: Everything we look for in a high post player. Great mid-range game for a big, excellent passing ability and unfailingly smart play. Never really got the credit he deserved playing next to All Stater Colt Carper, but Simmons was as reliable and consistent as an atomic clock.

Reserve: NICK HEILE, Macomb

Why He is Here: To stretch a defense and confound more traditional post defenders. Love Nick's face up game has nice shooting touch all the way out to the three point arch. Gives you all the benefits of a guard in a big frame, plus an injection of rebounding, toughness and defensive presence.

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Third Team

ALEX FITCH, QND

JOHN STONEBURNER, North Shelby

MATT HARRIS, Payson Seymour

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SMALL FORWARD

First Team

Starter: ZAC MAIN, Central

Reserve: COLT CARPER, Canton

Reserve: DYLAN GUTHRIE, West Central

Rationale: It would be hard to argue that there was a more complete front court player in Tri State Basketball this season than Camp Point Central's Zac Main. Or a more selfless one. The most telling stat on his Zac's resume? His team's win column which hit a school record 27 victories this season and a high water mark of 52 wins over the last two years. Its also no coincidence that the Panthers posted back to back regional titles for the first time in school history on Zac's watch. While his overall stats were certainly nothing to sneeze at: a team high 13 points and nearly six rebounds per game, the genius of Main's play was that those numbers where largely ancillary to what he did. He scored more when he had to or needed to, rather than tossing up lousy shots. In fact, his shot selection was as precise as any player in our area. He was not only a willing passer, but an excellent distributor within the framework of Todd Plattner's offense. He defended at a high level and worked the offensive glass. In a word, Zac Main was a coaches dream and a seemingly impossible to replace cog for the Panthers going forward next season.

The Tri State's mythical scoring title goes this season to Canton All Stater Colt Carper, who finished the year averaging just shy of 20 points per night on absolutely tremendous shooting percentages in all aspects of the game. Scoring the basketball, however, has always come tremendously easy for the Tiger swingman. What distinguished Colt Carper in the Winter of 2011 was the strides he made in every other aspect of his game. From defense to rebounding to leadership, Carper upped the ante and the net result was a campaign that saw the Tigers emerge from early season growing pains to earn the programs first district title in five years.

Scoring option number one on the region's most successful team, Dylan Guthrie help power the West Central Cougars the first state trophy in program history. The senior swingman proved a brutally difficult defensive draw coupling perimeter skills with the ability to slash past defenders for easy baskets, all in route to nearly 16 points per game. And fans around the state of Illinois would have had a far better appreciation for Dylan's all around skill set had he not had such a miserable weekend shooting the basketball in Peoria; because his overall body of work was stellar. For the season, Guthrie knocked down 38 three pointers for the season, shot 45% from the field overall, and was perhaps the best free throw shooter in the entire region. More to the point, Dylan could get absolutely white hot scoring the basketball. He had a career best 37 points against Kinkade in the Waverly Tournament and nearly single handedly beat then state ranked Madison in the Sectional with 33 more. And he was a very solid defender, passer, and underrated source of rebounds to boot. Bottom line, without Dylan

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Second Team

Starter: ERIC BARRY, Liberty

Why He's Here: Could not think of another place to put him. Eric is a kid who defies tradition position designation. He played a "power wing" role with distribution elements thrown in. All I know is I just liked the way the kid played, however you qualified him. Good finisher. Surprisingly strong passer. Hits the glass. And throws his body around without regard to its well being. In short, my kind of player.

Reserve: ADAM MORRALL

Why He's Here: By design, the Tri State's best slasher and a very bankable finisher. As good a transition player as we saw all season. Prized here for his ability to break on bad passes and convert them to high percentage scores on the other end. And admittedly, the kid shoots a good looking jumper.

Reserve: ZACH BARTLETT, Holy Trinity

Why He's Here: Love his high effort play. If this was golf, Bartlett would be a "grinder" one of those guys who just goes out and makes his own breaks. Averaged a team best 12 points per game for the Crusaders, scoring in a variety of ways (including 28 triples on the year.) Really solid rebounder to boot.

