Prospect's LaTulip hoping to return in a month

Joe LaTulip still has hope of playing in another Mid-Suburban League boys basketball championship game.

The 5-foot-10 senior guard of defending MSL champion Prospect and Illinois Wesleyan recruit hopes to return in about a month with a dislocated right kneecap he suffered eight days ago.

LaTulip said the target date for a possible return is the Feb. 19 MSL East finale at Hersey.

"It really all depends on these next four weeks and how hard I work," said LaTulip, a three-year varsity guard who was an all-area pick last year. "I'm going to work as hard as I possibly can before the season is over."

LaTulip, who is averaging 17 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, said he'll start a weight conditioning program Monday to strengthen the muscles around the knee at Athletico in Deerfield, where his AAU team is based. He also suffered a similar injury to the right kneecap in the summer before his junior year.

"It's much better than what I did last time," LaTulip said of also suffering a tear with the previous injury.

LaTulip said there is a chance he might need surgery on the knee but that will be determined by his recovery. Now his Knights' teammates will have to do their part to give LaTulip another shot at playing for an MSL title.

"Other people have to step up," said Prospect senior Jack Redding after he scored 26 points in Tuesday's 56-55 win over Glenbrook South.