With plenty of eventful games, we have compiled the 10 players of the week.
Amarion Nimmers (6’2 PG, Rock Island 2022)
Nimmers broke a single-game scoring record with a huge 45-point game this weekend. His explosiveness has been noted, but his body control and ability to catch fire shouldn’t be overlooked. That game came after Nimmers aided Rock Island in a win over rival Moline in an anticipated matchup.
Asa Thomas (6’7 SG, Lake Forest 2023)
Thomas continues to draw the toughest defensive matchups but finds a way to produce to help the Scouts win. His big game of the week was a 34 point ouptup where he also had eight rebounds and two blocks. As he has continued to bulk up, the ability to play and guard multiple positions has been evident. Still a high-major recruit with a coveted combination of size and shooting.
Ben VanderWal (6’7 SF, Timothy Christian 2022)
It was another impressive week for VanderWal. On Friday, he showed his versatility and athleticism in a 27 point, eight rebound, five assist, and five block outing. Yesterday, he carried the load once again with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists versus Auburn.
Braden Huff (6’10 PF, Glenbard West 2022)
In a couple of matchups against top 10 teams in the state, Huff was dominant. He looks even more assertive and physical than he was in the summer. Against Yorkville Christian, he had 25 points and 16 boards while bringing down the rim on a number of powerful dunks. Then he had a game-winning block to go along with 25 points in a nail-bitter against a tough and talented Hillcrest team.
Derek Bishop (6’2 PG, Mundelein 2025)
The freshman has been aggressive from the jump for Mundelein and had a big 29 point game earlier in the week. He also added four points and four assists in that game. There will be plenty more performances like this for one of the brightest 2025 prospects in the suburbs.
Emondrek Ford (6’8 PF, Bloom 2022)
Scoring is great, but Ford owned games with his defensive presence on multiple occasions. With 14 points and seven blocks in a win over Thornton and 11 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks the following game, he made sure people took notice. Ford is one of the most impactful defenders in the state and has the projectable skills that should garner Division 1 interest.
Jalen Quinn (6’3 PG, Tuscola 2022)
The Loyola commit broke Tuscola’s scoring record and put together two big games together to lead the Warrior. A 27 point game where he added seven assists and a 25 point game with seven rebounds highlighted his impressive week. Quinn is the real deal and has established himself as the top point guard in the senior class.
Jeremiah Talton (6’6 SF, Quincy 2022)
Talton continues to tear through competition and has Quincy looking like a contender. He broke the school’s three-point record and scored 31 points. Recently breaking the 1,000 point career mark, Talton went for 22 points in a nail-biting win over Batavia as well. There is no question that his 3-and-D potential and athleticism is worth a look at the low-to-mid major level.
Trey Pettigrew (6’3 PG, Kenwood 2022)
For those who forgot about Pettigrew after playing out of state last year, he is still a special talent. His 360 alley-oop dunk may have been the play of the week. The best performance of the week culminated in 30 points, eight assists, and five rebounds for the Nevada recruit. He is an elite backcourt partner to Darrin Ames.
Vito Lagioia (6’0 PG, Lake Park 2022)
Lagioia was integral in Lake Park’s win over Batavia with 23 points. With his quickness, change-of-speed, and ability to stop on a dime to score, he creates problems for most guards. The 6-foot guard pulled in 10 rebounds with his 26 points in a triple overtime win over Wheaton North as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got more Division 2/NAIA interest.