Nearly two months into the season it's time to examine some of the names who are in the race for the @CSNPreps Basketball Player of the Year. To this point, there are six names who are firmly in the discussion for the award and there could be names that enter or leave the picture in the next few months.
We'll examine this race over the next few months, but here are the six seniors who have played themselves into the Player of the Year conversation.
6. Devin Gage (PG), Curie - The MVP of the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, Gage has hit game-winning jumpers in multiple games this season. He had a winner in a national showcase against Thon Maker and Athlete's Institute and also beat Simeon at Pontiac with another game-winner. The DePaul commit has been tremendous when healthy.
5. Barret Benson (C), Hinsdale South - The Northwestern commit was the leading scorer and rebounder over five games at the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York as he averaged 22.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Benson has faced double (and even triple) teams this season and still been a double-double player nearly every game.
4. Justin Pierce (W), Glenbard West - The surprise name on this list, Pierce is putting up over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game for a Glenbard West team that is 14-0. The William & Mary commit is a threat to score from all over the floor and has a good-looking perimeter jumper.
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3. Zach Norvell (G), Simeon - Simeon hasn't been able to get over the hump against Morgan Park, but the Wolverines still have city and state title aspirations and it starts with the play of the Gonzaga commit. A tremendous two-way guard, Norvell has been great in big games all season.
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2. Nick Rakocevic (C), St. Joseph - After a slow summer, Rakocevic has vaulted himself back into the Player of the Year discussion. As the only senior on an overachieving Chargers team, Rakocevic deserves credit for being a leader and putting up big numbers. Averaged 18.5 points, 15.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. Rakocevic is also the best uncommitted senior left in Illinois.
1. Charlie Moore (PG), Morgan Park - The preseason favorite to win Player of the Year, Moore has matched all expectations so far this season. He was the MVP as Morgan Park won the Proviso West Holiday Tournament and the Mustangs are clearly the best team in the area to this point. The Memphis commit is slick with the ball, finds teammates and hits deep three-pointers.