DeKalb will host their first live event in what should be a great weekend with some teams from all over the state coming to play. Here are some players to keep an eye on at the event.

Andrew

2026 Mason Moore (6’6 F) – projectable athlete with a 7-foot-plus wingspan that he uses well defensively. Developing, but has shown some signs of making plays and hitting shots off the catch

2027 Ryan Dinnon (6’7 F) – big fan of his long-term upside. Tall wing/combo forward who has a good frame and can knock down threes at a good volume. Skilled face-up player from the perimeter and mid-post

2027 Malik Mahmoud (5’11 G) – quality shooter who played big minutes after his call-up last year. Will take a step forward as a junior

Antioch

2026 Mark Render (6’1 G) – put together some impressive games as a junior and will provide a nice scoring punch this year. Capable shooter and crafty combo guard

2029 Miles Marabella (6’4 G) – intriguing young wing with good ball skills, length, and shooting ability. Could be a serious problem in the north suburbs as he adds muscle

Bismarck-Henning

2026 Keison Peoples (6’3 G) – an all-state, scoring guard who is coming off of a big junior season and strong spring with MidPro. Continues to improve as a primary playmaker

Belleville Althoff

2026 Luke Smith (6’1 G) – pass-first guard wore multiple hats as a junior. Solid perimeter shooter who is a willing defender and savvy playmaker

Belleville East

2026 Jalen Coleman (5’8 G) – spark plug at the point guard spot who applies ball pressure, pushes the tempo, can knock down the open three, and collapses defense as a dribble driver

Belleville West

2026 Isaac Jones (6’5 F) – athletic and active four man makes plays around the rim and can finish with dunks or layups through contact. Good offensive rebounder who protects the rim

2027 J’Dyn Llyod (6’5 G) – promising guard with the frame and length to translate to the next level. Scores well from the wing with comfort making plays with the ball in hands. Checks the boxes as a solid defender

Belvidere North

2026 Brayden Lewis (6’3 G) – taller two guard nearly hit 100 threes as a junior. Productive three-point specialist with some physical upside

Benet Academy

2026 Colin Stack (7’0 C) – the top center prospect in the state with three-point range, passing ability, rebounding prowess, and high-level rim protection

2026 Jayden Wright (6’0 G) – high-IQ three-point threat who has serious range. Will take another big step in his third varsity season

2026 Ethan MacDermot (6’3 G) – transfer from Australia has a slick handle, body control as a finisher, and solid mechanics from the perimeter. Big guard will open eyes over the next two weekends

2026 Ryan Walsh (6’3 G) – well-built specialist who can open up games as a three-point shooter

2026 Aidan Renicker (6’2 G) – another promising outside shooter with a good understanding for how to stretch the floor and make plays within the flow of the offense

2026 Jack Reiser (6’3 G) – hard-nosed guard who does a lot of the little things. Can also hit the open three and defend on the wing with his strength

2027 Ed Stasys (6’7 F) – evident upside with his mobility, touch, and intensity. Seemed to take a big step over the spring after playing a complementary role last year. Talented, emerging face-up forward

Bloomington Central Catholic

2027 Keshaun Manney (6’1 G) – a breakout junior year where he was one of the better guards in the area. Quick and wiry creator who should have another good year getting paint touches and hitting shots off the bounce

2027 Crayton Schnierle (6’2 G) – three-year varsity guard shoots it well from three and has budding athleticism. Gets out in transition well and has some length to work with

Bradley-Bourbonnais

2026 Liam Martin (6’5 F) – physical multi-sport athlete can stretch the floor from the four spot and make an impact on the glass.

2029 Dajuan Brown (6’0 G) – quick-twitch, skilled guard has a chance to be really good. Already has a solid frame and feel for the game to control the pace and balance scoring and playmaking

Burlington Central

2027 Patrick Magan (6’6 F) – lanky forward led the team in three-point shooting and scored it well from the mid-range at his size. Can put it on the ground and score off of turnarounds inside. Should emerge as a standout in his third varsity season

2027 Cash Cumpata (6’0 G) – has grown since last year and has refined skillset. High-level perimeter shooter with added aggressiveness getting to the rim. Three-year guard will take a big jump

2027 Ryan Carpenter (5’10 G) – crafty lefty point guard has been up since freshman year, brings toughness, intelligence, and activity on both ends. A pest defensively who rebounds well from the point guard spot. Can get into the lane and knock down open shots when needed

2027 Bennek Braden (6’2 G) – athletic, slashing wing has become a well-rounded scorer and disruptive off-ball defender. Drives closeouts, hits open threes, and makes stop-and-pop shots. Another three-year varsity player

Butler College Prep

2026 Julius Hamlin Jr. (6’1 G) – active, energetic defender who was one of Butler’s top options as a junior. Best at getting into the paint and making plays

Canton

2026 Lakon Otto – all-conference, sharpshooting lefty guard projects well as a floor spacer with solid athleticism and positional length.

