With AAU season over for a large number of programs, we are highlighting some of the top players of this year. These awards take into account both spring and summer AAU performances. The only players eligible for the general list are those scheduled to be playing high school basketball in Illinois. AAU team listings are based on the most recent team that players were seen playing with this summer.
17U
All-AAU First Team
Angelo Ciaravino (6’6 SG, Mount Carmel/Illinois Wolves)
The breakout player of the summer, Ciaravino proved to be one of the elite two-way players in the state. Was a steadying force for the Illinois Wolves, providing a blend of shooting, playmaking, defense, and rebounding consistently. A true competitor and a high-floor/high-ceiling D1 prospect.
Cam Cerese (6’3 PG, Lake Park/Greater Purpose Athletics)
Scored at a high volume for GPA. Displayed his passing ability when teams keyed in on him and was a player who could always be counted on to make plays in the biggest moments. Rarely saw him off of his game.
Cooper Koch (6’9 SF, Peoria Notre Dame/Indiana Elite)
A starter and key contributor for the best team on the Adidas circuit. Knockdown outside shooter continued to show the different layers of his game as a passer, help side defender, and scorer off of the dribble. Committed to Iowa.
Jack Stanton (6’2 PG, Downers Grove North/Breakaway)
An inevitable favorite for mid-major coaches, Stanton pulled in nearly 20 offers in the spring and early summer alone. Creative and highly-efficient shot-maker who made tough ones look easy. Led Breakaway to a top-8 finish in the UAA.
Morez Johnson (6’9 PF, Thornton/Meanstreets)
Looked every part of being a future NBA prospect. Dominant double-double machine for Meanstreets on the EYBL circuit who was overpowering at times on both ends. Should have a long career with his motor, athleticism, and quickly-developing skillset. All-AAU
All-AAU Second Team
Braeden Carlsen (6’4 SG, Wauconda/Fundamental U)
Continued to show up throughout the spring and summer, ultimately pulling in a couple of Division 1 offers. Shot the ball well, showed a post-up and pull-up game, and guarded the ball well. Was a catalyst offensively for a Fundamental U team who got elevated to the UAA this month.
Chris Riddle (6’6 SF, Kenwood/Mac Irvin Fire)
Gifted wing was the standout for Mac Irvin. Scoring was on display from three levels and his athleticism tended to lead to a few highlight plays every game. Brought intensity on the defensive end as well. Rock solid Division 1 prospect.
DeKwon Brown (6’3 PG, Simeon/Denard Bros)
Another big winner from a recruiting standpoint. Ran the show for Denard Bros and lit it up as both a scorer and playmaker. Should continue to attract low-to-mid major programs given how well he played during live periods.
Lathan Sommerville (6’10 C, Richwoods/Brad Beal Elite)
Talented big man who is coming back to the state. Ran with Brad Beal Elite and was one of their key interior presences. Mobile and powerful enough to have his way on the block, even against EYBL bigs. Will be a big asset once he gets to Rutgers.
Nojus Indrusaitis (6’5 SG, St. Laurence/Meanstreets)
The multi-purpose guard for Meanstreets. Worked well in ball screen actions, ran the wings, and was a proficient scorer. Smooth and cerebral weapon made it look easy at times. Iowa State commit. All-AAU Third Team
All-AAU Third Team
Cam Lathos (6’6 PF, Conant/All-In)
Lathos was able to score and rebound at a high clip in the spring and summer. Operated out of the post and from the perimeter successfully, using footwork and strength to his advantage. Will be a high-end Division 3 target.
Gianni Cobb (5’10 PG, Homewood Flossmoor/Team Rose)
Electric playmaker is going to be a joy to watch at the next level. Made things happen on both sides of the floor with his quickness and IQ. Continues to pull in offers as more coaches get to see him.
Jason Jakstys (6’11 PF, Yorkville/Breakaway)
Flashed a ton of potential with his shot-blocking, floor spacing, and interior presence on offense. Played with a ton of aggression around the rim as time progressed and added double-digit offers on the UAA circuit.
