The final spring tournaments for high schoolers have come to a close and most kids will be starting their summer leagues with their school teams soon. To wrap up the spring AAU season, here are some awards to highlight some of the standout players with some short writeups on the All-Spring players.
*The awards are split up by 17U, 16U, and 15U with players grouped based on the level that they predominantly played on this spring. Players from outside of the state who play on Illinois-based AAU teams were not considered for these.
17U Awards
First Team
Bobby Durkin (6’7 SG, Breakaway/Glenbard West)
Durkin led Breakaway to an undefeated spring in the UA Rise with his combination of elite perimeter shooting, steady ball control, and a strong, transformed 6-foot-7 frame. After deciding to attend prep school, the All-State guard should be one of the more sought after mid-major shooters on the UAA Circuit in July.
Brock Harding (6’0 PG, MidPro/Moline)
Harding thrived in the big moments all spring and was as good of a floor general as I saw. He added a number of Division 1 offers, attracting coaches who are intrigued with his passing feel, quickness, and ability to score when needed.
Cam Christie (6’6 SG, Illinois Wolves/Rolling Meadows)
Playing both on and off the ball, Christie created offense well. The Rolling Meadows guard played with more patience and confidence in pick-and-rolls while taking and making more catch-and-shoot threes. He’s a legitimate three-level scorer that continues to grow and pull in Power 5 looks.
Darrin Ames (6’1 PG, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Ames has been a constant for the Fire, breaking down defenders at a high level and looking unguardable at times. A skilled and explosive lefty driver, Ames has both excitement and layers to his game.
Jake Fiegen (6’3 SG, Full Package/New Trier)
Fiegen is a tough, gritty competitor that also happens to be one of the the premier shooters around. Full Package could lean on his floor spacing as well as his improved scoring off the dribble. Clearly no stranger to the weight room, Fiegen’s physicality and defensive activity add to his prospects as a Division 1 two-guard.
Second Team
Ahmad Henderson (5’10 PG, Young & Reckless/Brother Rice)
When you can handle and shoot the ball like Henderson with his IQ as a playmaker, good things will happen. He was a big asset as a distributor after collapsing defenses and poured in big scoring performances during some of their biggest games. College coaches will continue to see the value of his heart over his height.
Dalen Davis (6’0 PG, Meanstreets/Whitney Young)
Davis has been tremendous all spring for Meanstreets. He just understands how to play the point guard position and get everyone involved at the right rimes. When they struggled to score, he willingly took on the load and showed the balance, body control, and pull-up game that should thrive in college. Easily one of the best lead guards in Illinois.
Darrion Baker (6’8 PF, Team Rose/Hillcrest)
It seems like Baker has found his swagger and played with so much confidence for Team Rose. There should never be any hesitation with his versatility and size. Baker pushed the ball in transition, scored at the rim, knocked down open shots, and delivered passes with accuracy. He should have a big June during the live periods.
Owen Freeman (6’10 C, MidPro/Moline)
The Iowa commit just transferred to Moline after a nice spring dominating on the block or finishing off passes from his point guard Harding. Freeman is never in a hurry in the post, using spin moves and drop steps to discard defenders. He runs easily in transition and was a magnet in the pick-and-roll game.
Ty Pence (6’6 SG, MidPro/St. Joseph Ogden)
Another standout MidPro player, Pence was an effective inside-out wing scorer the last few months. Known as a good shooter and slasher, his above-the-rim finishing has taken another step off of cuts, direct drives, and lobs. Pence has cemented himself as a top–five player in the class.
Third Team
Brayden Fagbemi (6’0 PG, Illinois Attack/Benet)
Fagbemi led the Attack this spring as both a volume scorer and primary playmaker. He’s got the quickness, vision, and shooting ability to dictate the tempo of games. Likely in a much larger role as a senior for Benet, he should open some eyes in June.
DeAndre Craig (6’1 PG, Team FVV/Mount Carmel)
You could always count on Craig producing in any given game. The strong and aggressive point guard was able to be a driving force for the first-year Fred Van Vleet program. He projects as a quality scholarship-level scoring guard.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson (6’7 C, Full Package/Rolling Meadows)
One of the breakout bigs this spring, Nikolich-Wilson flashed unique passing ability, shooting range, and low post footwork. When he got touches on the block or in space, Full Package got great shots. There’s no doubt that he is in the scholarship discussion.