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Third Team

STEVEN PHILLIPS, Mark Twain

BRYCE TERWELP, Payson Seymour

DEION SUMMERS, Beardstown

ADRIAN DAVIS, Van-Far

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POINT GUARD

First Team

Starter: SETH WICKERT, Macomb

Reserve: PARKER DAY, West Central

Reserve: BEN RECTOR, Holy Trinity

Reserve: AARON EDWARDS, Payson Seymour

Rationale: We employ one hard and fast rule for those who want to play floor general to our All Star Squad: you better be able to defend. This year's crop of point guards set a high bar in that department, led by Macomb's Seth Wickert. Bomber coach Dan Watson says, with no hesitation, that Wickert is the best on the ball defender he has coached; a compliment underscored by the fact that Seth swiped away 195 steals over the last three years, including 76 more this season. Wickert's merits aren't limited to his defensive resolve. He was among the better rebounding guards in our region, averaged more than 3 assists per game, and chimed in, when needed with 10 points of scoring a night. More than that, Seth Wickert was the ideal floor leader, with an unflappable demeanor who always seemed to play better as the pressure of the situation increased.

The Tri State's resident Master Thief, Parker Day boasts the quickest passing lane instincts in Tri State basketball. Get careless with the rock anywhere in his general vicinity, and the West Central junior is just as likely to pick your pocket and translate your turnover into easy points. He is also, an undeniable winner. His hand was on tiller for both West Central's junior high state title a few years ago and this year's 2nd Place state finish and he seems to have an innate knack for controlling an offense and distributing the ball the guy with the hot hand, which he did to the tune of 4 assists per game this season. Parker is also a sneaky source of points, especially at key moments. Just a really solid all around option.

Holy Trinity's Ben Rector served as driving force in a 17 win season in Fort Madison. An ideal blend of speed and smarts, Rector played his role as the Crusaders maestro to a T. A reliable passer who rarely turned the basketball over, Rector doled out four assists per game on average to go along with an 11 points per game scoring average. And as is our prerequisite, the lightning quick Crusader guard jumped the passing lanes to the tune of two steals nightly. l

In his two seasons as a starting point guard, Aaron Edwards has already helped Payson Seymour collect 37 victories; a real boon for a program that has ridden a bit of win/loss roller coaster over the past decade and a half. And his senior season return portends an even brighter future. Aaron's quickness and his floor vision make Edwards nearly impossible for defenders to track. Edwards shot an impressive 48% from the field this season in route to 13 points a night and chimed in with nearly five assists per game as well; production that suggests the potential for an all state caliber campaign with another year of seasoning.

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Second Team

Starter: DERICK SMITH, Highland

Why He's Here: Because he's the future of the position. Cougar sophomore can play three spots on the floor, but ideally is a one plus scoring point given his floor vision, handle, and ability to get absolutely white hot as a scorer. Scary talent with All State potential well within his reach.

Reserve: JUSTIN ALDERTON, Clark County

Why He's Here: Toughness, tenacity, and greatly honed offensive game. Justin may well have been the most improved player I saw in Northeast Missouri from this season to last. Fantastic at creating his own shot and adds a heightened perimeter presence to our team here.

Reserve: SETH PINKSTON, West Hancock

Why He's Here: He morphed more into a two guard his senior year, but defined position is immaterial here. Seth Pinkston shot the ball exceptionally well, he set a hire standard of quiet leadership, he handled the rock nearly flawlessly and he was the best basketball player, from the neck up, in Tri State basketball this year.

Reserve: JACOB CONLEY, Central

Why He's Here: Intensity and Intelligence. Much of the Panthers success the last two years owes to Conley's steady hand and fiery persona. Has good value for us as a perimeter shooter off the kick out and as a solid distributor who doesn't force lousy passes.