Jakob Blakley (6’0 PG, Larkin/Fundamental U)
Talented scorer who makes plays for others. Picked his spots within the offense for Fundamental U and had a great month of July, particularly in pressure situations. Proved to be a Division 1 point guard prospect.
Nick Taylor (6’7 PF, Glenbrook South/Fundamental U)
Another big-time contributor to a well-balanced Fundamental U team, Taylor was dominant inside as a finisher and rebounder against a wide variety of talent. Was excellent in the spring and often had double-doubles the de-facto five man. High-motor forward just picked up his first D1 offer.
Honorable Mention:
AJ LeVine (6’0 PG, York/Young & Reckless)
Alec Schmidts (6’4 SF, Barrington/Big 3)
Alex Miller (6’5 SG, Downers Grove North/Illinois Stars)
Braylon Roman (6’5 PG, Normal/MidPro)
Cale Cosme (5’8 PG, Brother Rice/ET21)
Calvin Worsham (6’7 SF, Christ The King/Denard Bros)
Carlos Harris (6’2 PG, Curie/Meanstreets)
Carson Brownfield (6’3 PG, Homewood Flossmoor/Flight)
Colin Gerrity (6’2 SG, Neuqua Valley/Illinois Attack)
Connor Brown (6’3 SG, Calvary/Illinois Predators)
Connor Williams (6’2 SG, Stagg/Chicago Lockdown)
Dainen Rucker (6’5 PG, East St. Louis/SW Jets)
Davee Flowers (6’2 PG, Niles West/ICE)
Davis Bynum (6’8 SF, East St. Louis/SW Jets)
Devin Tyda (6’2 SG, Plainfield South/Hoops4Health)
Drew King (6’10 C, Joliet West/Chicago Lockdown)
Eoin Dillon (6’9 PF, Peoria Notre Dame/Illinois Wolves)
Hank Alvey (6’10 C, Illini Bluffs/MidPro)
Jack Dabbs (6’7 SF, Stevenson/All-In)
Jehvion Starwood (6’3 PG, Oswego East/Illinois Wolves)
JeShawn Stevenson (6’4 SG, Lindblom/Meanstreets)
Jimmy Tarjan (6’5 SF, Loyola/Mercury Elite)
JJ Hernandez (6’6 SF, Glenbard North/Fundamental U)
Jordan Brooks (6’2 PG, West Aurora/Illinois Attack)
Larenz Walters (6’1 PG, Kankakee/Midwest Renegades)
Luke Kinkade (6’3 SG, Neuqua Valley/Breakaway)
Malachi Johnson (6’3 SG, Rockford Guilford/GPA)
Meyoh Swansey (6’3 SG, Thornton/Wisconsin Playground)
Mitch Humphrey (6’6 SG, St. Viator/GPA)
Noah Mason (6’5 SG, Oswego East/Illinois Attack)
Nolan Sexton (6’0 PG, Evergreen Park/Chicago Lockdown)
RJ McKinnie (6’2 PG, Simeon/Young & Reckless)
Sam Lappin (5’10 PG, Glenbrook North/All-In)
Sebastian Hill (6’3 PG, Unity Christian/Illinois Predators)
Shaheed Solebo (6’5 SG, Lane Tech/Young & Reckless)
Stefan Cicic (7’0 C, Riverside Brookfield/Team Rose)
Tre Dowdell (6’2 PG, Evergreen Park/Old Gold)
Treshawn Blissett (6’5 SF, Waubonsie Valley/M14)
Tyler Mason (6’2 PG, Metamora/MidPro)
Will Ashford (6’6 SF, Metea Valley/M14)
All-Defense First Team
Jaden Smith (Kenwood/Mac Irvin Fire)
Jason Jakstys (Yorkville/Breakaway)
Jaylan McElroy (DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves)
Owen Giannoulias (Glenbrook North/Fundamental U)
RJ McKinnie (Simeon/Young & Reckless)