Mekhi Lowery (6’6 SG, Young & Reckless/Oswego East)
A gifted Swiss-Army knife, Lowery did everything on the floor for Y&R, from attacking closeouts, locking up all five positions defensively, or grabbing rebounds and leading the break. The 6-foot-6 guard picked up a couple of offers this spring and is a candidate to breakout in June.
Miles Rubin (6’8 PF, Meanstreets/Simeon)
Rubin has been one of the most efficient bigs in not just Illinois, but the entire country this spring. He rim runs, catches in traffic, and finishes well in crowds. Rubin provided Meanstreets with a great interior presence and is a highly-projectable college prospect.
Honorable Mention
Alex Forowycz (6’2 SG, Team GPA/Lake Forest [2022])
Asa Thomas (6’7 SG, Illinois Wolves/Lake Forest)
Brady Kunka (6’3 SG, Illinois Attack/Benet)
Bryce Coleman (6’6 SF, Illinois Stars/Notre Dame College Prep)
Caden Hawkins (5’11 PG, Illinois Bears/Carterville)
Collin Wainscott (6’1 PG, Illinois Stars/Marmion)
Cooper LePage (6’1 PG, Fundamental U/Crystal Lake South)
Danny Stephens (6’7 SF, MidPro/Augusta Southeastern)
DJ Douglas (6’4 PG/SG, Breakaway/Yorkville Christian)
Donovan Brown (6’2 PG, Chicago Demons/Plainfield East [2022])
Drew Scharnowski (6’8 SG/SF, Breakaway/Burlington Central)
Dylan Schmidt (6’3 SG, Chicago Lockdown/Johnsburg)
EJ Marshall (6’0 PG, Illinois Jaguars/Montini)
Ethan Kizer (6’7 SF, MidPro/Metamora)
Evan Jackson (6’6 SF, Team FVV/De La Salle)
Jackson Niego (6’0 PG, Chicago Lockdown/Lyons)
Jakob “Cheese” Blakley (6’0 PG, Fundamental U/Larkin [2024])
Jalen Griffith (5’9 PG, Team Rose/Simeon)
Jeremiah Fears (6’1 PG, Hoops4Health/Joliet West [2025])
Macaleab Rich (6’7 SF/PF, Southwest Jets/East St. Louis)
Matt Moore (6’9 PF, Chicago Lockdown/Hillcrest)
Mekhi Cooper (5’10 PG, Flight/Bolingbrook)
Nik Polonowski (6’7 SG, Breakaway/Lyons)
Niko Abusara (6’5 SG, Full Package/Benet)
Quentin Jones (6’5 SF, Team FVV/Marian Catholic)
Ryan Duncan (6’3 PG, Fundamental U/Wilbraham & Monson)
Sam Lewis (6’5 SG, Meanstreets/OPRF)
Sonny Williams (6’0 PG, Hoops4Health/Notre Dame College Prep)
Tyler Franklin (6’6 PF, Illinois Bears/Cobden)
Xavier Sulaiman (6’3 SG, Hoops4Health/Marist)
All-Defense First Team
Bryce Tillery (5’8 PG, Iowa Barnstormers/Hillcrest)
Emondrek Ford (6’8 PF, Team FVV/Bloom)
Mekhi Lowery (6’6 SG, Young & Reckless/Oswego East)
Nik Polonowski (6’7 SG, Breakaway/Lyons)
Tyler Van Gorp (6’10 C, Hoops4Health/New Trier)
All-Defense Second Team
Matt Moore (6’9 PF, Chicago Lockdown/Hillcrest)
Michael Ratliff (6’0 PG, Team Rose/Simeon)
Miles Rubin (6’8 PF, Meanstreets/Simeon)
Niko Abusara (6’5 SG, Full Package/Benet)
Trevon Roots (6’6 PF, M14/Marmion)
Top Shooters
Arius Alijosius (6’3 SG, Breakaway/Riverside Brookfield)
Asa Thomas (6’7 SG, Illinois Wolves/Lake Forest)
Bobby Durkin (6’7 SG, Breakaway/Glenbard West)
Caden Hawkins (5’11 PG, Illinois Bears/Carterville)
Collin Wainscott (6’1 PG, Illinois Stars/Marmion)
Nick Niego (6’2 SG, Chicago Lockdown/Brother Rice)
Jake Fiegen (6’3 SG, Full Package/New Trier)
Ryan Cohen (6’4 SG, Illinois Wolves/Glenbrook North)
Sam Lewis (6’5 SG, Meanstreets/OPRF)
Ty Pence (6’6 SG, MidPro/St. Joseph Ogden)
Top Passers
Brock Harding (6’0 PG, MidPro/Moline)
Dalen Davis (6’0 PG, Meanstreets/Whitney Young)
Jackson Niego (6’0 PG, Chicago Lockdown/Lyons)
Ryan Duncan (6’3 PG, Fundamental U/Wilbraham & Monson)
Sonny Williams (6’0 PG, Hoops4Health/Notre Dame College Prep)
