It’s lonely sometimes at the top, but Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff realized his moment was coming.
For the first time in three years, the senior point guard is the only one bearing his family name playing for the Hawks. It brings a different type of pressure but also a taste of personal freedom.
“The last two years, I was playing behind my brothers, and now I’m alone, so everything relies on me,” he said. “I take inspiration from my brothers, but I definitely am trying to be myself out there.”
His name belonged up on the marquee lights Tuesday night.
The 6-foot Ratliff looked perfect in the part of team leader, scoring 16 points to power host Hillcrest to a 64-51 win over Oak Lawn in a South Suburban Conference crossover in Country Club Hills.
Senior guard Ramie Shelton added 10 points and three steals for the Hawks (5-1, 2-0 SSC Blue). Senior guard Jaylen West and junior guard Jamari Thomas each contributed nine points.
Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff (1) glides to the rim on a layup against Oak Lawn during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Country Club Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Senior forward Marc Harvey had 18 points and eight rebounds for Oak Lawn (5-2, 1-1 SSC Red). Senior guard Jack Dempsey scored 16 points and senior forward Omar Saleh followed with 11.
Jamir Ratliff, meanwhile, is the last of three brothers to excel in the program. Jayquan, the oldest, was a point guard who graduated two years ago. Jovi, a shooting guard, graduated in the spring.
Few players understand that special bond than Shelton, a senior whose twin, Rakee, is also part of the team.
“Jamir has just been putting it on for everybody and making sure that everybody gets involved,” Ramie Shelton said. “He’s playing defense and getting anywhere he wants on the floor.
Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff (1) looks for options on offense against Oak Lawn during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Country Club Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“Even though he’s a great shooter, he makes sure everybody touches the ball and is happy.”
Don Houston, who has coached all three brothers, confirmed each one has his own personality.
“The oldest brother was the most outgoing, the middle one didn’t say anything and Jamir’s in the middle of both,” Houston said. “He plays super hard, and he realizes if his shot is not falling, he really locks in on defense and shows other ways of being a major contributor to the game.”
Indeed, Ratliff was held scoreless in the first quarter Tuesday night but erupted for eight points in the second quarter as the Hawks used a 15-0 run to seize control.
Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff (1) looks back on defense after scoring against Oak Lawn during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Country Club Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
As the youngest brother, he learned quickly about the necessity of asserting his own will.
“I was thought to be the weakest, they teamed up on me and that made me better,” Jamir said. “I love to play fast, get out in transition and just get my teammates better looks out there.”
Ratliff, who also had six rebounds, five steals and five assists against Oak Lawn, is a blur in the open floor. He repeatedly uses his speed to get to the basket or create chances off the dribble.
He’s a hybrid talent, demonstrating the leadership qualities of his oldest brother and the natural scoring talent of his middle brother.
“I improved playing with them,” Jamir said, “Now, my role and game have evolved so much since when I first started playing varsity my sophomore year. I started out as a defender and role player.
“Last season, I became more of a scorer.”
Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff (1) drives past Oak Lawn’s Marc Harvey (12) during a South Suburban Conference crossover game in Country Club Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Ratliff is also a sprinter in track. His speed is not a coincidence.
“My game is all about transition,” he said. “And not just me, really. The whole team is where we are at our best. Now, the more games I play, the better I get at everything.”
As much as he misses playing with his brothers, Ratliff pointed out the family name is in good hands.
“I’m my own person and I really believe that pressure doesn’t exist,” he said. “I go with the flow, and the thing that really excites me is seeing my teammates out there being happy.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/jamir-ratliff-hillcrest-oak-lawn-ihsa-boys-basketball/
