About a third into the year, we are highlighting some of the players in the state across classes who have broken out this one, a number of freshmen who are coming along on varsity, unsigned seniors to check out during the holidays, and some players who look to be transitioning from being on radars to becoming higher priority recruits.
Breakout Players & New Names:
Highlighting some new players and other breakout players who have had nice starts to the season and emerged so far
Aidan Bardic (6’3 PG, Stevenson 2025)
With the toughness and competitiveness you look for in a point guard, Bardic has been excellent so far for the Patriots. His craftiness to use all types of angles to get to the rim and finish with either hand is hard to find and has caused some problems for opposing guards. Bardic is also connecting on enough threes to keep defenders honest. He’s on pace to be an all-conference player as a sophomore.
Aidyn Boone (6’6 PF, Libertyville 2023)
On a team with experience and really good length across positions, Boone has stood out with his catch-and-shoot ability in a big body at 6-foot-6. There is no hesitation when he gets open from the outside but he is giving them a boost on both backboards as well. I would expect a number of D3 programs to be locking him in on their boards.
AJ Demirov (5’11 PG, Crystal Lake South 2025)
Demirov was a late year call-up last year, but you would have thought he’s been on varsity for multiple years with the impact he is having. The quick-twitch point guard gets to the rim at will and has been able to get going from three on and off the dribble. Look for more fireworks from Demirov.
Azarion Richardson (6’0 PG, MacArthur 2023)
An energetic point guard, Richardson has a burst to his game that puts defenders on their heels. Both a capable catch-and-shoot threat and a jet-quick downhill player in transition, Richardson is going to continue to cause problems for teams going forward.
Al Brooks (6’6 SF, Hansberry 2025)
Brooks has put up some of the most impressive outputs in season thus far, averaging 30.5 points, 18.7 rebounds, and 8.2 rebounds a game. He’s a relentless slasher who elevates above the rim to score in crowds. The versatility and defensive impact are beyond impressive, albeit against a schedule of smaller schools.
Brady Sehlhorst (6’6 SG, Notre Dame College Prep 2025)
A lot was lost for the Dons but Sehlhorst has been excellent at times in his first season. A legitimate 6-foot-6 with an array of moves to get his shot, Sehlhorst has been a nice piece to lean on going forward into conference play. He has terrific length and has tapped into his athleticism offensively to get easy looks around the lane. He’s got a good future.
Braeden Carlsen (6’4 SG, Wauconda 2024)
Carlsen has upped his scoring by nearly 10 points a game and is both a skilled shot creator and shot maker. He has premium footwork for a bigger guard, using pivots in the paint to score on step throughs and up-and-unders and stopping off the dribble to sky above defenders for jumpers out to the volleyball line. Carlsen is very strong and has used his length to guard a few spots. A no question D1/D2 talent.
Brock Marino (6’7 SF/PF, Lakes 2023)
Whatever you need out of a high school forward, Marino provides. Playing mostly on the inside this season, he is doing serious damage on the block with quick moves and soft touch. Flirting with a double-double, Marino has controlled the glass and swatted shots at their apex defensively. Not bad when you consider how he can handle the ball, shoot from three, and run the floor like a wing.
Connor May (6’7 SG/SF, Palatine 2024)
May has been dominant for Palatine. His shot is compact and consistent, with the ability to dribble into looks at the elbows or pull-up behind screens from long-range. He also is doing a nice job using his strength and 6-foot-7 frame to bang on the inside and get interior looks off of bumps as a driver. Add in his exceptional body control, court vision, and rebounding, and May looks like a potential LM D1 prospect.
Dalton Scantlebury (6’6 PF, Lane Tech 2024)
There is a lot to like about the long, active four man for Lane Tech. Scantlebury doesn’t back down from physicality and has the skill set to win face-up battles. There is some noticeable pop off of the ground when he goes for rebounds or goes up to block a shot. Settling in nicely as LT’s second option and leading rebounder, Scantlebury has a promising package.
