Aaron Onesimus (6’4 SG, Schaumburg Christian 2022)
Onesimus is averaging 37 points a game on the season, so maybe a 51 point game doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. But that’s still a notable performance in game that he had to send into overtime. He has the ultimate green light and accounts for a majority of the offense for SC.
Ben VanderWal (6’7 SF, Timothy Christian 2022)
In a 32-point outing, VanderWal went over 1,000 career points for the Trojans. He has been giving teams fits all year to this point and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In the win over Chicago Christian, he added 17 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Brock Harding (6’0 PG, Moline 2023)
Harding was the driving force in a nail-biting win at the Highland Shootout over Tolton. He delivered in big moments and showed well on both ends of the floor, finishing with 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Harding has consistently been one of the most dominant players on the floor.
Dalen Davis (6’0 PG, Whitney Young 2023)
Davis is known as the ultimate floor general who sets everyone up. But he reminded people that he can create his own shot when needed. In a comeback win, he dropped 31 points, seven assists, and three steals.
Damari Wheeler-Thomas (6’0 PG, Larkin 2022)
In a dog fight with a tough East Aurora team, Wheeler-Thomas got the Royals to overcome the Tomcats with 23 points and 12 rebounds. He then led them to a big blowout win over rival Elgin later in the week. The North Dakota State recruit is the catalyst for Larkin.
Drew Kircher (6’0 PG, York 2022)
Kircher went off for 31 points after putting up 23 points a the night before. He had 22 by halftime against Sandburg and was on fire from three this week. Kircher has range and a good understanding of where to get his offense from.
Emondrek Ford (6’8 PF, Bloom 2022)
It’s not every day that you see a triple-double, let alone one with blocked shots. Ford had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a win. He’s been flirting with these triple-doubles all year and finally got one. The rim protecting ability of Ford is levels above other players in the state.
Lane Thomann (6’3 SG, Dee-Mack 2022)
Thomann broke the single game school scoring record with a colossal 46 point game. He gets to the rim off drives and cuts but has a clean outside stroke as well. He’s keeping momentum after averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds over the holidays. Illinois-Springfield is getting a physical, skilled two-guard that can really shoot the ball.
Ryan Cohen (6’4 SG, Glenbrook North 2023)
Playing against one of the top teams in the state in Glenbrook South, Cohen was as impressive as anyone on the floor. He dropped 29 points and went on a shooting tear to pull GBN within a point of knocking off the Titans. Yesterday, they got a win behind another solid 21-point outing. Cohen is a junior that should blow up in the spring and summer. Size, shooting ability, instincts, and a winning mentality.
Tavari Johnson (5’11 PG, Lyons 2022)
Johnson was the standout in a much-anticipated matchup with AAU teammate and Denver commit Justin Mullins. He put up 25 points and had eight assists to spearhead their efforts in a double-digit win. Lyons is off to a hot start on the heels of Johnson’s production.