SURPRISE RUN

May 5, 2008
BY SCOTT PHILLIPS

Playing without star point guard DeAndre McCamey (St. Joseph), the Illinois Wolves made a run to the championship game at the 16U level behind solid team play and the leadership of Alex Dragecievich (Glenbrook North). Dragecievich had a fantastic weekend and caught the eye of recruiting analyst Roy Schmidt.

"I think he has clearly elevated his status," Schmidt said. "Coming into the weekend he was a solid mid-major guard but he has the capability to be a high-major guard if he continues to grow and get stronger.

"He has a strong shooting capability, great feel for the game, and his on-court demenor helps his team. He plays with a high level of confidence but still gets everyone involved." The Wolves also had a breakout performance from Fenwick's Wayne Simon. The 6-0 guard has an incredible feel for the game and had numerous offensive tip-ins over bigger and stronger players. Schmidt also believes he is a player to watch.

"Simon is one of the biggest sleepers to emerge," Schmidt said. "He has tremendous scoring capabilities and he provides instant offense for his team. He needs to work on his ball-handling and his defense, but he's a good undersized two-guard. He's at least a low-major player."

A NEW BENCH COACH: The Wolves' 16 team may have been without McCamey on the floor, but they still felt his precense. McCamey, who hurt his knee in the second game of the tournament, sat behind the basket every Wolves game with his leg iced and propped up on the metal bleachers yelling directions at his teammates on each possession.

"I didn't have to worry about making mistakes out there," said McCamey "But I would definitely rather be playing."