Carmel Catholic

2026 Ethan Matz (6’3 SG) – wiry perimeter shooter was an all-conference player last year and has a good understanding of how to move off of the ball.

Cary Grove

2026 AJ Berndt (6’1 G) – three-year starter is coming off of a breakout junior year. Long-range shooting threat who can run an offense and create havoc with his hands defensively. Will be one of the top guards in the area

2026 Adam Bauer (6’7 F) – another multi-year player who was dominant at times last year using his physicality and athleticism inside. Relentless rebounder and tough finisher who sprints for layups and challenges shots

Centralia

2028 Archie Goewey (6’3 G) – one of the state’s top sophomores who was a three-sport star for Centralia on varsity. Well-built, athletic kid who scores in bulk off the bounce and makes plays within the flow of the offense. Very good instincts and advanced IQ at his age, with a frame to match

2028 Kenny Bratton (6’2 G) – freakish athlete who also spent some time on varsity and had some explosive showings. Excellent at slashing and running the wings

Crete Monee

2026 Zyheir Gardner (6’0 G) – compact, athletic point guard gets to his spots, makes on-point passes on the move, and is a rugged on-ball defender

Danville

2028 Amir Beasley (6’8 F) – long-term lefty forward had some nice moments as a freshman. Great physical traits and looks to still be growing, with the flashes of inside-out game and rim protection you look for in a young frontcourt player

DeKalb

2028 Aaron Ziga (6’0 G) – could step into a starting role at guard for a team with multiple significant losses to graduation. Keeps his dribble alive and can get hot from three. Gained valuable experience this spring with the Illinois Wolves

East Peoria

2027 Quinton Kitt (6’5 G) – the top wing prospect in the junior class keeps getting better. Smooth, smart scorer who has the look of an efficient offensive threat who can work in isolations, ball screens, or off-ball actions. Plus passer, rebounder, and defender already at this stage

2027 Cole Dubois (5’11 G) – another electric scorer for East Peoria who also had a huge spring. Quick trigger and deep range as a three-point shooter with no conscience from deep. Can change games with his shot-making

Edwardsville

2026 Miccah Butler (6’4 G) – rangy shooter has a lot of prototypical traits as a two-guard. Hit over 100 threes as a junior with a quick trigger and good lift. Has a projectable frame with length to translate

Freeport

2027 Kazion Morehead (6’4 G) – talented guard for Freeport averaged around 19 points a game as a junior and showed college-level defensive traits at times. Hard to keep out of the lane

Galesburg

2026 Stone Thiel (6’0 G) – out-of-state transfer is a high-level shooter who stretches defenses and hits shots off the catch well

Geneva

2026 Gabe Jensen (5’11 G) – broke out as a junior as a skilled passer and long-range shooter. Expected to take on a larger role as a senior for a young team

Glenbard South

2027 Sean Reese (6’1 G) – rugged, tough guard was impactful as a sophomore. Defends and rebounds at a high level. Capable shooter and passer who will be one of the top players for GBS this year

Glenbrook North

2027 Nate Fridman (5’8 G) – an all-conference caliber guard who keeps his dribble alive and hits big shots for GBN. Plus defender and decision maker

Grayslake North

2026 Uros Mitrovic (6’5 F) – multi-year starter has a natural inside-out game with comfort stretching the floor. Will be a go-to option this year

2028 Jared Van Donselaar (6’7 F) – lanky wing/forward who is still growing and shows nice glimpses as a perimeter scorer and rim protector. Has a lot of skill at his size to break out this year

Hampshire

2026 Devin Bach (6’4 F) – strong forward who can play inside and out. Clean shot mechanics with the frame and footwork to do damage on the block

Harlem

2026 Mateo Perrera (6’1 G) – a solid shot-maker for Harlem last year should be an all-conference player again. Hunts threes and can hit one-to-two dribble pull-ups

Hoffman Estates

2026 Torey Baskin (6’0 PG) – quick dual-sport athlete is a good point guard prospect who opened eyes as a junior. Downhill scorer who can defend and make tough shots

Hononegah

2026 Oba Fasalogo (6’0 PG) – well-built, downhill guard has a nifty handle and plays through contact. Shot nearly 40 percent from three last year with promising defensive traits

Huntley

2026 Casey Kaczmarski (6’0 G) – lefty guard competes on the defensive end and can hit open threes with space. Smart playmaker will orchestrate things for Huntley this year

