***High school coaches can continue to fill out the Season Preview Form to provide information on their teams. This is not required to be featured, but it does help provide context to put together the previews.

Niles North

Outlook:

The Vikings have an experienced, talented returning group to face one of the tougher non-conference schedules in the state. Four-year standout Reid Olson is one of the best scoring guards in the state with over 1,000 career points and nearly 300 threes made. Over the last few years, he’s become a force getting to the rim by using his handle and strength to finish plays. Yaris Irby, another 1,000 point scorer, should have another nice year with his creativity and ability to get hot. He’s also a gifted passer who can balance facilitating with playing off the ball. They also bring back Hunter Gawron, who is as efficient of a finisher as there in the entire state. He’s a true double-double threat who has improved his post skill, shooting range, and interior defense. A number of other seniors bolster the lineup for a team who will be tested early and often. They have one of the premier trios in the state to lean on to excel through it and peak late in the year.

Key Players:

Sr – Reid Olson (6’0 Guard)

Sr – Yaris Irby (5’11 Guard)

Sr – Hunter Gawron (6’7 Forward)

Prospect For College Coaches To Keep An Eye On:

Reid Olson (6’0 PG, 2025)

Olson is a reliable, hard-nosed lead guard who also happens to be one of the most prolific shooters in Illinois. Defenses have to be on high alert when he crosses half court, but he has been diligent about developing his frame and improving his comfort as a dribble penetrator. That added layer will open up more shooting opportunities and show his ability to thread the needle as a passer on the move. Olson has picked up a few D2 offers over the last sixth months and is one of the better all-around PGs with projectable skills left on the board. Olson is a joy to watch with his IQ and competitiveness and should be an All-State guard for Niles North.

Yaris Irby (5’11 PG, 2025)

Another guard with some scholarship-level appeal, Irby is a dynamic guard who can do a lot of things with the ball in his hands. He regularly knifes into the lane for pull-ups and floaters and has good range on his three-point shot. Irby does an excellent job of creating separation off of the bounce while also developing his off-ball movement. The quickness is there to be an impact on-ball defender which should only help his stock moving forward.

Hunter Gawron (6’7 PF, 2025)

After shooting around 70 percent the last few years, the rim-rattling forward has emerged as a promising long-term forward prospect. He has elite leaping ability and will be one of the top dunkers in the area. But more than that, he understands how to find soft spots in defenses, time cuts, and pursue rebounds. There has been noticeable growth in his face-up game with a cleaner outside shot and more aggressiveness putting the ball on the ground. He should attract a range of levels for college interest.