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Playoff MVP- 6-0 junior G John Taylor (North Lawndale) - Timberwolves-

Taylor led his Timberwolves to the league title, despite having to play without guards Steven Rudnicki and Charles McKinney by his side (out with injury). Taylor was the “breakout” performer of the league, as he came out of seemingly nowhere to solidify himself as one of the top 10 players in the class of 09. Taylor scored 31 points in the quarterfinals, 31 in the semis, and 22 in the finals. Taylor also made a very high percentage of his shots and dished out a lot of assists. Whenever the Timberwolves needed a big basket, Taylor wanted the ball in his hands. Look for the transfer from Gary, Indiana to have a huge season for North Lawndale this year.

Runner-up- 6-3 junior SG Matt Vogrich (Lake Forest) and 6-3 junior SF Dahni Wilson (Maine East) - Celtics-

Vogrich and Wilson were a dynamic duo all season long for the Celtics, and that success continued on to the playoffs. The duo averaged 37 combined points per game throughout the playoffs. However, these two players contributions cannot be measured by statistics, as both of them are the type that does whatever is needed to lead their team to victory. They led the Celtics to the championship without a true post player on the roster, just by banging with bigger players inside and by playing hard at all times. Look for both of them to have huge seasons for their respective schools. Also, watch out for this duo next AAU season with Full Package.

Top defender- 6-0 junior PG Kevin Berardini (Lake Forest) - Celtics-

Kevin was the glue that held the Celtics together all season. The hard-nosed point guard did whatever it took for the Celtics to win, playing as hard as he could whenever he was on the floor. Berardini is the type of point guard that will sacrifice his body for a steal or a rebound over a bigger opponent, and was a big reason why the Celtics had such a successful season. Kevin makes any team he is on better, and should be a big reason why Lake Forest will be a top team in the North Suburbs this year.

Co-Top playmakers-

5-7 senior PG Deric Branch (Morgan Park) – Timberwolves – Deric is a small, lighting quick point guard, and he was one of the key’s to the Timberwolves’ title. Deric is a great ball handler, great penetrator, great passer, and has a very good outside shot. He scored 25 points in the title game.

5-9 senior PG Deshawn Dockery (Hillcrest) – Bulls – Deshawn is a small guard with a very high basketball IQ. He is a very good passer and has a very good three point shot. The Bulls never would’ve made it to the Semis if it wasn’t for Deshawn’s great play.

Top underclassman- 6-10 sophomore C Paul Bunch (North Lawndale) – Timberwolves- Bunch was a monster in the post throughout the Timberwolves title run, as the long, tall, athletic sophomore dominated every post player that crossed his path. Bunch was great on the glass and blocking shots, and showed a wide array of offensive moves. He played more like a senior then a sophomore. He is a high major prospect to watch and should break out on the national level soon.

Breakout performer- 5-11 senior G Alan Clark (Mt. Carmel) – Lakers- The small, athletic guard played very well in the playoffs, and was a major contributor to the Lakers semi-final run. Clark scored 22 points in the semi final lost, and almost got the Lakers in the championship game. Clark came into the league as much of an unknown and came out as one of the top D3 prospects in the state, mostly because of his great playoff performance.