Daniel Sveiteris (6’6 SF, Downers Grove South 2025)
After joining the varsity team last season, Sveiteris looks like an upperclassman with his consistent production on the glass and as a scoring threat. He’s a versatile scoring threat with a quick trigger from three, size and moves to score down low, and enough handle to get to the rack. For a sophomore, it already looks like Sveiteris can carry a heavy load.
Darshan Thomas (6’5 SF/PF, Fenwick 2024)
A leading force for Fenwick, Thomas brings some of the traits you look for in stretch forward. He’s a true threat as a spot-up shooter and paint scorer and has been rebounding the ball well to this point. As they get into the heart of CCL play, he may be leaned on even more for the young Friars.
Davee Flowers (6’2 PG/SG, Niles West 2024)
Flowers has carried a heavy load for Niles West, but done so effectively, especially as a perimeter scorer. So far this year, he is knocking down threes at a high volume and has found ways to use his handle to get into the paint. There is a lot to like about his ranginess and frame for a combo guard as well, contributing on the glass and having the tools to guard both backcourt spots. He is one to track.
Dillon Schmidt (6’3 SG, Barrington 2023)
In terms of transfers, Schmidt has been one of the best in the state in terms of early success. Leading the Broncos in scoring, Schmidt shoots the three well and has a solid, strong build that allows him to carve up defenses, take bumps, and score or get to the foul line. When he has that pull-up falling, Schmidt is a serious 20-point threat. D3 programs in the area should be out to see him if they are not already.
DJ Douglas (6’5 PG/SG, Yorkville Christian 2023)
It’s getting to the point where it’s a surprise when Douglas finishes below 40 points. He has carried one of the heavier loads in the entire state, facing double teams and constant attention but still managing to produce at a high level. His skillset was there, but he is now taller, longer, and more athletic. His upside as a backcourt defender can’t be underrated either. Douglas is now the top player in 1A.
Gaven Marr (6’3 SG, Glenbrook South 2023)
Marr started last year on the best team GBS has had and played his role as a defender and rebounder who knocked down open looks. He is bringing even more efficiency with nearly double the volume while producing across the board as a timely passer, tough rebounder, and quality defender. He’s rock solid and should be a Division 3 steal.
Gianni Cobb (5’11 PG, Perspectives 2025)
Cobb is a skilled creator who was a solid player as a sophomore. But he has taken another big step forward as the lead guard on a team that has ample scoring options in the backcourt. He guards the ball, facilitates at a high rate as evident by multiple double-digit assist games, and can get his own shot on command.
Jackson Niego (6’0 PG, Lyons 2023)
Niego was next up in a line of great Lyons point guards and hasn’t disappointed. He gets them into offense and makes plays while limiting turnovers. Offensively, he has consistently scored the ball with short jumpers, threes, and crafty shots in the lane while acting as the head of the defense with his ball pressure. High-end D3 programs should see Niego as an early contributor.
Jack Stanton (6’2 PG, Downers Grove North 2024)
The growth in his body and aggressiveness has been evident. Stanton is scoring in waves, delivering on long balls at a high clip and weaving through the defense to create shots. DGN has a balanced team, but Stanton has been the initiator and maestro of the offense with how well he handles the ball and changes speeds. Look for more college programs to take a hard look at him.
Jaheim Savage (6’4 SG, Phillips 2023)
A lefty with speed and size for a guard, Savage is putting the Chicago Public League on notice. As they head into the heart of league-play in the city, Savage is breaking down defenders, finishing above the rim, and mixing in threes when needed. Don’t expect for much to change for Savage, who is still uncommitted.
Je’Shawn Stevenson (6’3 SG, Lindblom 2024)
On any given night, Stevenson might drop 30 points. He is the focal point for Lindblom this year and has earned his first offer from NIU already as a result of his ferocious attacking and volume scoring. Far more than a scorer, Stevenson rebounds well for a guard and can cause havoc in passing lanes.
Jonas Johnson (6’6 SF/PF, DePaul Prep 2025)
Week by week, Johnson is looking more comfortable and impressive. He’s coming off of an 18-rebound performance and has really come into his own as a floor spacing forward. Johnson has a clean outside shot with a high release and covers a lot of ground when he puts it on the floor to attack. The fluid athlete has grit and an edge that seems to be coming to light. Great news for DCP once they get everyone back.
