The new year started off nicely, headlined by a big set of shootouts yesterday. There weren’t as many games during the week as teams took some time off after holiday tournaments, but here are the players of the week from those who played.

Anestis Hadjistamoulou (Junior Guard, Glenbrook South)

Hadjistamoulou dropped 24 points in a win over a strong DeKalb team who has been playing great basketball over the last month. His innate ability to create space off the dribble was a driving force, but Anestis showed consistent touch on his outside shot as well. Hadjistamoulou has given GBS another weapon and leader in the backcourt. 

Bryson Mossman (Sophomore Guard, Routt)

Mossman was crucial in an overtime victory over Liberty, scoring 33 points and hitting the game-winner to give Routt the win. The 6-foot-3 sophomore also had 19 points in a game earlier in the week and continues to have a huge second varsity season.

DJ Bolden (Senior Guard, Westinghouse)

Against a very good Niles North squad, Bolden poured in 30 points and had four assists in an overtime win. Among the best available senior guards in Illinois, he should be a coveted late addition to a recruiting class at this point. He’s on pace for an all-state year.

Ikee Brooks (Junior Guard, Hansberry)

Brooks erupted for 42 points in a blowout win for Hansberry earlier in the week. Known more for his passing and defense, the quick floor general displayed his scoring prowess in a dominant performance. He remains one of the leaders in assists throughout the state to this point.

JT Pettigrew (Junior Forward, Bolingbrook)

Pettigrew seemingly gets better by the week. His two-way production has become a staple for a Bolingbrook team that looks like it can compete with anyone. He had 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 blocks in an impressive game to start the new year. Pettigrew followed that up with a 15-point double-double in another win for The Brook. He has emerged as a safe bet to be a scholarship-caliber recruit.

Marcos Gonzalez (Junior Guard, Brother Rice)

Gonzalez had two solid performances in wins against solid Lane Tech and Eisenhower teams. He led the way with 27 points yesterday and had another 16 earlier in the week. It’s a hot start to the new year for a player who has evident Division 1 traits.

Morez Johnson (Senior Forward, Thornton)

Johnson, who went head-to-head with powerhouse teams on back-to-back nights, had games of 21 points and eight rebounds and another 17 points the next day. The 6-foot-9 Illinois commit is among the favorites for Illinois Mr. Basketball and a large part of that is how well he has played against a stacked slate of competition on a weekly basis.

OJ Powell (Sophomore Guard, Willowbrook)

Powell averaged over 20 points on the week, having a few big games of 26 points and another of 22 points and six rebounds. It seems like Powell is hitting his stride, which will be key as conference play heats up over the next few weeks. The super-athletic sophomore had an impactful week.

Talen Pearson (Senior Guard, Nazareth)

The do-it-all guard showed his versatility at a high level this week. He started the week with 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Yesterday, he had another well-rounded game with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists for Naz. Pearson is a D2/high-D3 type of recruit who is still available.

Tyreek Coleman (Junior Guard, Waubonsie Valley)

Coleman was a focal point for a balanced Waubonsie team in a tight victory over rival Neuqua Valley to remain unbeaten. The wiry point guard scored 18 points, had seven boards, and dished out five assists in a down-to-the-wire matchup. Coleman is an underrated guard in the junior class to keep an eye on.