Belleville West (Ill.) forward E.J. Liddell started his junior season off with a bang this past week at the Washington Tournament of Champions, averaging 27 points, 9.8 rebounds and six blocks over four games. The Maroons fell to Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology 84-74 in the title game, but Liddell still earned Most Outstanding Player honors in a tournament that also featured 2018 top-20 Kansas commit Quentin Grimes and 2019 top-50 Kentucky commit Tyler Herro.

After spending last spring and summer playing up with Brad Beal Elite’s 17U team, Liddell is focused on a deep run into the playoffs with Belleville West, but also improving his all-around game.

“I know I play harder than most people, I know how to move myself and I have great footwork,” Liddell said. “I’ve been working on my ball-handling and my jump shot, but this season I just want to win and improve my game so that when I go into the summer, nobody can guard me, nobody can get around me or nobody can score on me.”