Friday, September 4, 2009

P.E.P. Fall Classic Preview

The P.E.P. Fall Classic is one of the best late summer events in Illinois. It begins tomorrow at 9 AM at Whitney Young high school and games go to 7 PM Saturday night with tournament play coming Sunday.

Last year's event was a coming out party for Drew Crawford (Northwestern) of the Illinois Warriors as he was named tournament MVP and proved that he was among the elite players in Illinois in the Class of 2009.

Brandon Paul also distinguished himself as the best player in the state in 2009; a position he held the remainder of the high school season as he went on the win Mr. Basketball in Illinois.

This year's field again features the Illinois Warriors, the defending champions, and also features the Mac Irvin Fire 16's and 17's as well as the Illinois Heat, Illinois Titans, RBS, Old Gold, Velocity, Orange Crush and NBU 16's to name a few.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Report for the latest coverage and also follow us on Twitter at for LIVE updates throughout Saturday and Sunday from the P.E.P. Classic www.twitter.com/thebballreport

A quick look at Fall Exposure Leagues

Fall Exposure Leagues, particularly in Illinois, are expanding at a rapid rate.  With the elimination of the April "live" period and the continued reliance of college coaches on scouting services and recruiting analysts, Fall Leagues have become a must for high school players looking to stay in the public eye and attract college level interest.

While Division I coaches are not allowed to attend, coaches from Division II, Division III, NAIA and Junior Colleges often attend and look for players.  Here is a look at some of the leagues going on in the Midwest.  (To have your league added to this list please contact us at thebasketballreport@gmail.com)

- Please note that The Basketball Report does not endorse or support any of these particular leagues, but is merely compiling information.  The Basketball Report will try to attend as many Fall Leagues as possible for reports on players.

- Full Package Fall Exposure League

The Full Package league has been around for six years now and has done a great job generating exposure for players from all over Illinois.  Dan Poneman and Illinoishsbasketball.com are also back and do event coverage and scouting reports.

- Illinois Old School/The Athlete Within Basketball School Fall Exposure League
Contact info: 708-485-5537 or email a.borman@tawbasketballschool.com

Andy Borman does a great job developing players with the Illinois Old School AAU program and this Fall League will be no different.  The league will also allow for individual skill work besides games.


- Rising Stars Fall Basketball Exposure League

Mike Weinstein, Brian Davis and the Rising Stars program are back with their fall league that is guaranteed to bring a high level of competition.  Last year's league had a tremendous amount of talent and coaches were present every week to take in the action.  Chicago Hoops will also be in attendance weekly for news and notes on the top players in action.

- South Suburban Fall Showcase League

Run by Kevin Devitt, the man responsible for the Chicago High School Classic Senior All-Star Game, the South Suburban League is one of the few leagues south of Chicago.  Coverage will be provided by Steve Newhouse of Scout.com as well.

- DaBullz Foundation Fall League 
Contact Mike Oliver at 773-301-7841
 
With games being played Chicago St. Sabina and Garfield Park, DaBullz league offers city players a chance to stay close to home.  This league also is played on Saturday's and starts in October, which is different from most leagues.

- Team NLP Fall League

Former Chicago Bull Dickey Simpkins and his Team NLP program are putting together a fall league as well.  This league is also one of the few offering a chance for middle school players to work on their games before the school season begins. 

- Peoria Irish Fall League 

Gavin Sullivan and the Peoria Irish are giving players in Peoria an affordable option in their fall league.   Chicago Hoops is also going to be in attendance to give the latest information on the league. 


- The Merrillville Fieldhouse Back to School League

The Merrillville Fieldhouse is one of the premier basketball facilities in the Midwest and they are hosting a league in September for girls and boys in elementary, middle and high school. 


- The Indianapolis Fieldhouse Back to School League

Another state-of-the-art complex located in Fishers, IN, this league has already begun but is still playing through late October and is geared towards middle school and high school players.

- NY2LA Sports Breakfast of Champions League

National scouting service NY2LA Sports is giving players in the Milwaukee area a chance to compete against top competition with this Saturday morning league.  All games will be covered by NY2LA Sports and also taped.

If you are interested in your league being showcased please contact The Basketball Report at thebasketballreport@gmail.com.