All-Defense Second Team
Angelo Ciaravino (Mount Carmel/Illinois Wolves)
Hank Alvey (Illini Bluffs/MidPro)
Lee Marks (Mount Carmel/Team Rose)
Morez Johnson (Thornton/Meanstreets)
Sam Lappin (Glenbrook North/All-In)
All-Defense Honorable Mention:
Aaron Cook (St. Francis/Illinois Attack)
Ameer Morrow (Simeon/Meanstreets)
Brandon Watson (Evanston/GPA)
Drew King (Joliet West/Lockdown)
Gianni Cobb (Homewood Flossmoor/Team Rose)
James Bullock (Marian Catholic/Illinois Stars)
Jehvion Starwood (Oswego East/Illinois Wolves)
JJ Hernandez (Glenbard North/Fundamental U)
Marcus Everhart (Bloom/GPA)
Yusuf Cisse (Conant/Breakaway)
Top Shooters
Alex Miller (Downers Grove North/Illinois Stars)
Braeden Carlsen (Wauconda/Fundamental U)
Connor Woodin (Buffalo Grove/All-In)
Cooper Koch (Peoria Notre Dame/Indiana Elite)
Eoin Dillon (Peoria Notre Dame/Illinois Wolves)
Ian Brown (New Trier/Fundamental U)
Jack Stanton (Downers Grove North/Breakaway)
Luke Kinkade (Neuqua Valley/Breakaway)
Mitch Humphrey (St. Viator/GPA)
Nolan Sexton (Evergreen Park/Chicago Lockdown)
Top Rebounders
Grantas Sakenis (Andrew/Denard Bros)
Hank Alvey (Illini Bluffs/MidPro)
Jaheem Webber (Normal/MidPro)
Jason Jakstys (Yorkville/Breakaway)
Lathan Sommerville (Richwoods/Brad Beal Elite)
Mac Hagemaster (Homewood Flossmoor/Team Rose)
Morez Johnson (Thornton/Meanstreets)
Nick Taylor (Glenbrook South/Fundamental U)
Stefan Cicic (Riverside Brookfield/Team Rose)
Victor Brown (Rich/Illinois Stars)
Top Playmakers
Angelo Ciaravino (Mount Carmel/Illinois Wolves)
Bryce Welch (Naperville North/M14)
Cale Cosme (Brother Rice/ET21)
Cam Cerese (Lake Park/GPA)
Carlos Harris (Curie/Meanstreets)
DeKwon Brown (Simeon/Denard Bros)
Gianni Cobb (Homewood Flossmoor/Team Rose)
Jack Stanton (Downers Grove North/Breakaway)
Jordan Brooks (West Aurora/Oswego East)
Sam Lappin (Glenbrook North/All-In)
16U
All-AAU First Team
Jacob Rice (6’4 SG, St. Laurence/Chicago Hoops)
Rice was constantly a 20-point threat for Chicago Hoops in the spring and summer. He really showed up in their toughest matchups. An underrated two-guard with scholarship-level talent.
Mike Jones (6’7 PF, Chi Prep/Mac Irvin Fire)
A mature and strong forward, Jones was abusing backboards and making a consistent impact on the defensive end. Was the key interior piece for a very good Mac Irvin team.
Sean Reynolds (6’1 PG, DeKalb/Illinois Wolves)
Known for his deadeye shooting, Reynolds also handled point guard duties well for long stretches. Hit big shots consistently and was one of the top offensive options for a deep Wolves group.
Terrence Smith (6’4 SG, West Aurora/Young & Reckless)
Showtime athlete that doesn’t get enough credit for his skillset. Shot the ball well, made plays off of the dribble, and guarded the ball with tenacity. Division 1 dual-sport prospect.