2027 Isaiah Onu (6’5 F) – nice long-term upside with long arms, activity, and athleticism. Adds value as a DHO decision maker and outlet as a hard cutter who can really defend

Jacobs

2026 Samson Averehi (6’4 SF/PF) – explosive lefty wing/forward who rebounds at a high clip and can get to the rim to finish in crowds

2027 Elijah Bell (6’2 PG/SG) – Harvest Christian transfer averaged double-digits the last two years. Plus athlete who excels getting downhill with promise as an all-around scorer and defender

Lake Zurich

2026 Kain Kretschmar (6’4 G) – among the best returners in the area. Good scoring guard who hits jumpers off the catch and on the bounce. Ideal size with solid athleticism to rise up over defenders and guard the ball

2026 Tyler Reed (6’4 G) – do-it-all lefty works well as a cutter, straight-line driver, and efficient three-point shooter. Willing and capable defender who will have a bigger role as a senior

Lincoln

2026 Karson Komnick (6’3 SG) – plus spot-up shooter with good range, long arms, and solid activity in their zone. Special mention all-state as a junior

Lincoln-Way East

2027 Kevinas Salkauskas (6’8 F) – inside-out forward who has a ton of skill and upside. Puts it on the ground well, fairly mobile at his size, and can shoot the three. First year of HS basketball

Mahomet-Seymour

2026 Jackson Bohm (6’3 SG) – all-state selection last year. A knockdown shooter with decent length who has been a productive piece the last few years.

Maine East

2026 Brandon Schreiber (6’0 G) – scoring guard for Maine East has been critical to their growth the last few years. Does a lot of good things off the bounce and can playmake when help comes

2028 Jayden Dozie (6’0 G) – should be in the discussion for one of the top sophomores in the area. A deadeye three-point shooter with that natural scoring gift and creativity as a ball-handler

Marmion Academy

2026 Ali Tharwani (5’11 G) – put together a nice junior year. Mid-range scorer with a polished pull-up game and range past the arc. Should be an all-conference player in the CCL

Mendota

2028 Cole Tillman (6’6 F) – an emerging wing in central Illinois who was dominant at times as a freshman. Handles the ball well at his size, can shoot it, and possesses great positional length

Metea Valley

2026 Tre Watkins (6’3 G) – mid-range scorer who has quick-twitch athleticism and natural scoring instincts. A returning all-conference player

2027 Manny Miller (5’11 G) – smart lead guard keeps his dribble alive and makes plays for others. Can score off kick-outs or with floaters in the lane

2028 Sincere Williams (6’7 F) – active forward has nice upside with his athleticism and frame. Will look to put all of the pieces together

Minooka

2026 Zane Caves (6’5 G) – headed to Michigan State for baseball. Versatile lefty wing is a strong kid who plays through contact and facilitates within the offense

2026 Brady Hairald (5’11 G) – a hard-nosed shooter who will take on a larger role after a solid junior season for Minooka

Moline

2027 Brady Welch (6’0 G) – steps into a lead role for Moline after a big spring with MidPro on the AAU circuit. Very good shooter from distance with innate passing instincts and flash with the ball

Naperville North

2026 Max Steele (6’1 G) – dual-sport standout is a multi-year varsity player. Just an all-around good player who can do a little bit of everything from handling it, to finishing through contact, to shooting off the catch

2026 Carson Loughlin (6’3 G) – an all-conference player last year, plays with a ton of energy and activity. Can guard multiple spots on the perimeter, shoots it well from three when given space, and makes the right reads as a ball-handler. Will be even more impactful as a senior

Normal Community

2027 Jarrel Brown (6’6 G/F) – high-ceiling wing is an effortless athlete capable of guarding multiple positions, hitting open catch-and-shoots, and finishing above the rim

2028 Chase Kasten (6’5 G) – one of the best sophomores in the state. Versatile, intelligent, athletic wing can shoot behind the arc or off of the bounce, drive closeouts, and make plays for others. Very competitive kid

Plainfield East

2026 Alijah Little (6’4 G) – transferred back in from Whitney Young. Excellent athlete who can get above the rim and generate paint touches consistently. Continues to progress as a perimeter shooter

2027 KJ Miller (6’5 G) – took a big step forward as a sophomore. Long, lean wing is a gifted three-point shooter who was on a tear for the last month or so of last season

Prospect

2027 Danny Simon (6’6 C) – unique talent as a low-post threat who is also an adept passer with touch out to the three-point line. Great screener, rebounder, and interior rebounder with a plus wingspan

