OPENS

n You don’t need a reason or excuse to vote early.

n Chicago voters may use any of the City’s 51 sites.

n Voters may register or file address changes at any site.

n Need to register? Have 2 IDs, one with your address.

this achievement a blessing, as it allowed him to represent his country at the highest level of competition. During the 2022 World Cup, Jeremy led Team USA with 17 points and a game-high six assists in a 79-67 win over Spain for the title. “It’s big time,” said Jeremy. “I got to represent the country. It was a great experience. I made great relationships and created bonds, but to win two gold medals, something people don’t do too often is a blessing to win.”

Although widely recognized as the top prospect in the state and among the top twenty players in the country, Jeremy remains humble and committed to his leadership role in helping his team achieve success. He views his individual ranking as secondary to his team’s collective goal of winning. “I don’t look at it as me being the number one player. Because at the end of the day, I have to go out there and help my team get the win any way that I can.” Scouted as a natural point guard with playmaking ability, excellent court vision, and offensive explosiveness, Jeremy Jr., believes that his leadership qualities are equally important, especially when faced with challenging situations during games. He explains, “Leadership is about understanding your teammates and knowing how to respond to each one. Basketball has its ups and downs, but staying positive is key. When things get tough, we have to keep pushing through and never give up.”

Jeremy attributes his desire to succeed to his father, Jeremy Sr. “My dad is my biggest role model. He played basketball overseas and in college, and I’ve always admired watching him play. I even watch old YouTube videos to see how he played back in the day,” says Jeremy Jr. His father, who was nominated to play in the McDonald’s All-American game and a member of the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team and Mid-American Conference All-Tournament Team while playing for Ohio University, taught him everything he knows about the game, according to Jeremy Jr.

The Fears family’s basketball talent extends beyond Jeremy Sr. and Jeremy Jr. Jeremiah Fears, Jeremy’s younger brother, true to his family lineage, is quickly making a name for himself in the sport of high school basketball. As a sophomore and starting guard for Joliet West, Jeremiah is demonstrating that basketball talent runs deep in the Fears family. Jeremiah’s remarkable ball-handling skills, ability to drive and finish around the rim, and impressive 3-point shooting has garnered attention from scouts and coaches at the collegiate level. During Jeremiah’s freshman year, Jeremy played basketball at La Lumiere, a nationally-ranked prep school in La Porte, Indiana, due to COVID restrictions set by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) that disrupted the 2020-21 season. Being able to share the court with his older sibling in the 2022-23 season, Jeremiah describes it as an “amazing experience.” Jeremiah states that his brother’s return has helped him “grow both as a player and as a person.” However, Jeremiah admits to feeling the pressure of living up to high standards. But, he remains optimistic and determined to elevate his game even further, confidently stating that he aims to surpass his older brother. Both Jeremy and Jeremiah have exceptional athletic abilities, but they’re equally dedicated to their academic excellence. Juggling both academic and athletic commitments can be challenging, but they both agree that staying focused is essential for achieving success. “Sometimes it does get tough,” says Jeremy. “Even with the long or early practices, you still have to make sure you handle school no matter what. Instead of going to the gym or out with friends, I may have to stay in and finish my work or get caught up on the work because grades are a big part of this process.” Jeremiah adds, “It’s tough going to practice and workouts and still trying to get schoolwork done. But staying focused is important because you still have to do the work to perform at a high level athletically and academically. My mother reminds me that the late nights and early mornings, as well as the days when I am tired and unmotivated, will all be worth it in the end. So I just keep pushing myself, knowing that one day my efforts will pay off.”

For the Joliet West sophomore, Jeremiah has several D1 colleges, including Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois, submitting their offer letters in hopes of landing the young talented, and determined Fears. Jeremy has decided to play for the Michigan State Spartans next fall, but vetted offers from Illinois, UConn, and Gonzaga. “I chose Michigan State because I love the culture,” said Jeremy Jr. “I’ll get to play my freshman year. I’m able to make mistakes and learn from a hall-of-fame coach, Tom Izzo. Everyone there, from the staff to the players on the team, is great. It feels like a family.”

The Fears’ family’s commitment to excellence and the discipline required to achieve excellence is truly inspiring. Jeremy’s decision to return to his hometown to team up with his brother for his final year of high school was motivated by the desire to do something unique for the community. “Playing with my brother has been fantastic,” Jeremy said. “We finally have the chance to do something special for the community, the team, each other, our family, and myself.”

Together, Jeremy, “The Floor General” Fears Jr., and his brother Jeremiah Fears led the Joliet West boys basketball team to victory in the 2022-23 ISHA Regional Championship. This accomplishment is particularly remarkable as it marks the team’s second 4A Regional Championship win in just three years. Jeremy Fears Jr., has also been named the 2023 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, making him the 64th recipient of the award. Jeremy earned a unanimous vote to secure the honor. Notably, he is the first athlete from Joliet to claim this recognition.