Top Energy Givers (players who displayed a consistently high motor)
George Bellevue (6’5 SF/PF, Hoops4Health/Lincoln-Way East)
Jake Hamilton (6’3 SG, Illinois Wolves/Sacred Heart Griffin)
Katrell Weekley (6’2 SG, Illinois Jaguars/Michelle Clark)
Logan Brown (6’5 SF/PF, Mercury Elite/Glenbard West)
Zack Hawkinson (6’5 SF/PF, MidPro/Sacred Heart Griffin)
16U Awards
First Team
Antoine Glasper (6’0 PG, Team FVV/Collins)
Glasper brings a calming, yet electric presence to Team FVV. He has the ball on a string and makes plays with intention off the dribble. Glasper is also an excellent shooter that makes good reads off of ball screens. He’s a difference maker.
Cole Certa (6’4 SG, Illinois Wolves/Bloomington Central Catholic)
Certa’s spring was highlighted with a 40-point performance, but he was lighting up nets consistently for the Wolves. He is instant offense with NBA range and a threat to go on personal scoring runs at any point. Certa started to use shot fakes and direct drives to expose aggressive closeouts. He should be hearing from some schools in Mid-June.
Nojus Indrusaitis (6’5 SG, Meanstreets/Lemont)
Maybe the most impressive all-around performer this spring, Indrusaitis scored off of tough pull-ups and leaners, athletic layups and dunks, and threes off of different actions. He guarded the ball, rebounded above the rim, and showed a competitive edge and desire to take and make big shots. Should be the best guard in the state this year.
James Brown (6’9 C, Meanstreets/St. Rita)
Brown was a force whenever he got the ball inside of 18 feet. The lefty is powerful and light on his feet, with a lot more ball skills than most players his size. As a rebounder and defender, he was a constant presence around the rim. Brown will be one of the top bigs in the country over the next two years.
Jason Jakstys (6’9 PF, Paradise/Yorkville)
After a great sophomore season, Jakstys continued to show his upside as a big-time shot blocker, volume rebounder, and versatile offensive threat. He made quick moves with his back to the basket and popped for mid-range shots and threes. The activity that he shows combined with his skill and length should have coaches calling on June 15th.
Second Team
Cooper Koch (6’9 SF/PF, Indiana Elite/Peoria Notre Dame)
Playing one of the leading roles on a loaded Indiana Elite team, Koch had a great spring as an individual and team. He can really stroke it from three with his feet set, but I also liked how effective he was as a playmaker and post scorer. Koch understands mismatches and can play and defend multiple positions. He’s got the full package.
Jack Stanton (6’1 PG, Breakaway/Downers Grove North)
Stanton was a leader and key shot-maker for Breakaway. The DGN guard is deadeye shooter that can also manufacture offense in space, finding angles and using his body to shield the ball from shot blockers. His competitive nature and aggressiveness defensively stood out as well. Stanton would make a college coach’s job easier.
Josh Pickett (6’4 PG/SG, Mac Irvin Fire/West Aurora)
Not only does Pickett have college-ready size already, but his outside shot has range well past the college line. He shot the ball very well for the Fire and was a bruising interior scorer when he put the ball on the ground. Already holding multiple Division 1 offers, look to hear his name throughout the month of June.
