By Joe Henricksen

Talk about individual talent. Good 'ol Mac Irvin's Fire sure have it. But before breaking down the star-studded roster of the Fire, I have found that not all basketball in March is fun to watch. Maybe part of it is the calendar still says March. That is the time, after all, when we are accustomed to watching the best basketball of the year, whether it be state tournament action in Illinois or the NCAA Tournament. But all-star games are being played and the AAU season has started. I guess it's still called basketball, nonetheless.

By Joe Henricksen

While recruiting for the Class of 2008, for the most part, wrapped up last November during the early signing period, a lot was learned about those players over the past four months. The ink dries on the letters-of-intent, college coaches move on to younger players and fans watch and analyze those recruits during their senior year.

By Joe Henricksen

I believe four classes is here to stay in Illinois. It's not going to change, so I will eventually have to move on and forget about all that was lost in Illinois high school basketball. However, I have been bombarded with e-mails, voicemails and conversations since I returned from Peoria. Nearly all of which have been negative.

By Joe Henricksen

The Elite Eight weekend in boys basketball is a festival, a hoops oasis as fans, high school coaches, media members, officials and college coaches come together to celebrate a season and a sport. After spending four days in Peoria last weekend -- my 21st trip in the last 23 years to the state tournament -- it was no different. Everyone came together as usual to socialize and talk basketball, be it in restaurants, bars, hospitality rooms, hotel lobbies or Carver Arena.

By Joe Henricksen

Before discussing and debating the trials and tribulations of four-class basketball and the overall atmosphere in Peoria (plenty of that will come), there was plenty of positives that came from Peoria and the Class 3A and 4A State Finals. As usual, the weekend was full of gossip and rumors of coaches on the move and players transferring, but after spending four days in Peoria here are some thoughts from what transpired on the floor on an individual basis. There will be more thoughts and news from my days in Peoria in coming days.

By Joe Henricksen

When breaking down this weekend's Elite Eight, Final Four -- whatever we want to call it these days -- there will certainly be many factors that will ultimately decide the Class 3A and 4A state champions. After watching each and everyone of the teams that will be playing in Peoria, some more than others, here are the six factors the Hoops Report feels could be the difference between a win or a loss.

By Joe Henricksen

Although top-ranked and previously unbeaten Decatur Eisenhower fell in the Class 3A sectional, the 3A Final Four offers a little bit of everything this weekend in Peoria.

By Joe Henricksen

The recruiting world in college basketball has changed remarkably in recent years, with more and more young high school players being offered scholarships earlier than ever. Illinois coach Bruce Weber has adjusted and adapted to that philosophy. Illinois offered talented freshman guard Donivine Stewart of Limestone following Illinois' game with Minnesota on Saturday.

By Joe Henricksen

At a young age -- and I'm talking freshmen and sophomores -- there are players that have the hype, show flashes of potential and are legitimate college prospects even without the production or end results. That is typically the progression of a young player. Then there are the rare few that, along with the hype and potential, come the added bonus of immediate results and production. With Mount Carmel freshman Tracy Abrams we have seen both.

By Joe Henricksen

At a school where football is a behemoth, wrestling is a state giant and baseball has been a power over the past decade, basketball is a distant fourth at Mount Carmel. Well, not anymore. Enter Mike Flaherty.

By Joe Henricksen

There are more than a few skeptics of the four-class basketball system that is now in place. And when you're talking high school basketball coaches and Illinois prep basketball purists and enthusiasts, the skeptics are in the majority. In the end, there is even a nightmare scenario that could develop for the IHSA, the organization that has done a wonderful job in so many different areas of high school sports in this state. It still remains nothing more than a "What if" right now, but it's getting closer and closer to developing.

By Joe Henricksen

While everyone is caught up in Division I recruiting, coach Scott Trost of Lewis University is putting together an absolutely terrific recruiting class at the Division II level. The Hoops Report has learned that Stagg big man Marty Strus has committed to Lewis.

By Joe Henricksen

Yes, the games do have to be played in Class 3A despite the fact everyone from around the state fully expects Marshall and Simeon to advance to Peoria with relative ease. The Hoops Report takes a look at a few of the Class 3A sectionals on tap for this week.

By Joe Henricksen

The first week of the big schools state tournament was as wild as I can remember, highlighted by numerous upsets -- and near upsets -- in regional play. Here is a look at how the Hoops Report sees a few of the Class 3A and Class 4A sectionals shaking out this week.

By Joe Henricksen

There was a reason why the City/Suburban Hoops Report had Mt. Carmel ranked No. 12 and DeLaSalle No. 13 in the preseason rankings. And now they are showing why. The Chicago Catholic League opened eyes during regional action, even while arguably it's most talented team -- Hales Franciscan -- made an early exit from the Class 2A tournament.