Tristan Ford (6’4 PG, Chi Prep/Mac Irvin Fire)
One of the bigger winners of the summer. Wiry lefty got to his spots and created offense on command. Showed the tools to be a disruptive defender as well. Emerging recruit with high-major upside.
All-AAU Second Team
Aleks Alston (6’9 SF, Kenwood/Mac Irvin Fire)
A Power 5 recruit, Alston recovered from some winter injuries to shine during live events. So many different tools that he showed against top competition with the Fire.
Anestis Hadjistamoulou (6’0 PG, Glenbrook South/GPA)
Big-time playmaker with great poise. Hadjistamoulou found ways to balance high-volume scoring with pinpoint passing for GPA.
Colby Smith (6’3 PG, New Trier/Fundamental U)
Continues to get better and better. Shot the three, used athleticism to get to the rim, and displayed IQ and toughness on both ends of the floor. Looks like a Division 1 prospect to me.
Dietrich Richardson (6’6 PG, Peoria Manual/MidPro)
Opened the eyes of a lot of people outside of central Illinois. Tall, rangy point guard was impressive as a passer, made plays above the rim, and scored when needed. Some of the best long-term upside in the class.
EJ Mosley (5’10 PG, St. Laurence/Young & Reckless)
Reliable, creative point guard had no issue getting shots for himself. Long-range accuracy and ball-handling stood out, but the overall production was regularly there. Don’t let size fool you, he will be a Division 1 point guard. All-AAU Third Team
All-AAU Third Team
Aidan Bardic (6’3 PG, Stevenson/Full Package)
Crafty, physical point guard bounced between the 16U and 17U team and was impactful for both. Got to the paint and finished with efficiency while hitting open jumpers and shining as a passer.
Antonio Munoz (6’7 SF, Whitney Young/Meanstreets)
Had some great moments in the spring controlling some games with his athleticism. Played with the stacked 17U group this month. Transition ability continues to separate him.
Ben Schneider (5’10 PG, Prospect/GPA)
Played on and off of the ball to perfection for GPA. Drained threes and scored against size every game. Competitive kid who applied steady ball pressure as well.
Braden Freeman (6’6 SG, Moline/MidPro)
Do-it-all wing has gotten better as the year has progressed. Used athleticism to attack the rim and guard multiple positions. Consistent pull-up shooting and rebounding added to appeal. Division 1 coaches are on notice.
Matthew Zobrist (6’5 SG, Metamora/MidPro)
Zobrist just knows how to play. Shot the lights out throughout the AAU season and worked inside with bumps and post ups. Another long, skilled asset for MidPro.
Honorable Mentions
AJ Demirov (Crystal Lake South/Fundamental U)
Alex Gossett (OPRF/Breakaway)
Alex Stell (Waterloo/SW Jets)
Anton Strelnikov (Lake Zurich/Team Rose)
Atticus Richmond (Stevenson/Breakaway)
Bobby Grganto (Downers Grove North/Illinois Attack)
Bradley Longcor (Quincy/Illinois Wolves)
Brady Sehlhorst (NDCP/Team Rose)
Danny Loftus (Riverside Brookfield/Chicago Lockdown)
DaSean Patton (Oswego/M14)
DJ Porter (Romeoville/Illinois Wolves)
Docker Tedeschi (Benton/Illinois Bears)
EJ Breland (St. Patrick/Grind Family)
Grant Best (Mount Carmel/Indiana Game Elite)
Ian Miletic (Rolling Meadows/Illinois Wolves)
