Sun-Times preps notebook

Updated: April 2, 2011 9:26AM

All-state

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 3A/4A boys all-state teams have a strong local flavor. First-team picks included Morgan Park's Wayne Blackshear, East Aurora's Ryan Boatright, Benet's Dave Sobolewski and Frank Kaminsky, Glenbard East's Johnny Hill, Mount Carmel's Tracy Abrams, De La Salle's Mike Shaw, St. Ignatius' Nnanna Egwu, Young's Sam Thompson, Simeon's Jabari Parker, Perspectives-MSA's Anthony Davis and Orr's Mycheal Henry.

Second-team selections included Rich South's Macari Brooks, Niles North's Abdel Nader, Farragut's D.J. Tolliver, Brooks' Keith Gray, North Chicago's Aaron Simpson, Hillcrest's Julius Brown, Lyons' Nick Zeisloft, Riverside-Brookfield's Ryan Jackson, Glenbard East's Zach Miller and Crete-Monee's Jamee Crockett.

Mr. Basketball

East Aurora's Ryan Boatright and Rock Island's Chasson Randle will share Illinois Mr. Basketball honors, the first time in the award's history it hasn't gone to a single player. Boatright averaged 31 points for the Tomcats while Randle contributed 21.7 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Class 3A champion Rocks.

Lights on

Glenbard West has installed a synthetic surface and hopes to put up lights at Memorial Field, home of several Hilltoppers' programs, including soccer, ­lacrosse and field hockey. ­According to a story on the school's website, District 87 has five years to complete the field upgrade. Installing lights is expected to cost $300,000, which would to be funded entirely through donations.

Coaching carousel

Scott Atkins has stepped down as the Oak Lawn boys basketball coach after eight seasons to spend more time with his family. The Spartans went 15-12 this season and 14-13 in 2009-10, ending a stretch of 23 consecutive losing seasons. Overall, Atkins' teams went 66-145. Also, Alphonso Lott resigned after two seasons as Larkin's girls basketball coach. The Royals were 4-23 this season and 4-50 overall under Lott.

Open gym

Foreman will host an open gym for unsigned senior basketball players at 7 p.m. On Thursday, April 7, Thursday. For more information, call coach Terry Head at (312) 501-7287.

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