Class Of 2013 Player Watch: Sterling Brown

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

January 16, 2011

9:45 A.M. CST

After falling on some hard times on recent years, the tradition-rich basketball program at Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL has made a huge resurgence this season.  At the present time, Proviso East is undoubtedly among the top three teams that will feed into the loaded Class 4A sectional at York Township High School in Elmhurst, IL and has a most realistic shot at reaching the 4A supersectional at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, IL.

A player who has been a huge part of Proviso East's success thus far is 6'5 class of 2013 wing Sterling Brown.  Last night at the M&M Winter Classic at Downers Grove North High School in Downers Grove, IL we saw Brown turn in a performance which may have signified his coming-out party.  Brown finished with 22 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in leading his team to a 65-59 victory over Glenbard East in the marquee game of the Winter Classic.

There is no question that Brown brings considerable offensive versatility to the table.  He is highly athletic, handles the ball well and has shooting range that extends beyond the 3-point arc.  While Brown is most comfortable on the perimeter, he has also shown that he can get it done around the basket.  Brown does a considerable portion of his team's dirty work and as a result of his jumping ability and instincts on the glass has proven to be an effective inside scorer.  Simply put, he does whatever it takes to win games and is just beginning to emerge as a team leader.

Brown is also most solid in the classroom.  He attends Proviso East's Math and Science Academy which is reserved for upper-echelon students who reside within the Proviso Township school district.

Another thing that Brown definitely has going for him is bloodlines.  He is the younger brother of former Proviso East Mr. Basketball winner, Michigan State University star and current Los Angeles Laker Shannon Brown.  With that being said, Sterling undoubtedly knows who to turn to for advice away from the court.

Word on Brown has already gotten out quickly amongst college coaches.  He has already begun to hear from most of the in-state D1 programs, including Illinois and DePaul.  Brown ranks among the top 10 prospects in Illinois from what is becoming an extremely deep 2013 class.  With his strong work ethic, impressive skill set and the considerable number of positive intangibles in his corner, we are willing to bet that he will ultimately be a high recruiting priority for plenty of D1 schools. 

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