Makhi Wright (6’7 PF/C, MacArthur 2023)
Wright has great length for a 6-foot-7 post and springs off of the ground well. He is the interior centerpiece for an undefeated MacArthur team and is a serious double-double threat. The run-and-jump ability plus constant activity make him an intriguing frontcourt prospect.
Nate LaPlant (6’6 SF, Andrew 2023)
There’s always a place on a college roster for a 6-foot-6 shooter who is as athletic as LaPlant. To this point, he has been incredibly aggressive and showing no hesitation, whether that is as a spot up shooter or when attacking closeouts to finish at the rim. LaPlant is a terrific shooter with time and space and has a nice release point. His level of play will help carry Andrew.
Nathan Scearce (6’4 SG, Bartlett 2024)
The other Bartlett backcourt members were known commodities after last year, but Scearce battled injuries during his sophomore year after being up as a freshman. He seems to have reintroduced himself so far, averaging around 20 points a game for the Silverhawks and shooting the laces off the ball from distance. Now at 6-foot-4 with a developed upper body, Scearce has been a scoring machine.
Phoenix Gill (6’2 PG, St. Ignatius 2025)
Gill is a different level of player with how well he sees the floor, makes reads, and explodes to open space with the ball. Offensively, the sophomore has found success in the mid-range, as a straight-line finisher off of quick bursts, and as a decision maker off ball screens and drives. On the other end, his athleticism jumps off of the charts but so does his discipline and activity. He’s a high-end D1 prospect.
Prince Adams (6’7 PF, Evanston 2023)
Acting more as a complementary piece for Evanston as a sophomore and junior, Adams is the top dog this year on both sides of the ball. The length and athleticism that he possesses are at a Division 1 level, suffocating ball-handlers and interior scorers alike and dominating the glass. To this point, his finishing and attacking from the high post has made him a regular 20 and 10 threat.
Ryan Johnson (6’7 SG/SF, Oswego East 2023)
As a rebounder, inside-out defender, and spot-up shooter, Johnson is producing for the Wolves. The athleticism and length show on catch-and-rip situations and as a help defender coming over to block shots. His release continues to hint towards success as a high-percentage shooter in college where he should be a D2/high-D3 target.
Ryan Mbouombouo (6’2 PG/SG, Latin 2024)
Mbouombouo has already had a game going over 40 points, scoring off of the dribble with ease. His pull-up and stop-and-pop game is on point and he plays with a sense of urgency. Mbouombouo isn’t a well-known name throughout the state, but more people should be aware of the scoring dynamo.
Trevon Roots (6’6 PF, Marmion 2023)
You won’t get cheated with the effort that Roots brings night in and night out. A shot-blocker with nice timing and lateral movement to keep up with perimeter players, Roots looked like a promising defensive prospect already. But he is showing more willingness and comfort ripping through from the triple threat and doing work on the outside which should only elevate his status.
Tyler Franklin (6’6 PF, Cobden 2023)
It’s pretty hard to go for 40 points or 20 rebounds. And yet, Franklin has made it look routine, going up to 57 points in a game at one point. Franklin is a tank with his back to the basket, using his strength to bull rush through smaller defenders and absorb rebounds in his area. But he’s also got the touch and range to make defenders pay from three. He’s a scholarship forward who is only going to get better.
Tyler Mason (6’2 SG, Metamora 2024)
Mason was up as a sophomore on the state runner-up team last year, but he’s stepped into a critical role this season as a high-energy, attacking guard. At 6-foot-2, he has top-end straight-line speed and elevates well around the rim on the break and in the half court as a driver and cutter. His defensive anticipation is notable, and he has all-around impact as a scoring threat and rebounder.
Victor Brown (6’6 PF, Rich 2024)
Brown just moves and plays like a big who you want on your team. He rolls with purpose, crashes the glass with intent, and goes right back up with offensive rebounds. Not to mention that he has a huge wingspan and changes ends of the floor well. Brown has a projectable frame and game that should attract some college coaches.
