Vikings’ Seniors Step into the Spotlight in Win over Marian Catholic
New Era of High School Basketball
Powerful high school and club coaches used to rule the Chicago area basketball scene. Certain programs were so prestigious that talented players would sit on the bench and wait years for the chance to star for a particular high school. Those days are over. Parents have taken charge and spend the off-season maneuvering their kids into the best positions to succeed.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Rise to Prominence
Homewood-Flossmoor, the defending Class 4A state champs, graduated four starters. So four spots were seemingly open and available to team with senior point guard Jayden Tyler. The best players at Lincoln-Way East (Brent Taylor) and Thornwood (Arden Eaves) transferred to Homewood-Flossmoor. And one of the area’s top freshmen, guard Darrius Hawkins, arrived on campus. That well-known group was strong enough to place the Vikings in the preseason top ten. But it turns out the team’s true strength is a trio of seniors who waited their turn to play for Homewood-Flossmoor.
Ethan Howard, Kyle Polk, and Aiden Derose Shine
Ethan Howard, Kyle Polk, and Aiden Derose all impressed in No. 6 Homewood-Flossmoor’s 58-45 win against Marian Catholic on Wednesday in Chicago Heights. Howard barely played last year, and Polk, who started as a B-team freshman, saw about three minutes a game. Now they are starters. "I’m just so excited for the chance to be a leader on this team," Polk said. "Watching those guys last year, I learned that you have to be tough. There is no time to be soft on the court."
A Well-Rounded Team Effort
The Vikings (3-0) came out strong and opened up a 24-8 lead after a three-pointer from Derose to open the second quarter. Marian Catholic (2-1) fought back and cut the lead to 35-30 on Delan Davis’ three with 3:54 left in the third quarter, but that was as close as it would get. The Spartans are heavily reliant on senior Zack Sharkey (20 points) for scoring, while all eight players in Homewood-Flossmoor’s rotation were able to score in a variety of ways. Rose finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for the Vikings. Taylor scored 10 and Eaves added seven points and 11 rebounds.
The Transition to Homewood-Flossmoor
Eaves said his transition to H-F has been smooth. "They welcomed me with open arms and have pushed me to get better," he said. "I’m just glad to be here."
Conclusion
Homewood-Flossmoor’s seniors have stepped into the spotlight, and the team is reaping the benefits. With a well-rounded offense and a strong defense, the Vikings are off to a 3-0 start. With players like Hawkins, Tyler, Howard, Polk, and Derose, Homewood-Flossmoor is a force to be reckoned with in the Chicago area basketball scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Homewood-Flossmoor’s seniors adjust to their new roles?
A: Ethan Howard, Kyle Polk, and Aiden Derose all impressed in their new roles, showcasing their skills and leadership abilities.
Q: How did the team’s transition to Homewood-Flossmoor work for Arden Eaves?
A: Eaves said his transition to H-F has been smooth, with the team welcoming him with open arms and pushing him to improve.
Q: What is the key to Homewood-Flossmoor’s success?
A: A well-rounded offense and a strong defense, with all eight players in the rotation able to score in a variety of ways, have been key to the Vikings’ 3-0 start.
