Curie, the Chicago Condors, is quietly becoming a dominant force in Illinois high school basketball, and their recent win over Warren has propelled them all the way up to number two on the Super 25 rankings. Led by senior guards Saquan Commings and Justin Oliver, who are arguably the most underrated players in the state, Curie's chemistry and grit have made them nearly unbeatable so far this season.
Coach Mike Oliver Jr., the team's senior leader, knows exactly what his team brings to the table: "Everybody knows their role on this team. We are better vocally and better defensively than last season. It's a better team overall."
While it may not be a flashy high school team, Curie is the clear favorite to win the Public League title, having already knocked off Warren in their first game of the season. Their ultimate goal? City champs, state champs – that's what they're coming for.
On the other end of the spectrum, Homewood-Flossmoor is looking like a force to be reckoned with after an impressive start to their season. Led by sophomore point guard Darrius Hawkins Jr., the Vikings opened eyes at the Chicago Heights Classic and then took down Bolingbrook in the Chicago Elite Classic.
First-year head coach Brandin Brown challenged his team to step up as leaders, and it paid off. Senior forward Marvin Douglas has taken on a leading role alongside transfer Ethan Jackson, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Leo.
The Team Rose Shootout is this weekend, with Oswego East facing Curie in the headlining game. The event promises to be an exciting showcase for some of the top teams in the area.
While the Super 25 rankings are still taking shape, one thing is clear: DePaul Prep remains at the top after a tough loss to La Lumiere, and Homewood-Flossmoor has joined the rankings with their impressive start. Meanwhile, some preseason ranked teams are struggling to find their footing, serving as a reminder that it's early in the season and things will shake out eventually.
As for the Condors, they're on the hunt for state glory. Justin Oliver summed it up perfectly: "We want to be Pontiac champs, city champs, and state champs – that is what we are coming for." With their chemistry and determination, Curie looks like a team to watch all season long.
Coach Mike Oliver Jr., the team's senior leader, knows exactly what his team brings to the table: "Everybody knows their role on this team. We are better vocally and better defensively than last season. It's a better team overall."
While it may not be a flashy high school team, Curie is the clear favorite to win the Public League title, having already knocked off Warren in their first game of the season. Their ultimate goal? City champs, state champs – that's what they're coming for.
On the other end of the spectrum, Homewood-Flossmoor is looking like a force to be reckoned with after an impressive start to their season. Led by sophomore point guard Darrius Hawkins Jr., the Vikings opened eyes at the Chicago Heights Classic and then took down Bolingbrook in the Chicago Elite Classic.
First-year head coach Brandin Brown challenged his team to step up as leaders, and it paid off. Senior forward Marvin Douglas has taken on a leading role alongside transfer Ethan Jackson, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Leo.
The Team Rose Shootout is this weekend, with Oswego East facing Curie in the headlining game. The event promises to be an exciting showcase for some of the top teams in the area.
While the Super 25 rankings are still taking shape, one thing is clear: DePaul Prep remains at the top after a tough loss to La Lumiere, and Homewood-Flossmoor has joined the rankings with their impressive start. Meanwhile, some preseason ranked teams are struggling to find their footing, serving as a reminder that it's early in the season and things will shake out eventually.
As for the Condors, they're on the hunt for state glory. Justin Oliver summed it up perfectly: "We want to be Pontiac champs, city champs, and state champs – that is what we are coming for." With their chemistry and determination, Curie looks like a team to watch all season long.
They're killing it on the court and it's amazing to see Saquan and Justin leading the charge 
Coach Mike Oliver Jr is doing an incredible job too, he's really bringing out the best in his team 
I love how they're not flashy but they just get the job done, that's what makes them so special 
City champs, state champs... let's make it happen for Curie!!! 
I'm really curious to see how they match up against Curie at the Team Rose Shootout this weekend... that's gonna be a showdown for the ages! 
gotta give props to these Chicago teams, they're bringing the heat this season! Curie's underrated players are straight fire 
, and Homewood-Flossmoor is looking like a dark horse 
. The Team Rose Shootout is gonna be lit 
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. Sure, Curie's win over Warren was impressive, but let's see how they hold up against some tougher opponents. And Homewood-Flossmoor is looking good, but I need to see more from them before I start jumping onto the bandwagon 
. The Super 25 rankings can change so quickly in high school hoops – it's all about consistency and staying healthy for these teams. DePaul Prep still looks like the team to beat, but I'm excited to see how Curie and Homewood-Flossmoor stack up against each other this weekend.
️. And those players Saquan Commings and Justin Oliver? They might be underrated, but they're definitely making a statement out there 
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. One thing's for sure, though - high school hoops in Illinois is always a thrill ride 
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Homewood-Flossmoor's looking strong too, Darrius Hawkins Jr. is a game-changer 
their coaching has made a big difference, Brandin Brown's getting the most out of his squad. And yeah, DePaul Prep's still at the top but it'll be interesting to see how things shake up as the season progresses 
. The Team Rose Shootout is gonna be epic, and I'm all about watching Curie take on Oswego East in the headlining game - it's gonna be a battle royale 
! The fact that they took down Warren in their first game is just icing on the cake – they're makin' a statement. I'm lovin' the vibe around this team, and I think they're definitely in the mix for city champs and state glory 
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. Their goal of becoming City champs, state champs – that's the ultimate dream for any high school team 
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their determination to take on the state champs is inspiring, i'm rootin for 'em all the way 
. And Homewood-Flossmoor thinks they're a force to be reckoned with after one decent start? Please, most teams in the state are gonna fall apart once their top players go off to college 
. DePaul Prep's been dominant for a reason, and those preseason ranked teams that tanked were always gonna happen. State glory? More like a pipe dream 
... and wat's up with all these senior leaders making claims about their team being better vocally and defensively... can we have some actual stats or something? 
... also, homewood-flossmoor seems like they're getting way too much love 
... they just beat bolingbrook in the chicago elite classic... yeah ok 
... dePaul prep still at the top is cool i guess 
... but i need to see more before i start investing all my hopes in curie 
they're literally killing it out there on the court! Saquan Commings & Justin Oliver are straight ballers 
Coach Mike Oliver Jr.'s got his team on the same page, kinda like how city officials are trying to get everyone on board with their new community development plan.
. Coach Mike Oliver Jr is doing an amazing job getting his team to gel and work together 
. And now they're headed to the Team Rose Shootout, gonna be super competitive 
. Homewood-Flossmoor's got some serious talent too, Darrius Hawkins Jr is a point guard for real 
i mean dont get me wrong, curie sounds like a solid team but lets keep expectations low 