Jaheem Webber (6’9 C, Illinois Wolves/Normal)
Webber was as intimidating of a low post big as I saw. Without fail, he was doubled on the catch and found ways to get teammates open shots or score through or over defenders. He’s got a developed frame and is explosive around the rim off of two feet to block shots and corral rebounds. In about two weeks, his phone should be pretty active.
Morez Johnson (6’9 PF, Meanstreets/St. Rita)
The athleticism and energy that Johnson has was a problem for opponents in itself. When he’s taking it off the glass, dribbling by guards, and taking off from the second hash, that something else. Johnson has already committed to Illinois and looked the part as a high-motor big with projectable two-way talent.
Third Team
Braeden Carlsen (6’3 SG/SF, Fundamental U/Wauconda)
Playing for a well-balanced Fundamental U team, Carlsen was an impact player on both ends. He’s strong and athletic enough to finish through contact off of his drives and showed off a smooth three-point shot. Carlsen is an effective defender who rebounds very well for a wing. It’s still early, but coaches are going to love Carlsen’s two-way versatility.
Gianni Cobb (5’11 PG, Young & Reckless/Perspectives)
Cobb, who played a little bit with the 17U team, was a dynamic playmaker and pest of a defender. The new Perspectives guard shifted defenders and was a crafty finisher against size. He sees the whole floor and can make most of the prerequisite passes to be a point guard at the next level.
JJ Hernandez (6’5 SG/SF, Young & Reckless/Glenbard North)
Another Y&R player who stood out this spring, Hernandez is a premium wing defender that can switch on the perimeter and contest on the inside with his length. He knifed to the rim in straight lines with his handle and was a presence on the offensive glass. In terms of potential, Hernandez has the makings of becoming one of the best 2024s in Illinois.
Luke Kinkade (6’1 SG, Paradise/Neuqua Valley)
A notable sniper, Kinkade was a threat to hit five-plus threes any given game. But he did a nice job breaking down other guards off the dribble and making jumpers off the dribble or getting to the paint to score. Kinkade is a lefty with a knockdown shot who was one of the more consistent scorers.
Tre Dowdell (6’2 SG, Team 10 Jabari/Brother Rice)
It was a breakout spring for Dowdell, an athletic guard with a strong upper body. His isolation scoring ability and defensive instincts stood out, but so did his open floor court vision. He got separation and elevated well on his jump shots over and over again. Dowdell is a player to track in the 2024 class.
Honorable Mention:
Bradley Longcor (6’3 PG, MPJ Elite/Quincy [2025])
Bryce Welch (5’11 PG, M14/Naperville North)
Cale Cosme (5’5 PG, ET21/Brother Rice)
Calvin Robbins (6’4 SF/PF, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Carlos Harris (6’2 SG, Menastreets/Curie)
Connor May (6’6 SF, Breakaway/Palatine)
Eoin Dillon (6’8 PF, MidPro/Peoria Notre Dame)
Grantas Sakenis (6’9 C, Full Package/Andrew)
Isaiah Green (6’0 SG, Meanstreets/Hillcrest)
Jack Dabbs (6’5 SF, All-In/Stevenson)
Jake Riemer (6’7 PF, Breakaway/Downers Grove North)
Justus McNair (6’1 SG, Young & Reckless/Joliet West)
Kelton McEwen (6’0 PG, Illinois Wolves/Bartlett)
Keshaun Vaval (6’0 PG, Team Rose/Romeoville [2025])
Liam Taylor (6’7 SF, Big 3/Lyons)
Luke Hopp (6’5 SF, MidPro/Metamora)
Nate Kasher (6’0 PG, Fundamental U/Glenbrook South)
Nick Taylor (6’7 SF/PF, Fundamental U/Glenbrook South)
Pat Schaller (6’7 PF, Fundamental U/Glenbrook North)
Payton Kamin (6’7 SG, Illinois Wolves/DePaul Prep)
Tavariyuan Williams (6’5 SF, Team FVV/Leo)
Thon Bill (6’8 PF, ET21/Timothy Christian [2025])
