By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
Despite a 20-0 record, the Loyola Academy Ramblers had a hard time gaining the respect of some critics, who claimed their schedule was too easy for a state superpower.
So the Ramblers traveled across state lines Thursday night, only to get trampled by Eric Gordon and the North Central, Ind., Panthers, 88-47.
In a game seen across the country on ESPN2, Gordon was unstoppable, making a strong argument for national player of the year honors. After Loyola jumped out to an early first quarter lead, Gordon took it to another level, dropping 28 points in the first half alone.
Gordon finished with 43 points on the night.
This is the second time in recent weeks that an Illinois high school team has been featured on ESPN. On Jan. 18, Chicago's Simeon knocked off national No. 1 Oak Hill Academy, in a game where Memphis-bound Derrick Rose made his own case as the best player in the country.
Loyola Academy's famous duo of Jeffrey and Marcus Jordan had a hard time getting established in front of 3,000 fans, including the watchful eyes of their father, Michael.
Aside from an early alley-oop from Marcus to Jeffrey, Gordon garnered all of the limelight over the high-profile brothers. Gordon will take the floor again with Jeffrey Jordan in April, as both were selected to participate in the Jordan Classic, held each year at Madison Square Garden.
With the Ramblers loss, there may not be a hotter team right now in the state of Illinois than the Bolingbrook Raiders girls basketball team.
Touting a record of 22-1, the Raiders have not lost since the third game of the season, and are starting to attract the national spotlight.
Currently No. 10 10 in the MaxPreps National Rankings, Bolingbrook handed Fenwick, currently No. 24, its only loss on the season Jan. 13.
Bolingbrook is led in the frontcourt by 6-3 Purdue-bound senior Samantha Woods, an imposing presence inside, and 6-2 Northwestern-bound Shatina Boyd. The Raiders also have an impressive backcourt, anchored by team captain and future Michigan State Spartan Brittney Thomas.
Junior guards Janisha Gearlds and Miranda Tate have made important contributions throughout the season. The same can be said for Northern Illinois recruit Mauvolyene Adams, despite struggling through injury problems.
Notes
Another Bolingbrook star athlete, senior halfback Dale Martin, seemed prepared to enroll at the University of Louisville next fall. In light of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino's sudden departure, his status seems more up in the air...Chicago-area running back Robert Hughes recently announced his college intentions. Perhaps taking advantage of Irish running back Darius Walker's early entry to the NFL draft, the versatile Hubbard halfback committed to play for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Hughes chose Notre Dame over his second choice, Illinois. This comes on the heels of Simeon star Martez Wilson's decision to choose Illinois over Notre Dame.