Young's Thompson catches Illinois' eye

Mac Irvin Fire’s Sam Thompson (Young) shoots a jumper.

(Scott Powers/For the Sun-Times)

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FORT WAYNE, Ind.-- Earlier this week, a number of publications reported that Young freshman Sam Thompson had received an offer from Illinois.

According to Thompson, that isn’t the case. Yet. Young coach Tyrone Slaughter believes an offer is probably forthcoming from the Illini.

Thompson is the latest standout to emerge from the Class of 2011. Recruiting analyst Roy Schmidt currently ranks him fourth in the class, behind De La Salle’s Mike Shaw, Curie’s Wayne Blackshear and Bartonville Limestone’s Donivine Stewart and just ahead of Mount Carmel’s Tracy Abrams.

Unlike the other four players, Thompson did not play on the varsity last year. But his athleticism and potential have been on display throughout the spring club season.

Shaw, playing with the Mac Irvin Fire, was very impressive Saturday at the Spiece Tournament in Fort Wayne.

“He has clearly established himself as the top player in the class,” Schmidt said.

THE SHOOTER: Keep an eye on Illinois Wolves guard David Bryant (Batavia). He was one of the few guys in the gym knocking down threes with ease on Saturday.

YOUNG GUNS: Three junior high players were simply mind-blowing, considering they were playing against considerably older competition. Remember these names: Thomas Hamilton Jr., Steve Taylor and Jermaine Morgan. Morgan is an eighth grader at Mayes, Taylor is an eighth grader at Beasley and Hamilton is a seventh grader at Beasley. All three are over 6-7, talented and fierce.

UNHERALDED: Schmidt’s favorite underrated player was Team NLP’s Ronald Steward (Zion-Benton).

“He’s just a winner,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt and recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen both had heavy praise for Illinois Wolves forward Conrad Krutwig (Jacobs).

“He’s just playing his butt off,” Henricksen said. “He’s going to be a real good player for someone.”

Meanstreets Shaun Pratl (Richards) also opened some eyes in the night session and the Fire’s Terry Johnson (St. Rita) is one of the smoothest shooters in the senior class.