As the GBOA West tournament approaches on May 3^rd and 4^th in LA, my thoughts have drifted to the North tournament which takes place just a few weeks later in Chicago. The North region has a lot of under-the-radar talent that I am really pumped to see in action! The North region teams have been called the underdogs—but don’t discount any of the teams just yet. I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog, because they become something that the others teams are not: a team with bite!

With all the teams and players to choose from I am having a tough time picking out a favorite. Let’s look at some of the top players of the North and YOU can be the judge as to who is going to bring the most game to the court.

First we have the SYF Players out of Indiana. This team, led by Coach Brumm, is historically a very successful team. One of the many players to watch is Scott Wood, who heads off to N.C. State when he graduates. His senior season has been an exciting one to watch, so you can be sure his appearance with the SYF will be just as exciting.

At seven-feet, 300 pounds Full Package’s Kyle Rowley is not hard to miss. He certainly has not been missed by college recruiters, with six offers under his belt. Rowley also has a unique edge which is experience at the international level. He moved from Trinidad to Illinois just to play basketball at Lake Forest Academy and with Full Package.

A player I do not think anyone should discount at this year’s tournament is small forward Demonte Beard of the Terry Porter Elite. Beard made first team all-conference as a sophomore, and has been passionate about improving his game every day. This six-foot-five powerhouse player made his first dunk in 8^th grade! I think Demonte is going to tear up the court with his teammates in May and I’m excited to see him in action.

The Family appears to be this year’s team to beat at the North tournament. The Family boasts dynamic duo DaShonte Riley and Donnavan Kirk, who are also teammates in high school. I can tell these two will not be lacking chemistry on the court! I can’t count all of DaShonte’s college prospects on two hands! With a lot to prove on the court, I think DaShonte will live up to everyone’s expectations. He’s going to be adding more college teams to his list after the tournament.

As you can see the GBOA North tournament is going to have some hot prospects to watch. With all the games available through web cast, college recruiters are going to be glued to their computer screens in May. Everyone needs to come out to Chicago May 10^th and 11^th to experience the North.   -KH