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By: Cavan Walsh

Limestone freshman Donovine Stewart entered the season with high expectations from people around the state, who were singing his praises before he ever even suited up a varsity high school game. “Coach helped me a lot during (preseason) practices, and he told me before first practice even started that I would have a big-role coming into high school. He said ‘I know you’re prepared for it.’” Stewart turned expectations into a reality Monday night as he poured in 36 points on 15-25 shooting from the field and 1-2 from the charity stripe in a 73-68 loss to United Township.

“They came out and began the game in a zone, we shot them out of the zone. Then they went man-to-man and I took off from their attacking,” stated Stewart. “Wasn’t a point in the game I didn’t feel comfortable if I wasn’t scoring I was penetrating and dishing. I was doing everything I could to help my team win.”

In spite of losing the game, this is a coming out party for Donovine Stewart’s high school career. “People didn’t think I could continue my game at the next level from grade school. I mean I have 36 points in my 1^st high school game that is a statement for me and my team. I would have much rather won this game than drop 36 points,” affirmed Stewart. Limestone has a good combination of youth and experience as they start two seniors, two juniors, and a freshman.

Stewart competed on the summer circuit with Peoria’s very own Carver AAU program coached by Steve Harvey. Stewart along with Andrew Jordan (Peoria Woodruff), Brandon Watson (Peoria Manuel), Travis Kellum (Peoria Central), and Darren Weeks (Peoria Central) all teamed to form a very explosive team, and all are expected to have significant contributions on their respective teams this season. Carver Coach Steve Harvey regards this freshman class as one of the best classes to come out of Peoria since the class that was most notably lead by Frank Williams. Carver summer was highlighted with a 6^th place finish at Nationals along with strong performances at Real Deal at Hill in Arkansas and King James in Ohio. Stewart is receiving a lot of mail from many big-time programs including USC, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.

Stewart also teams with his cousin Demarius Sumrell on Limestone, who was unable to participate in the season opener, as they look to create a formidable backcourt combination for the next two years. Limestone is back in action Friday as they square off against Freeport and LaSalle-Peru. Keep it at illinoishsbasketball.com for the latest on Donivine Stewart…