JaiQuan Holman (Lanphier/Illinois Predators)
Jax Abalos (Batavia/M14)
Jayden Tyler (Homewood Flossmoor/Meanstreets)
Jordan Tunis (Schaumburg/All-In)
Justin Bowen (ORPF/Team Herro)
Luke Smith (Addison Trail/All-In)
Marcos Gonzales (Brother Rice/Illinois Wolves)
Mikey O’Connell (Glenbard West/Big 3)
Moses Wilson (Waubonsie Valley/Illinois Attack)
Nick Allen (Bradley Bourbonnais/Illinois Wolves)
Ross Robertson (South Beloit/Kevon Looney Power 5)
Sam Hirsch (Fremd/Full Package)
Whitman Charboneau (Neuqua Valley/Illinois Attack)
Yaris Irby (Niles North/Mac Irvin Fire)
Zion Gross (Joliet West/Team Rose)
All-Defense First Team
DJ Porter (Romeoville/Illinois Wolves)
Elijah Lovemore (Bloom/Midwest Renegade)
Justin Bowen (OPRF/Team Herro)
Mike Jones (Chi Prep/Mac Irvin Fire)
Nick Allen (Bradley Bourbonnais/Illinois Wolves)
All-Defense Second Team
Alex Stell (Waterloo/SW Jets)
Jonah Funk (El-Paso Gridley/MidPro)
Moses Wilson (Waubonsie Valley/Illinois Attack)
Ross Robertson (South Beloit/Kevon Looney Power 5)
Terrence Smith (West Aurora/Young & Reckless)
All-Defense Honorable Mention
Braden Freeman (Moline/MidPro)
Caleb Lindsay (St. Laurence/Chicago Hoops)
Dom Seaney (Glenbard West/Fundamental U)
JT Pettigrew (Bolingbrook/Young & Reckless)
Neveah Hawkins (St. Patrick/Grind Family)
Top Shooters
Aleks Alston (Kenwood/Mac Irvin Fire)
EJ Breland (St. Patrick/Grind Family)
EJ Mosley (St. Laurence/Young & Reckless)
Grant Best (Mount Carmel/Indiana Game Elite)
Jacob Rice (St. Laurence/Chi Hoops)
Jax Abalos (Batavia/M14)
Matthew Zobrist (Metamora/MidPro)
Sean Reynolds (DeKalb/Illinois Wolves)
Theo Rocca (Evanston/Fundamental U)
Whitman Charboneau (Neuqua Valley/Illinois Attack)
Top Rebounders
Achilles Anderson (Marist/All-In)
Alex Gossett (ORPF/Breakaway)
Alex Stell (Waterloo/SW Jets)
Anton Strelnikov (Lake Zurich/Team Rose)
JT Pettigrew (Bolingbrook/Young & Reckless)
Kobe Walker (Normal/MidPro)
Mike Jones (Chi Prep/Mac Irvin Fire)
Nick Allen (Bradley Bourbonnais/Illinois Wolves)
Ross Robertson (South Beloit/Kevon Looney Power 5)
Tyler Thick (Hinsdale Central/GPA)
Top Playmakers
Aidan Bardic (Stevonson/Full Package)
AJ Demirov (Crystal Lake South/Fundamental U)
Anestis Hadjistomolou (Glenbrook South/GP)
Ben Schneider (Prospect/GPA)
Dietrich Richardson (Peoria Manual/MidPro)
EJ Mosley (St. Laurence/Young & Reckless)
Elijah Lovemore (Bloom/Midwest Renegade)
Jayden Tyler (Homewood Flossmoor/Meanstreets)
Jordan Tunis (Schaumburg/All-In)
Yaris Irby (Niles North/Mac Irvin Fire)
15U
All-AAU First Team
Christopher Kirkpatrick (New Trier/Fundamental U)
Among the more skilled point guards in the class, Kirkpatrick was a dangerous ball screen option and knockdown shooter for Fundamental U.
Davon Grant (DeKalb/Illinois Wolves)
Grant’s explosiveness and tenacity led to substantial paint points, rebounds, and blocked shots. Still with plenty of growing to do physically, he could be even more dominant for years to come.
Gabe Sularski (Benet/Meanstreets)
Took his game to another level. Very gifted ball-handler and passer who was constantly getting to the rim and showing range on his jump shot. Already showing the traits of a big Division 1 guard.
