The weeks go by and a larger list of players seem deserving of player of the week honors. But there can only be ten, and here they are for this week.
Alex Georgakas (6’2 SG, Prospect 2023)
Georgakas has quietly had a breakout year for Prospect scoring the ball. He went for 20 points in a comeback that ultimately fell short against a loaded Rolling Meadows team. The 6-foot-2 guard followed that up with a 31-point game on Saturday.
Ben VanderWal (6’7 SF, Timothy Christian 2022)
Now receiving player of the week honors multiple weeks in a row, VanderWal put on another huge performance. His 43 points and 10 rebounds to go with four blocks and four steals in a win. He also had a 30-point, eight rebounds game in a narrow loss. VanderWal is a special high school player that seems to continue to improve and set himself up to succeed at Furman.
Dylan Schmidt (6’4 SG, Johnsburg 2023)
Johnsburg’s high-flying wing exploded for a career high 36 points early in the week and had another 20-point game later in the week. Their high-octane offense allows Schmidt to thrive in the open court and as a shooter in space. Schmidt is a player that should take off from a recruiting standpoint this spring and summer.
Jake Hamilton (6’3 SG, Sacred Heart Griffin 2023)
Only a junior, Hamilton went over 1,000 career points in a 32-point game. Stocky and athletic, Hamilton goes strong to his left hand and has shown some promise as a three-level scorer. The toughness really stands out.
JJ Hernandez (6’5 SF, Glenbard North 2024)
Hernandez may be the best wing defensive prospect in the sophomore class. He blocked 15 shots (yes 15) in a win over an experienced Batavia team. That game included 10 rebounds and 21 points from the sophomore. He’s opening a lot of eyes this season.
Josh Fridman (6’0 PG, Glenbrook North 2024)
Fridman is just solid all over the floor and you wouldn’t know he’s only a sophomore. Normally an excellent distributor, he led the Spartans in scoring with 21 and 24 points in wins over solid teams in Maine South and Taft. The arrow is definitely pointing up.
Ross Robertson (6’6 PF, South Beloit 2025)
Robertson is a monster of a freshman. You don’t see many 20/20 games, let alone a 29-point, 25 rebound game like he had against Schaumburg Christian. He added five dimes in that game. Later in the week he had another, albeit expected at this point, double-double with 22 points and 13 boards. Robertson is already one of the top bigs in 1A and he’s not even a sophomore yet.
Trey Pettigrew (6’3 PG, Kenwood 2022)
You have to be a bucket getter to score 50 points in a game. That’s Pettigrew to a tee. He went over 1,500 points (also has 500+ assists) and had a field day in the early part of the CPS tournament. Pettigrew should be a problem at Nevada with how well he can get his own shot.
Ty Rodgers (6’7 SF, Thornton 2022)
Some kids get labeled as a “man-child”. I think Rodgers is just a man. His week was highlighted by a 33 point, 20 rebound game where he contributed five assists, four steals, and three blocks. We’ve seen his double-digit assist numbers, but people shouldn’t forget how dominate he can be as a scorer when he wants to be. The best part is that it seems like it’s all about winning and doing whatever the team needs done. Rodgers is a rare superstar high school talent with no hidden agendas.
Will Grudzinski (6’6 SG, Barrington 2022)
Grudzinski, a Wash U commit, showed off the clip this week. He put up 23 points against a very good Hoffman team, went for 21 in a low-scoring win over Conant, and went off to hit nine threes against Round Lake. He’s been terrific for the Broncos this year and should be a repeat All-State pick and contender for MSL Player of the Year.