Tommy Rochford (6’5 PF, Team GPA/Lake Park)
Tristan Ford (6’2 PG/SG, Team Rose/Rockford Boylan)
Xavior Gonzalez (5’9 PG, Chicago Lockdown/Fenton)
All-Defense First Team
Jason Jakstys (6’9 PF, Paradise/Yorkville)
Jaden Smith (6’10 PF, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Jaylan McElroy (6’7 SF, Illinois Wolves/DePaul Prep)
JJ Hernandez (6’5 SG/SF, Young & Reckless/Glenbard North)
Thon Bill (6’8 PF, ET21/Timothy Christian [2025])
All-Defense Second Team
Calvin Robbins (6’4 SF/PF, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Gianni Cobb (5’11 PG, Young & Reckless/Perspectives)
Luke Williams (6’1 PG, Meanstreets/Naperville North)
Mike Jones (6’6 PF/C, Team Rose/Rockford Auburn)
Trendell Whiting (5’11 PG, All-In/Marmion)
Top Shooters
Antoine Glasper (6’0 PG, Team FVV/Collins)
Cole Certa (6’4 SG, Illinois Wolves/Bloomington Central Catholic)
Cooper Koch (6’9 SF/PF, Indiana Elite/Peoria Notre Dame)
Jack Stanton (6’1 PG, Breakaway/Downers Grove North)
Josh Pickett (6’4 PG/SG, Mac Irvin Fire/West Aurora)
Kelton McEwen (6’0 PG, Illinois Wolves/Bartlett)
Luke Kinkade (6’1 SG, Paradise/Neuqua Valley)
Nate Kasher (6’0 PG, Fundamental U/Glenbrook South)
Nojus Indrusaitis (6’5 SG, Meanstreets/Lemont)
Payton Kamin (6’7 SG, Illinois Wolves/DePaul Prep)
Top Passers
Antoine Glasper (6’0 PG, Team FVV/Collins)
Bryce Welch (6’0 PG, M14/Naperville North)
Cale Cosme (5’5 PG, ET21/Brother Rice)
Gianni Cobb (5’11 PG, Young & Reckless/Perspectives)
Josh Aniceto (5’10 PG, Paradise/Bolingbrook)
Top Energy Givers (players who displayed a consistently high motor)
Brady Chambers (6’6 PF, Big 3/Lyons)
Calvin Robbins (6’4 SF/PF, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Morez Johnson (6’9 PF, Meanstreets/St. Rita)
Jaylan McElroy (6’7 SF, Illinois Wolves/DePaul Prep)
Nick Taylor (6’7 SF/PF, Fundamental U/Glenbrook South)
15U Awards
First Team
Bryce Heard (6’5 SG, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Heard is a talent that has the tools to play beyond college. The offense cam easy and efficiently for him, leading a stacked Mac Irvin team with his slashing, mid-range game, and open-court passing. He will be a high-major recruit for Kenwood.
Cameron Thomas (6’2 PG/SG, M14/Mount Carmel)
Bursting onto the scene as a scoring combo guard, Thomas filled it up repeatedly for M14. He’s lanky with great top-end speed that aided him as a driver. When he gets downhill, he either scores, gets to the foul line, or finds teammates. Thomas used that athleticism to defend in space as well.
Derek Bishop (6’2 PG, Illinois Wolves/Mundelein)
Bishop was one of the top-performing freshmen during the high school season and didn’t slow up for the Wolves playing against his peers. His first step and body control around the rim gave him an edge in most matchups. When his jumpers were falling, there was no answer. Bishop should only get better as he matures.
Emmanuel Mosley (5’10 PG, Meanstreets/Saint Laurence)
Playing most of the spring with Chicago Hoops, Mosley was a difference-maker as a shooter and all-around scorer. Wiry and quick, he knows how to get his shot off and has some shake off the dribble in iso situations. Mosley continues to put up impressive performances and should be one of the most productive sophomores in the state at Laurence.
Terrence Smith (6’4 SG, My Journey/West Aurora)
Maybe the biggest stock booster for people who hadn’t seem him play before, Smith has that “it” factor. He’s very explosive and rangy, completing some dunks and acrobatic layups that most kids his age wouldn’t even attempt. Smith also a crisp ball-handler and strong defender of all three perimeter spots.
