The state tournament brackets are out and the postseason excitement is right around the corner. A few repeat players are on this list and we have five new things that were great to see this past week.
Ben Oosterbaan (Hinsdale Central)
A multi-time player of the week selection, Oosterbaan continued to be the driving force for a team who hasn’t lost in the calendar year. The 6-foot-6 senior had 25 points on Friday and added another 22 big points against another high-caliber Lyons team. He has had an all-state season.
Cannon Leonard (Iroquois West)
The big Iowa football commit has been a problem on the interior for opposing teams. He had a game of 40 points and 18 rebounds early in the week and is one of the bigger low post threats in the area.
Carlos Harris (Curie)
Curie’s guard had a special performance with 35 points in a commanding win over Whitney Young. His ability to break down defenses, change speeds, and hit difficult shots off the dribble and in traffic is impressive. He has become a force, not just in the Chicago area, but among guards in the whole state.
DJ Douglas (Yorkville Christian)
Douglas scored 66 points, the most by any player in the state this season, in a monster performance. It has been a regular occurrence in terms of dominant outputs for the senior guard, who also scored another 49 points yesterday. He’s been the best scorer in Illinois this year.
Dylan Bazzell (Prairie Central)
A hyper-athletic two-guard, Bazzell has guided Prairie Central to being one of the top teams in 2A. He had a big 34-point game this week. As a slasher and finisher, Bazzell provides a great scoring punch and he is expected to be an all-state selection in 2A.
JT Alexander (North Mac)
Alexander put together a pair of double-doubles for North Mac, who he has been starring for all year. Early in the week, he had 18 points and 12 rebounds in a win. Then he erupted for a career high 32 points and 13 more rebounds in another win.
Roderic Gatewood (Meridian)
The star Meridian guard became the school’s all-time leading scorer after putting up 46 points. A dynamic shot creator, Gatewood has been relentless getting to the rim and added 24 points earlier in the week. Still uncommitted, D3 and JUCO programs should be taking notice.
Rokas Castillo (Lemont)
Castillo has quickly reacclimated to Lemont after missing some time. He went for 33 points in a win after helping them knock off Brother Rice recently as well. The Wisconsin Parkside commit can take over games and has enough star power to lead Lemont deep.
Ross Robertson (South Beloit)
In three contests this week, Robertson had multiple high-end double-doubles. He had 19 points and 19 boards in the first game, 24 and 15 the next game, and 22 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks yesterday. He has been one of the top sophomores from a production standpoint this year.
Ryan Mbouombouo (Latin)
Latin’s powerful guard has been a standout this year and had two notable showings this week. He had 22 points and 13 rebounds to start the week and 30 points with 11 more boards the next game. Mbouombouo is going to open a lot of eyes this spring on the AAU circuit.