University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball coach Ben Wierzba had the chance last week to begin working on campus with his team, including prized freshman Mark Weems Jr.
Weems, a 6-foot-2 guard, was an Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association first-team all-state choice for Class 2A state runner-up South Holland Seton Academy.
“He’s a winner and comes from a successful program,” Wierzba said. “His junior year, they got fourth in state. Last season, they got second in state.”
Weems averaged 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals last season. He was ejected from the Class 2A state title game against Harrisburg in the first half after touching an official while disputing a technical foul called on him.
“He can score,” Wierzba said. “He has played with good players around him. A kid he played with last year (Alex Foster) is at Texas Tech. He’s a winner and has been a leader for his teams.”
Weems was featured by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
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