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Third Team

CLAY POLLARD, Marion County

ELLIOT VANDENBERG, Keokuk

TANNER RAY, Louisiana

ACE HENRICKS, Brown County

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OFF GUARD

First Team

Starter: AUSTIN HINKLE, Palmyra

Reserve: MITCH MURPHY, BPCA

Reserve: TYLER THORMAN, Macomb

Reserve: MATT GUNTERMAN, Pleasant Hill

Rationale: After a year spent dwelling on the wrong side of the 500 mark, Austin Hinkle had had enough. And from first tip this season, it was undeniably apparent the Palmyra senior and eventual Clarence Cannon Conference player of the year aimed to rectify that situation. With a relentless motor and the tenacity of a pit bull, Hinkle helped reverse the course of Panther basketball with both his talent and his attitude. His nightly stat line: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and nearly 3 assists per, left no doubt as to his work rate and hustle. What can't be quantified, however, is the bar he set for his teammates; who saw their teams most gifted player serve as its hardest worker; and thus felt compelled to raise their own level of preparation and intensity to match. The net result was a six game swing in the win column this winter...and a well deserved All State nod from the Coaches Associaton for the driving force in that turnaround.

Winner of the Prestigious Red O Flaherty Award for his mix of athletic and academic achievements, Mitch Murphy had Bushnell Prairie City Avon poised on the brink of a potentially watershed season, but disciplinary suspensions to three of his teammates cut the Spartans momentum cold.

But BPCA's Senior Captain wouldn't go down without a fight. A max effort kid in all he does, Murphy ratcheted up his defense (to the tune of two and a half steals per game) and tried to keep the ship afloat by playing more of a floor general's role in distributing and keeping the offense balanced. Long a prolific scorer, Murphy still managed to fill up the basket to the tune of 18 points per game with his array of long distance jumpers and artful forays to the basket, while broadening his impact in every column on the stat sheet.

The owner of the most lethal jump shot in Tri State Basketball, Tyler Thorman was among the most widely...and wisely feared defensive matchups on this side of the state. Give the kid an open look, from just about anywhere on the floor, and you were apt to pay the price. The Macomb senior made his daily bread living up the three point line, where he knocked down 43% of his attempts from distance. But for those brave enough to extend the defense on Thorman...there was also this to contend with: an innate knack for drawing contact and getting to the free throw line, where Tyler converted at a terrific 82% clip. He finished the year providing twelve and a half points per game, and contributed two assists and nearly four rebounds a night, not to mention spirit team defense to the cause as well.

With all of his team's struggles this season, Matt Gunterman was a bit of a forgotten man down in Pleasant Hill; probably better known for his exploits as an All State Quarterback. But when you average a double double, as Gunterman did in going for 18 point and 10 points ever game out, that commands respect. Perhaps the Tri State's most unsung overall athlete, Gunterman's mix of burst and toughness makes him a worthy addition here to our dream team.

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Second Team

Starter: JACOB WILSON, Brown County

Why He's Here: We covet both his athleticism and his three point shooting prowess. For my money, one of the five or six best athletes in Tri State Boys sports and a kid whose speed (not to mention intelligence) opens up a world of opportunities for whatever team or sport he plays.

Reserve: ALEX WALTER, Camp Point Central

Why He's Here: Scoring spark. In NBA parlance, the kid is Chase Budinger. Alex was a lot of fun to watch. He had a penchant for making difficult shots and always seemed to get the shooters roll on everything he put up. The junior was worth a bankable 13 points per game and will thrive with a greater number of opportunities next season.

Reserve: AUSTIN CLAPP, Macon

Why He's Here: For a team hit hard by graduation, Austin Clapp and Jakeb Linear became an ideal backcourt 1-2 punch. Clapp has great versatility, given his high basketball IQ and athletic ability. Very heady player with great intensity and grit who had scoring utility from the three point line to the baseline.

Reserve: ANTHONY BRUNS, QND

Why He's Here: QND's struggles with consistency were well documented, but its hard to find fault with Anthony Bruns' efforts or big game production. Solid perimeter skills mixed with good quickness and savvy instincts around the basket made Bruns a very difficult defensive draw.

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Third Team

MITCH MAROLD, Quincy High

TIM FISHER, South Shelby

MAC SCHLICHER, West Hancock

DALLAS JOB, Keokuk

GARIN SMITH, Highland

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KHQA FUTURES TEAMS

Center: CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS, Hannibal

Pirate big man has all the tools to be dominant in every traditional post discipline. Time to stand and deliver.

