The superlatives surrounding Morez Johnson have change into redundant.For Johnson, who is headed to Illinois subsequent season, it’s all the time extra than simply his manufacturing, prodigious bodily make-up and participant rankings –– he’s the top-ranked senior prospect in Illinois and amongst the prime 35 in the nation.Leadership. Toughness. Competitiveness. Team-first. Winner. Those are the attributes repeatedly talked about by those that have coached and evaluated him.“Man, he’s a coach’s dream,” Thornton coach Tai Streets stated. “He’s a winner and the absolute leader you want to have on your team.”The 6-9, 235-pound Johnson is an inside menace, each defensively and as a finisher round the basket. As an impactful defender, Johnson depressed his opponents’ capturing accuracy round the basket whereas showcasing environment friendly ending potential on offense. He’s as versatile as a giant man defender may be along with his physique, energy and athleticism.Johnson’s season ended with a sectional championship however fell one step brief of enjoying on his future residence ground as Thornton misplaced in the supersectional.Here are Johnson’s ideas on that season-ending loss to Metamora and an entire lot extra.”That loss hurt a lot. It really bummed me out and still bothers me. I still think about it, but you can’t let that sit in your head for too long. It’s sports. It happens. But it was really tough and has been hard to get over. We didn’t want it to end there.””I think I was able to leave a little of a legacy in one year at Thornton. There have been a lot of teams that haven’t gotten out of the regional. We won a sectional. We haven’t done that since 2009, and we won some big games this year and played on ESPN, so I do think that leaves a mark. This year was a lot of fun. Coach Tai [Streets] set the tone for us very early. The community came out and packed the gym all season and brought energy. It was fun, a great experience.””I can’t tell you where I got it from as far as being a leader, playing hard and all those things. I don’t know where it came from, but I think it’s just natural. It was almost forced on me when I was at St. Rita a little bit because we really didn’t have any seniors when I was a freshman and sophomore. I think I just adapted to that and took on that role of being a leader. Now it seems pretty natural. I want to lead.””I’ve been trying to dominate like Giannis. I pay attention to see how he tries to dominate and impact a game. But I would say Giannis and Joel Embiid are the two players I watch and try to model my game after.””Respect my jumper. I want people to have more respect for my jumper. I want them to know and see that I can make shots, to force them to close out on me hard so I can take advantage of that, drive past them, dunk on them. So improving my jumper and ballhanding is important. I will put in the work.””I am looking forward to playing in the State Farm Center. I can’t wait. And I’m looking forward to playing with Ty Rodgers. I didn’t get to play with him at Thornton, but I wish I could have.”Past City/Suburban Hoops Report Player of Year Winners2024: Morez Johnson, Thornton2023: Brock Harding, Moline2022: Braden Huff, Glenbard West2021: Max Christie, Rolling Meadows2020: DJ Steward, Young2019: EJ Liddell, Belleville West2018: Talen Horton-Tucker, Simeon2017: Mark Smith, Edwardsville2016: Charlie Moore, Morgan Park2015: Jalen Brunson, Stevenson2014: Jahlil Okafor, Young2013: Jahlil Okafor, Young2012: Jabari Parker, Simeon2011: Wayne Blackshear, Morgan Park2010: Jereme Richmond, Waukegan2009: Drew Crawford, Naperville Central2008: Kevin Dillard, Homewood-Flossmoor2007: Derrick Rose, Simeon2006: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North2005: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North2004: Shaun Livingston, Peoria Central2003: Shannon Brown, Proviso East2002: Dee Brown, Proviso East2001: Pierre Pierce, Westmont2000: Dwyane Wade, Richards1999: Leon Smith, King1998: Quentin Richardson, Young1997: Brian Wardle, Hinsdale Central1996: Ronnie Fields, Farragut