Coming to the '09 Shootout: Rock Island

Each Monday, we'll introduce a team participating in the IlliniHQ Shootout at the Hall presented by State Farm Insurance, our annual boys' basketball extravaganza which this year takes place Dec. 12 at the Assembly Hall.

Today: Rock Island High School, home of Illini recruiting target Chasson Randle, who has a scholarship offer from Illinois.

Here's the scoop:

Rock Island High School

City: Rock Island

Enrollment: 1,523

Nickname: Rocks

Shootout appearance: Second

Three things to know about Rock Island High School, courtesy staff writer Paul Klee:

1. Rock Island attended the 2008 WDWS/News-Gazette Shootout and had a memorable experience – despite a difficult matchup with and 65-55 loss to eventual Class 4A state runner-up Waukegan. "We actually had the Illini locker room. That was a thrill for our players," said coach Thom Sigel. "Guys were taking pictures, looking at the plaques on the walls. I've had people e-mail me at the school and wondering if we were playing down there again. They're excited about coming back again." The Rocks are expected to return three starters from a roster that finished 21-10 last season. "We'd like to build on that number (of wins)," Sigel said.

2. The draw for Illinois is junior Chasson Randle, a 6-foot-2 combo guard that has been a starter at Rock Island since his freshman year. The only sophomore on the 2009 News-Gazette All-State team, Randle had a game-high 22 points in last year's matchup against Waukegan and UI recruit Jereme Richmond. "Even in open gym on Wednesday night, he's looking more explosive," Sigel said last week. "Coming out of junior high he was just a slasher. That's all he did. Now, last year (as a sophomore), he ended up shooting over 50 percent from three-point range. I think he just continues to strive to get better, add new things to what he can do."

3. Willie Randle, the player's father, said Chasson was planning on taking more campus visits at some point in the fall. "We've had a couple discussions about how it's time to narrow it down and refine things (in terms of a list). I think that's one of the tough things for him because he's so respectful," Sigel said. "I think what's difficult is when they call him and ask if there's some interest, being able to honestly answer that and have both parties move on. It's tough to do. He's 16 years old." Illinois Wolves coach Mike Mullins, who coaches Randle on the club circuit, said he likely will bring some of his players (which include Randle, Nnana Egwu, Jacob Williams) to a UI football game, but a date hasn't been finalized.

The 2009 field

1. Brehm Prep - link

2. Quality Education Academy - link

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