Yaris Irby (5’10 PG, Niles North 2025)
Leading Niles North in scoring, Irby has wasted no time getting settled in after transferring in from Evanston. There is a combination of that rugged, pitbull mentality as a downhill driver but also shiftiness and creativity that allow him to create space. Irby has shown that he can heat up in a hurry and he has given the Vikings a lethal young backcourt.
Impact Freshmen
Freshmen who have made their presence felt in the early part of the year on their respective varsity teams.
Adoni Vassilakis (6’0 PG, Marist 2026)
Defensively, Vassilakis has been a productive player from the jump with his upper body strength, lateral quickness, and toughness. Now his offense is starting to catch up as well, shooting better and providing some scoring for Marist. He will be a good guard for years to come.
BJ Powell (5’9 PG, Lincoln-Way East 2026)
Powell is playing rotation minutes for a solid LWE squad, adding shooting and ball-handling. Although he gives up some height, he can really stretch a defense with his shot and put up some good outputs to this point in the scoring column.
Blaise LaVista (6’3 SG/SF, Libertyville 2026)
On a team that has a ton of seniors, the physical 6-foot-3 wing has fit in with a mature level of toughness and a rugged play style. He’s willing to do the dirty work on the inside, defends on the wings, and has a good-looking outside shot as well. Look for LaVista to continue to provide good minutes for them.
Chris Bolte (6’4 PF, Hinsdale South 2026)
Bolte has been a welcome addition to the young Hornets core, giving them another efficient shooter and a relentless athlete who plays bigger than his size. Without a ton of true bigs, Bolte has guarded bigger players well and uses his speed on the offensive end to score on face cuts, putbacks, and hard left-handed drives. Bolte is going to be a problem in the WSC.
Davon Grant (6’4 SF/PF, DeKalb 2026)
I don’t know if Grant has an official 40-inch vertical but it sure looks like it with how he takes off around the rim. He’s a quick, explosive player around the rim who doesn’t hesitate to go up and dunk or snatch a rebound with bodies in his way. He plays three or four inches taller than his listed height for DeKalb and complements their shooters well.
Gage Peterson (6’4 PF/C, Waltonville 2026)
Peterson is a traditional workhorse big who does a majority of his work on the low block with his back to the basket. He’s got advanced footwork down low, finishes over both shoulders, and gobbles up rebounds in traffic. Peterson also has shown flashes hitting jumpers and is a productive interior defender who does a nice job blocking shots from the weakside.
Gavin Mueller (6’6 PF, St. Francis 2026)
At 6-foot-6, Mueller is an energy player for St. Francis who can do a little bit down low and on the perimeter. He’s got good athletic ability to roll and cut for layups but can also find teammates as a passer from the high post or hit a three when open. Right now, his rebounding and defense are most notable.
Jaali Love (6’7 SF, Manley 2026)
Quietly having one of the best freshman campaigns in the state, Love has produced multiple double-doubles and has been terrific. He regularly has scored 15-plus points and is using his wide reach to protect the rim and create mismatches on the other end with his fluidity.
Jamson Coulter Jr. (6’2 PG, Rich 2026)
Coulter came into the year with high expectations and has not disappointed. One of the most complete freshmen in the state, Coulter gets to his spots, typically around the rim, and doesn’t need much space to finish. He contorts his body while mid-air and can use hop steps, euros, and spins to avoid the help. The passing sense is there as well and his size and bounce at this stage point to a very good future.
Jayden Riley (5’10 PG, Oswego 2026)
The approach and composure that Riley has, especially in big moments stands out. With his quickness and passing prowess, Riley opens things up for the entire team and takes pressure off of their other guards. Riley is a slick decision maker with a knack for getting off shots in traffic. If you want to see high-level point guard play, Riley is a good place to start.
Josh Abushanab (6’4 SF, Glenbard North 2026)
Abushanab has a great long-term frame and solid strength for a freshman wing. It didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt, earning all-tournament honors in their Thanksgiving tournament and providing activity and finishing consistently for Glenbard North. Clearly not done growing, his handle, shooting form, and mobility hint towards him being a dangerous player in a few years.