Power Forward: ALEX FITCH, QND

When healthly, Raider sophomore combines all the best hybrid aspects of elite power forward and two guard.

Small Forward: ROYCE POORE, Knox County

Area's best freshman can light up from distance or attack the rim with power. May be 6'3" by his senior year.

Two Guard: DRYDEN CRAVEN, Griggsville Perry

A top seven area sniper right now, Dryden's ability to shed defenders has him destined for stardom.

Point Guard: MICHAEL BLEWETT, Liberty

Don't know that this is natural position, but Michael made some nice contributions as a frosh to solid squad.

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KHQA ALL HUSTLE TEAM

REED PLUNKETT, Marion County

NICK JANNEY, Canton

ZACH GROVER, Macomb

CORY ROSEBERRY, Pittsfield

REED BENTZINGER, Unity

WES BUHLIG, West Central

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THE BEST OF 2011

Best Game: Pittsfield vs Teutopolis

Best On Court Moment: Dalton Hoover's game winner vs T-Town

Best Shot of the Year: Brad Hamilton's sliding recovery vs Murphysboro

Best Player on a Sub-500 Team: John Stoneburner, North Shelby

Best Freshman: Royce Poore, Knox County

Best Sophomore: Derick Smith, Highland

Best Post Defender: Dalton Hoover, Pittsfield

Best Overall Defender: Seth Wickert, Macomb

Best Off the Bench Option: MacLean Johnson, Macomb

Best Rebounder: Andrew Mathison, Central Lee

Best Interior Scoring Option: DeAngelo Dean, Quincy High

Best Perimeter Scoring Option: Tyler Thorman, Macomb

Best Perimeter Scoring Option when TV Crew was around: Zach Grover, Macomb

Best Passer: Zac Main, Central

Player I'd Want Taking the Shot to Win a Game: Brad Hamilton, Pittsfield

Best Leader: Brad Hamilton, Pittsfield

Most Improved Player: Evan McGaughey, Illini West

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TEAMS TO WATCH IN 2012

1) CENTRAL LEE

The Hawks return nearly every significant set piece of note, including Player of the Year candidate Andrew Mathison. Clay Vass can throw out a front line with three kids 6'4 or better and has and intriguing group of guards brewing. In a season with a lot of question marks everywhere else, these guys read like the best money in Tri State Basketball.

2) WEST CENTRAL

The Cougars must prove they can score the basketball with regularity in the wake of Dylan Guthrie's graduation, but there is plenty to like here with an elite PG in Parker Day, an emerging front court threat in Corey Barnett, and Blake Lomelino stepping into the center spot. Key here is the play of Jordan Boehs as #1 option.

3) ILLINI WEST

If Spencer Kirkenslager progresses the way we think he could, the Chargers will have the most formidable front court on this side of the state...provide Evan McGaughey stays healthy. Like what I've seen of Jack Bastert at point guard and I think Nick Driskell has a nice future as well. Lots of things have to fall into place here, but this is an exciting, volitle situation.

4) PITTSFIELD

Dalton Hoover and Brad Tomhave alone make these guys viable. But the Saukees must also rebuild the region's best backcourt and replace a ton of hustle points. Most positive sign next December? If we you see the number of Austin McCartney highlight mentions increase three-fold.

5) MARION COUNTY

Ryan Wood did a remarkable job returning some luster to Mustang Basketball this season...and did so with nine players who were sophomores or freshmen. Future in Philadelphia is incredibly bright and I think both JJ Chatfield and Clay Pollard are potential first team All Do or Die picks a year from now. And any team featuring diminutive gunner Reed Plunkett is a fave in my book.

6) PAYSON SEYMOUR

Aaron Edwards is a game changing Point Guard of the highest order. And he will have some guys to dish it to with Landon Epperson and Abram Wiseman in the mix. Not to mention an incoming influx of outstanding freshmen. Don't sleep on Payson.

7) LIBERTY

Andy Douglas needs Michael Blewett and Issac Murfin to play well beyond their years next season, but both have shown great potential. The returns of Jared Shover and Jordan Obert are great tent pole players to build around.