2027 Quinn Zinzer (6’0 G) – nifty ball-handler will emerge after missing time last year. Can score in bunches from three and at the rim with a variety of finishes

Providence Catholic

2028 Kelechi Enyia (6’1 G) – among the best freshmen in the Chicago Catholic League last year. Built like a linebacker with good feet, quickness, and power inside. Looks to build off a nice spring with Breakaway where he showed athletic pop inside and an improved jumper

Richards Oak Lawn

Travon Gourdine (6’1 G) – strong, attacking guard averaged 18 points last year. Looks best when getting out in transition, but can connect on open spot-up looks as well

Rock Island

2026 Lawson Zulu (6’0 G) – defensive-minded guard who can also score in bulk in space. Was an all-conference player last year, using his quickness to affect games

2026 Aris Morgan (6’7 F) – rim-running forward does the dirty work inside as an athletic finisher, stout rim protector, and rebounder

2027 Deven Marshall (6’1 G) – took a step forward over the spring. Wiry scoring guard drives well and continues to show signs of tapping into his athletic potential

2027 Arthur Abbey (5’10 G) – a notable transfer who had a big year at Moline. Very quick off the bounce with a nose for scoring on the move and finding teammates in transition

Rockford East

2026 Brian Harper (5’9 G) – undersized guard is an efficient shooter at a high volume. Plays at his own pace and is very good when attacking in early offense

Rockford Guilford

2026 Branden Chatman (6’0 G) – quick, scoring guard had a big junior year for Guilford. Creates offense off the bounce well

Rockford Jefferson

2028 Malakhi Robinson (5’10 G) One of the best sophomores in the Rockford area. Opportunistic defender with a quick first step on offense and a smooth one-on-one game as a scorer. Has the ball on a string and can playmake as well

Saint Viator

2027 Dawson Charles (6’2 G) – athletic three-year varsity player should take another step forward this year. Attacking two-guard shoots the three well and has a nice middle game with prototypical defensive traits. Has a chance to be really good

2027 Nate Rouse (6’6 F) – transfer forward has a good face-up game and adds size for the Lions. Will be a floor spacer and rebounder who can handle it a bit

2028 Jacob Only (6’0 G) – a shutdown defender in his second varsity year. Has long arms and constantly pursues the ball. Thrives in transition and as a dribble-drive threat offensively

St. Charles North

2026 Cooper Mellican (6’5 F) – one of the best returners in the area. Physical combo forward shoots the three at a high clip, scores through contact, and is a force in the paint when aggressive. Does a lot of little things well

2026 Jake Love (6’2 G) – a three-point specialist for North will have a larger role this season. Capable of opening up games with his outside shooting

St. Francis

2027 Ben Whorlow (6’8 C) – a quickly-developing big man who has a promising perimeter game at his size. Continues to add strength and is improving as an interior scorer

Sycamore High School

2026 Marcus Johnson (6’1 G) – transfer guard who will be counted on to provide an offensive punch. Drives to the rim well and complements it with three-point range

Taylorville

2028 Brock Brown (6’5 G) – put together a great freshman campaign. High-skill wing may spend time bringing the ball up the floor and generating his own shot from three or the mid-range. Size and length to do multiple things on both ends

Thornton Fractional South

2027 Amari Dukes (6’4 G/F) – lanky wing was impressive last season as a multi-level scorer. Continues to get taller and find different ways to impact games

Timothy Christian

2026 Marc Gamble (6’7 F) – three-point shooting forward who will be the focal point for Timothy Christian again. Can put it on the ground and has good mobility and touch inside

University High School (Normal)

2026 Cameron Johnson – honorable mention all-state last year as a versatile, dynamic lead guard. Could be a 20-point scorer this year

Washington

2026 James Johnson (6’5 G) – big guard/wing does so many things for Washington. Initiates offense and gets into the lane at times but can also work off the ball as a cutter and spacer. Projects as a plus wing defender

Wheaton North

2026 Henry Schlickman (6’1 G) – all-conference guard is a sound passer, reliable outside shooter, and leading scorer for Wheaton North. Stays active with his length in their zone

2027 Ben Gillmar (6’5 F) – promising wing/forward who could be in for a huge year. Athletic, strong junior is a load inside who finishes in traffic, passes it well from the perimeter, and can stretch the floor

Wheeling High School

2026 Zach Neukirch (6’2 G) – four-year guard will be the main option once again for Wheeling. A terrific rebounder at the guard spot and also a good defender and passer who set some records last year

Woodstock High School

2027 Max Beard (6’5 G) – tall, budding guard for Woodstock is a talented three-point shooter who proved to be a plus rebounder last year. Constant growth physically and as an athlete has helped springboard his stock