Second Team
Antonio Munoz (6’5 SF, Meanstreets/Whitney Young)
Munoz was great slashing to the rim and making the most of his athleticism for Meanstreets. He’s a long 6-foot-5 with ideal anticipation on the defensive end, able to convert off turnovers and run the lanes in transition. It’s only the early stages of his development, but expect Munoz to have a breakout June with Whitney Young
Colby Smith (6’1 SG, Full Package/New Trier)
The scoring instincts of Smith were noteworthy. He’s a bucket. Smith can weave through traffic and adjust himself around the lane to get his shot off. Also a plus run-and-jump athlete, Smith can stop on a dime for his pull-up jumper and showed some fight against some of the top competition that Full Package faced.
Jacob Rice (6’3 SG, Chicago Hoops/Saint Laurence)
A big guard with a sweet outside touch, Rice gave Chicago Hoops steady offensive firepower. For a freshman, he operates well in the pick-and-roll game and has the size to see over the defenders. Rice showed that he can score at the rim with his strength or from the perimeter as a spot-up shooter.
Marcos Gonzales (6’3 PG/SG, Illinois Wolves/Brother Rice)
Gonzales came into games ready to do damage. Skilled and tall for a combo guard, he lived in the lane off of tough drives to the hole. He really understands how to size up a defender and get them off balance for penetration. Gonzales is next up for Brother Rice.
Stefan Cicic (6’10 C, Mac Irvin Fire/Notre Dame College Prep)
Cicic was the interior centerpiece for the Fire as a massive 2025 prospect with back-to-the-basket game and the touch to make push shots and standstill jump shots. While his offense was solid, the timing as a shot-blocker and space clearing to get rebounds. Throughout the spring, Cicic was one of the more impressive centers.
Third Team
Aleks Alston (6’7 SF, Mac Irvin Fire/Kenwood)
Alston is a fluid athlete that has a tremendous outside stroke. It’s an ideal combination of shooting and height (6-foot-7) for Alston, who picked up an offer from New Mexico State earlier this spring. He really came into his own with the Fire, catching ready to shoot and using his length to score with floaters and pull-ups from 15-feet and in.
Amari Edwards (5’8 PG, Dreamchasers/St. Rita)
Edwards is a jet with the ball and carried his team this spring. Despite lacking some size, he was fearless on attacks to the rim and made an effort to get the best shot available. Heading into his sophomore season, Edwards should be able to take some of this confidence to a young but gifted St. Rita team.
Atticus Richmond (6’6 PF, Full Package/Deerfield)
Richmond has bounce, perimeter skill, and a high motor. Three tools he put on display to rebound, rim run, and create from the high post for Full Package. He was able to space the floor off drive-and-kicks and got above the rim effortlessly for dunks and finishes. Richmond has a bright future and he is probably still growing.
Josiah Calvin (5’9 PG/SG, Team GPA/St. Viator)
The St. Viator guard plays both sides of the ball, able to shoot off the dribble, hit floaters in the lane, and apply ball pressure on the defensive end. He was a big shot maker for Team GPA that worked on and off the ball. He should step into a larger role with St. Viator this summer.
Khalil Jones (5’10 PG/SG, Chicago Hoops/Saint Laurence)
Another Chicago Hoops player who made an impact, Jones was a terror in transition with his speed. He complemented the other Chicago Hoops guards well as a downhill attacker that liked to absorb contact or whip out passes to the shooters and athletic bigs. Jones will return to Laurence with their promising crop of 2025 players.
Honorable Mention
Brady Sehlhorst (6’6 SG, Mac Irvin Fire/Notre Dame College Prep)
Daniel Sveiteris (6’6 SF, Breakaway/Downers Grove South)
Dayvion Ellis (5’10 PG/SG, Team GPA/St. Viator)
Dom Seaney (6’5 SG, Breakaway/Glenbard West)
Joey Hernandez (5’8 PG, Team GPA/St. Viator)
Luca Carbonaro (5’11 PG, Mercury Elite/Wheaton Warrenville South)
Panayiotis Sotos (6’0 PG, Fundamental U/Niles North [2026])
Reid Olsen (5’9 PG, Fundamental U/Niles North)
Sean Reynolds (6’1 SG, Illinois Wolves/DeKalb)
Seth Cheney (6’1 PG/SG, Mercury Elite/Providence Catholic)
Whitman Charboneau (6’2 SG, Illinois Attack/Neuqua Valley)
Zerrick Johnson (6’1 PG/SG, Chicago Hoops/Saint Laurence)