Oliver Gray (6’3 SG, Barrington 2026)
Gray is a rangy guard who is giving Barrington a ton of range as a floor spacer. Arguably the top shooter in the class, he requires attention a few feet behind the arc. As the year progresses, his length will become more of an asset on the defensive end, but for now he is a quality spark plug and shooter for a team that has been blazing hot to start the year.
Marshawn Cocroft (5’9 PG, Aurora Christian 2026)
Cocroft doesn’t play like a typical freshman point guard, seeing actions a few plays ahead and getting into the paint well off of the dribble. That balance of speed and controlled pace have helped guide Aurora Christian to a great start to the year.
Mack Sutter (6’5 PF, Dunlap 2026)
A physical, imposing freshman who leans on his athleticism around the rim, Sutter has started from the jump for Dunlap. He’s got good balance and power down low to score through contact and can grab and go in transition. Sutter is a dual-sport athlete who should have a bright future on the court.
Noah Mister (5’9 PG, Kenwood 2026)
Mister doesn’t always play big minutes for the loaded Kenwood squad, but he makes the most of his time. As a shooter and passer, he has fit in nicely despite giving up some size at the guard spot. His high-IQ and feel for the game will allow Mister to spell some of the experiences playmakers they have.
Panayiotis Sotos (6’1 PG, Maine South 2026)
Starting to come along, Sotos has given some scoring punch for the new-look Maine West team while giving their backcourt another playmaker. Expect for his confidence to grow into the second half of the season and more of this creativity to shine. Under a new coach, Sotos should be a rock-solid piece to lean on over the next few years.
Rajan Roberts (5’11 PG, Proviso West 2026)
Roberts has an advanced scoring package, with tough pull-ups, contact finishes, and spot ups all in his bag. He has been leading Proviso West to this point with his ball skills and shot creating. A modern point guard who can balance playmaking with getting his own, Roberts has a chance to be one of the better lead guards in the class.
Rocco Pagliocca (6’0 PG, Stevenson 2026)
Playing solid rotation minutes off of the bench for Stevenson, Pagliocca is steadily becoming more assertive. As a penetrator, he excels at using deception to set up defenders and finish with floaters and push shots. Pagglioca has also knocked down shots off the catch and brought the defensive intensity that is required to be successful at Stevenson, rotating and applying ball pressure in space.
Stephen Brown (6’7 PF, Marist)
A skilled and impressive talent at 6-foot-7, the inside-out forward has shown a few promising glimpses. To this point, his rebounding has been a steady asset while his offensive production has been solid with his comfort putting it on the ground or scoring down low.
25 Prospects Who Seem Ready To Take That Next Step
Some of the players in the state who look ready to cross that line from being potential prospects to becoming more coveted college targets who may be closer to adding offers in some cases
Alex Engro (6’2 PG, Loyola 2023)
Engro has contributed across the board, among the team leaders in most statistical categories. He has shown wiggle with the ball, vision as a passer, and supreme toughness that you can’t quantify. That combination of skill, length, and a killer instinct should make him a prime late-season target.
Braeden Carlsen (6’4 SG, Wauconda 2024)
Brock Marino (6’7 SF/PF, Lakes 2023)
Connor May (6’7 SG/SF, Palatine 2024)
DJ Douglas (6’5 PG/SG, Yorkville Christian 2023)
Eoin Dillon (6’9 PF, Peoria Notre Dame 2024)
Dillon is a knockdown shooter who has been mixing it up this year on the inside for a frontcourt led PND team. Injuries forced him into a leading role to start the year, and he responded by showing toughness and an understanding for how to get his shots in different areas. He is big, agile, and really shoots it well.
Evan Jackson (6’7 SF, De La Salle 2023)
A modern swingman, Jackson has knifed to the rim, guarded the ball, and rebounded like a big all year. But any questions on his ability to shoot should be dampened with the improved form and consistency that he has shown. I have no doubt that he is a scholarship level wing who will make an impact at the next level.
