Donovine Stewart spent the summer touring the nation with Peoria Carver AAU. Despite basketball filling most of his free time, the sophomore guard from Limestone (Bartonville) is anxious to get back on the floor for the high school season. The Rockets kick off the season against Rockwood Summit (Mo.) at Washington on Wednesday.

On Dec. 13, some of the brightest boys' basketball stars will take the Assembly Hall Court for the 2008 WDWS/News-Gazette Shootout at the Hall presented by State Farm (tickets went on sale Nov. 17 - $5 for students, $10 general admission, $15 courtside). Here are the pairings — and analysis from Paul Klee and Jeff Huth:

Forward drawing attention from big-time programs

Each week, Tony Bleill answers all of our questions

Signing Day was a big day at HQ. Our coverage started with Paul Klee's conversation with Bruce Weber's four incoming recruits.

Also, HQ blogger Jeremy Werner talked to recruiting guru Evan Daniels.

News you can't leave work without:

EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis receiver Terry Hawthorne remains firmly committed to the Illinois football program.
But that hasn't kept him from visiting another school.

Illinois coach Bruce Weber received signed letters of intent from four recruits on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday. Here’s Weber’s take on the 2009 recruiting class, courtesy of beat writer Paul Klee.

Tony Bleill's Q&A with Lincoln-Way East guard Kersten Magrum