CHAMPAIGN — I’d just like to congratulate Peoria Richwoods for the season the Knights’ boys’ basketball team had..
Although the Knights took a tough loss to DePaul College Prep on Friday in a Class 3A state semifinal game at State Farm Center, they proved why they were one of the best teams in the state.
My first time checking them out in person was when they came to town to play Champaign Central. That was probably the most exciting high school game I’ve been to in a long time.
Richwoods brought a busload of fans to cheer on their Rutgers signee, Lathan Sommerville, and the rest of the squad. After seeing Sommerville demolish Central back in late November, I knew he was going to have a monster season — and the 6-foot-10 center did just that.
He’s currently ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the state’s Class of 2024, behind No. 1 Morez Johnson from Thornton (Illinois) and No. 2 Cooper Koch from Metamora (Iowa).
He beat both in the postseason this year and should really be in the discussion for Mr. Basketball. I’m a big fan of the kid.
I’m excited to see how his collegiate career turns out. I believe he will do great things because he’s a great kid with a great support system.
If he locks in and changes his body when he gets to campus, Sommerville can be in the NBA within the next three years.
He’s got everything the league is looking for in a big nowadays.
The only knock is his conditioning but that will change once he gets to college. He’s going to be a household name soon.