Jamson Coulter (Rich/Mac Irvin Fire)
Strong and athletic with a mid-range game that he could rely on, Coulter often led a Mac Irvin team with multiple high-level prospects.
Rajan Roberts (Joliet West/Team Rose)
Roberts looked like one of the most creative and confident shot-makers during the AAU season. Team Rose leaned on his dynamic skillset when it mattered most.
All-AAU Second Team
Colin Stack (Benet/Full Package)
Played up primarily with the 16U team and showed elite shot-blocking, rebounding, and projectable offensive game. Going to be a problem as he fills out physically. Will add plenty more D1 offers.
Marquis Clark (Whitney Young/Meanstreets)
Clark’s strength with the ball and sky-high IQ led to a lot of quality decisions with the ball. Proved he can score from multiple spots on the floor as well.
Mike Nee (Glenbard East/Breakaway)
Rarely saw him have an off shooting game. Ran off of screens and connected on deep threes, even while being heavily contested.
Rico D’Alessandro (Whitney Young/Meanstreets)
Grown-man game mixed with big-time athleticism and a developing skillset started to show as the summer progressed. Very promising future if his perimeter skills develop.
Stephen Brown (Marist/Midwest Renegade)
Mismatch problem who may have the highest upside in the class. Rangy forward was relentless on the glass and made plays in the open court with the ball. Showed so many promising traits.
All-AAU Third Team
Amir Danforth (Rockford Auburn/Team FVV)
A true point guard who was the focal point for FVV. Strategic and patient decision maker who made shots from the perimeter and facilitated well.
Danny Houlihan (New Trier/Full Package)
Marksman who caught fire quickly for Full Package. Fearless when shooting off of different actions and has developed an off-the-dribble game. Had some huge outputs.
Gage Peterson (Waltonville/Illinois Bears)
Just a reliable double-double threat who figures out how to score, rebound, and defend. Three-point shooting complements low-post game so well. Under-the-radar prospect.
Jayden Riley (Oswego/M14)
Passing maestro brought a nice blend of flash and instincts. Looked to score as needed, but really stood out with his ball-handling ability and sense for getting teammates open shots.
Mickeis Johnson (Romeoville/Team Rose)
Powerful, athletic two-way wing played on a few teams and produced on all of them. Got to the paint regularly and showed his bounce in every game I saw. Picked up first offer recently.
Honorable Mention
Adonis Vassiliakis (Marist/Young & Reckless)
BJ Powell (Lincoln-Way East/Meanstreets)
Charles Barnes (De La Salle/Midwest Renegade)
Chris Bolte (Hinsdale South/Breakaway)
Dominic Mordini (Lake Forest/GPA)
Jack Dempsey (Oak Lawn/Chicago Lockdown)
Jayden Wright (Benet/Illinois Wolves)
JC Anderson (Mt. Zion/Indiana Elite)
Jerome Delaney (OPRF/AR Elite)
Joe Niego (Brother Rice/Mike Glennon Elite)
Jordan Williams (Fremd/Midwest Renegade)
Karson Thomas (Lincoln-Way East/Midwest Renegade)
Latrell Kelley (Farragut/Team Rose)
Lincoln Williams (Kankakee/Mac Irvin Fire)
Marshawn Cocroft (Aurora Christian/Illinois Attack)
Mason Lockett (Oswego East/M14)
Mike Oliver Jr. (Farragut/Team Rose)
Mikwan Marshall (Rockford Auburn/Team FVV)
Nasir Rankin (Whitney Young/Meanstreets)
Noah Mister (Kenwood/Mac Irvin Fire)
Oliver Gray (Barrington/Illinois Wolves)
Panayiotis Sotos (Maine South/Fundamental U)
Rashaun Porter (DePaul Prep/Illinois Wolves)
Rocco Pagliocca (Stevenson/Illinois Wolves)
Rykan Woo (Whitney Young/Illinois Wolves)
Wood Cary (Moline/MidPro)