The first week of games is done and there was no shortage of impressive showings. With that comes our first release of players of the week. Anyone is still welcome to send over direct messages, from social media tags, or using the link on our website.

Braeden Carlsen (Senior Guard, Wauconda)

It’s safe to say that Carlsen will be among the area’s leading scorers this year. The Mercer signee had a 40-point game and another 28-point, seven-rebound game in the two wins for Wauconda. There is a lot of attention that he will receive defensively, but his offensive firepower is going to be tough to contain as the year progresses. Particularly with the other returning weapons for the Bulldogs.

Colby Smith (Junior Guard, New Trier)

The Loyola/New Trier tournament is always full of rugged defense and talented guard play. This year’s was more of the same, but Smith didn’t seem to have an issue dominating. Around 6-foot-3, Smith posed a mismatch with his quickness, body control, and skillset off the dribble. Smith poured in 19 points in the championship game and won tournament MVP after producing at a high level throughout the week. It’s just a matter a time before the Division 1 offers start to come in.

Connor Woodin (Senior Guard, Buffalo Grove)

Woodin was on a heater this week, hitting nine threes and scoring 34 points in the Bison’s opening. He followed that up with another 34-point game and had a 19-point showing the end the week as they finished third place in their holiday tournament. I know Woodin is committed to Loyola to golf, but he’s going to be a nightmare if he decides to play intramurals.

Cooper Koch (Senior Forward, Metamora)

The Iowa commit is a problem from all over the floor. Koch was a standout in the loaded Washington holiday tournament, having games of 29, 26, and 17 on route to a 2-1 week against high-end competition. He makes textbook reads off of the ball and showed that he can dominate games with his long-range shooting, rebounding, playmaking, or interior scoring. Koch was crucial in a comeback win over a nationally-recognized Gray Collegiate Academy team.

Elijah Lovemore (Junior Guard, Bloom)

Lovemore’s versatility is his calling-card and that was on full display this week. The junior guard had two triple doubles during the week in two wins against Hillcrest and TF South. He gets everyone involved with a good combination of style, IQ, and patience. Don’t expect this to be the last time he posts a triple-double either with how well he attacks the glass and facilitates the Bloom offense.

Ian Miletic (Junior Guard, Rolling Meadows)

Miletic was expected to be the leader after a deep 2023 class graduated. The three-year starter wasted no time starting what should be a huge year. He won MVP of the Fenton Holiday Tournament. The 6-foot-7 guard had a couple of 26-point outings and multiple double-doubles, including 17 points and 14 rebounds in the championship. Another safe bet at the Division 1 level.

JT Pettigrew (Junior Forward, Bolingbrook)

Pettigrew led what was a dominant week for the Raiders this season. He had a 22-point, 13-rebound, five block, game and a 13 and 16 game en route to being named the tournament MVP. Now at 6-foot-7, Pettigrew’s rim protection, rebounding, and inside-out scoring ability look to be focal points for a team with a bunch of talented guards.

Luke Smith (Junior Guard, Addison Trail)

The third-year standout hit the ground running with a big opening game of 42 points. Smith’s shooting ability and creativity get him looks even against the specialty defenses that he will continue to face. He also exploded for games of 38 and 23 points respectively during the week. It’s not too early for college coaches to start taking a look at Smith.

Morez Johnson (Senior Forward, Thornton)

Johnson was a dominant performer throughout the week in a couple of marquee matchups. He had a 22-point, 18-rebound game and put up 20 points with 15 boards later in the week against a talented Richwoods team. He finished the week averaged 18.5 points, 16 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks in his first showing with the Wildcats. The most notable part of the week was the expanded range and comfort shooting the ball from the perimeter.

Nick Allen (Junior Center, Bradley Bourbonnais)

Allen is one of the most dominant bigs in Illinois and that will soon be more well-known throughout the state. An athletic rim-runner who thrives inside as a finisher and shot blocker, Allen is showing a much-improved stroke both at the foul line and from beyond the arc. Throughout the week, he averaged 26 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks a game. Still looks like a potential high-major big man.