Gaven Marr (6’3 SG, Glenbrook South 2023)
Jack Stanton (6’2 PG, Downers Grove North 2024)
Jason Jakstys (6’9 PF, Yorkville 2024)
Jakstys has terrific length and an ideal frame for long-term development. And his quickness, ranginess, and shot-blocking defensively are elite. After leading the Foxes last year, Jakstys is working well in the high-low game and stepping out to hit mid-range shots and threes at times. He’s far from a finished product, but Jakstys is going to be a good one.
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 SG, Oswego East 2024)
Explosive is the first what that comes to mind with Starwood. The lefty is making things happen for Oswego East with athletic takes to the rim, jumpers from the second level, and showtime transition finishes. This season, his handle looks more refined and his pace is better, both of which should help his college prospects. It also should help that his on-ball defense shows flashes of being lockdown.
Je’Shawn Stevenson (6’3 SG, Lindblom 2024)
Jonas Johnson (6’6 SF/PF, DePaul Prep 2025)
Kelton McEwen (6’1 PG, Bartlett 2024)
Still a tremendous perimeter shooter, it seems like McEwen’s game has added depth, improvising in space to shake tight defense to get to his shot or working to the paint where the runners, floaters, and athletic finishes near the rim have come in bulk. When he drives, he is throwing passes from different pockets to teammates and has taken pride in guarding the ball. D1/D2 interest should pick up.
Lee Marks (6’5 SG/SF, Mt. Carmel 2024)
It never hurts to add a transfer like Marks. He checks every box from a physical perspective. Long, quick laterally, fast in the open floor, and wiry from a strength perspective. He has emerged as a defensive stalwart with his ability to switch and impact games on that end. Offensively, he sprints the floor for easy ones, uses his speed to blow by primary defenders, and has promise as a one-on-one player. Low and mid-major Division 1 programs should be well aware of him at this point.
Meyoh Swansey (6’2 SG, Romeoville 2024)
Swansey is on pace to become a 1,000 point scorer for Romeoville and he has set that path with scoring from all over the floor. Particularly in the mid-range where he is an expert pull-up shooter at the high-school level, but also looking to take more threes. He’s got that pogo-stick leaping ability and extra gear as a penetrator that you can’t teach. He’s another player who should have a Division 1 grade.
Nate LaPlant (6’6 SF, Andrew 2023)
Phoenix Gill (6’2 PG, St. Ignatius 2025)
Prince Adams (6’7 PF, Evanston 2023)
Ryan Johnson (6’7 SG/SF, Oswego East 2023)
Shaheed Solebo (6’4 SG, Lane Tech 2024)
Solebo has carried momentum from a good summer and has welcomed the lead role. The smooth lefty plays bigger than 6-foot-4 with his length and activity. On any night, he’s capable of putting up 25-plus points with a heavy dose of foul shots, direct drives, and timely perimeter looks. Solebo already has an offer from UIC and will become a name to know for other coaches at that level.
Trevon Roots (6’6 PF, Marmion 2023)
Tyler Smith (6’1 PG, Kenwood 2023)
It’s perplexing that Smith doesn’t have more coaches actively pursuing him. He is a point guard who shoots off the bounce, manufactures looks in ball screen actions, and makes life very difficult on opposing ball-handlers. Smith has made winning plays on both sides of the floor for Kenwood and has a high GPA to boot. D1 and D2 programs with space should take a serious look at Smith.
Tyler Franklin (6’6 PF, Cobden 2023)
Zack Hawkinson (6’5 SF/PF, Sacred Heart Griffin)
Hawkinson is one of the best forwards in Illinois, regardless of class. The production is there again like last year, but he looked quicker and more dynamic. He is a force getting to the basket with quick feet and power while being an asset as a playmaker, rebounder, and shooter with time and space. And still, his best trait for the next level could be his switchability and shutdown ability defensively. Division 1 programs have been in to see him, but more should pull the trigger.
50 Uncommitted Seniors To Check Out:
With holiday tournaments under way and coaches taking trips to the state to see potential recruits, here are some uncommitted seniors to watch