The Mid-Surburban League had the best collection of prospects outside of the city, with a number of high-major talents and D2 players.
McDonald’s All-American and Michigan State commit Max Christie finished off his historic career at Rolling Meadows by winning MSL East Player of the Year, surpassing the all-time scoring record, and leading the Mustangs to an undefeated season. His effortless scoring ability, ball-handling, and size are next level. But his passing vision and defense will make him a pro prospect in his freshman season. 2023 Cam Christie leaped into star status this season, showing one of the more pure mid-range games in the state. Now standing around 6-foot-4, the younger Christie is a smooth, composed combo guard that has an advanced feel. He has offers from Ohio State and Michigan State so far. 2022 guard Orlando Thomas provides another scorer for the Mustangs next year. The lefty can fill it up from behind the arc. Senior Daniel Sobkowicz was a nice complementary piece that had some big games as well. He will most likely play college football. Watch out for 2023 forward Foster Ogbonna. He is a rebounding machine that plays with endless effort. The length and quickness are there to allow him to develop into a shutdown multi-positional defender.
Buffalo Grove junior Kam Craft averaged over 27 points a game against double and triple teams while shooting over 50 percent from the field. His skillset and shot-creating ability are that special. The wiry, 6-foot-5 junior has a number of high-major offers so far. He came into the year as one of the top-5 2022 prospects in the state but managed to show even more versatility as a playmaker against the various defensive schemes. Uncommitted 2021 point guard Steph Harris is quick, aggressive, and tough as nails. He can weave through defenses and finish with either hand. His defensive tenacity could be his calling card in college. 2022 combo guard Adidas Davis had a solid year knocking down open shots and causing havoc on the defensive end. He is a player that should see a nice uptick in output as the wingman for Craft next year.
The senior class at Hersey was terrific for the entire season, led by 6-foot-5 combo guard Ethan Roberts. After finishing last year on fire, Roberts averaged 20 points a game using his size, shooting, and pace off the dribble to score with ease. Army and Navy have offered him so far, but he will attract more Division 1 interest over the next few months as the transfer portal sorts out. I would rather have four years with his efficiency over the hope of snagging a transfer for a year or two. 6-foot-7 rim runner Ben Randall shot nearly 70 percent from the field and displayed good finishing ability in traffic. He became a very promising screen outlet with his athleticism and energy. Randall is also uncommitted but has high-Division 3 or Division 2 upside with his tools.
It was a breakout year for scrappy point guard Andrew Wagner. Very cerebral and deceptive, Wagner controls pace and hits open shots. He was also excellent defensively using his quick hands and anticipation well. A small college could benefit from his floor general skills. Griffin Ginder (UW-La Crosse) is a multi-purpose wing that should be able to develop his jumper in college. He has athleticism and size at 6-foot-4, but looks to make plays off the bounce as well.
Barrington won the MSL West with Co-Conference Players of the year Damian Zivak (2021) and Will Grudzinski (2022). Zivak is a physical shot-maker that should be a high-volume scorer wherever he ends up. He could play at a Division 2 program. Grudzinski developed into one of the elite players in the area with his combination of length and versatility on both ends. At 6-foot-6, he can defend multiple spots, handle the ball like a guard, and finish above the rim on the offensive end. Grudzinski is a very good shooter, especially with his pull-up game. If he continues on this trajectory, he should get some Division 1 looks this AAU season. 2022 point guard Daniel Hong fit in nicely after transferring from Conant. He has so many tricks in his bag off the dribble with the shooting to make the most of it. They also have an intriguing power forward in 6-foot-9 Nate Boldt, who is a 2022 prospect that can shoot the three, run the floor, and use his length defensively.
For Prospect, 2022 point guard Owen Schneider is a Division 2 prospect who made the most of his increased offensive responsibilities. One of the premier athletes in the conference, he plays bigger than his 5-foot-10 listing. He can stop on a dime to pull-up or put his head down to create in the paint for himself or his teammates. 2021 wing Chase Larsen added strength to make him an even more effective defender. He plays really hard on both ends, cutting and driving with a purpose. His outside shot is improving is more consistent as well which should boost his projection as a Division-3/NAIA prospect.
Augustana commit Luke Seiffert is a well-rounded point guard that plays with an edge. He was a productive fixture over the last few years for Palatine and should fit the culture of the Vikings. Fellow senior Julian Campbell missed part of the season, but came back with a vengeance. The big 6-foot-7 center dropped 40 points in a game against Conant and has the ability to be unstoppable against smaller lineups. His low post game is solid, using his wide base to carve out space and finish. But his touch is just as impressive, with nice form and developed range. He could be a steal at the college level as he continues to improve his body. 2023 Tyler Swierczek is up next for Palatine. He is a strong, high-motor, attacking wing that plays through contact. He is a capable shooter but excels at getting paint touches. Look for a huge junior season for him.
Wheeling wing Jaden Terrell (Davenport) is a mismatch at 6-foot-7 with his shooting stroke. The lefty has become more comfortable off the dribble which will do him wonders at Davenport. Conant high-flyer Devon Ellis will take a prep year next year to reclassify to the 2022 class. The rims throughout the MSL won’t miss him. Ellis is a force in transition with deceptive shake off the dribble. His catch-and-shoot jumper is solid as well. The prep year could springboard a recruitment process that was affected by the pandemic.
With Wisconsin commit Chris Hodges opting out of the year, 2022 point guard Vaurice Patterson was counted on to do a lot for Schaumburg. He is a natural point guard that can score when needed, but he is a terrific passer and orchestrator of the offense. Patterson is one of the more underrated point guards in the class. I would expect Hodges to be an early contributor on a Wisconsin team that will lose a lot to graduation. He is a gifted four-man that has more perimeter potential than he has shown in his high school career.
2022 guard Mike Vuckovic had an All-Conference season for Hoffman. He is a crafty combo guard that has some vision and range. At Fremd, 2023 guard Ryan Sammons is going to be a scorer to track over the next few years. 2022 Chris Smyros is another lefty that had a good year using his quick first step and spot-up shooting to affect games.