In addition to our standard individual player evaluations from the Riverside Brookfield Live Event, the following team evaluations were provided by guest contributor Griffin Kammes, who has been photographer and covered several of our past events. He spent the weekend capturing action and observing games for a number of teams that competed at Riverside Brookfield.

Benet

Despite graduating standout players Jayden Wright and Colin Stack, Benet Academy appears every bit as formidable as in previous seasons. Playing through 6’8″ senior forward Ed Stasys, the Redwings showcased a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined, aggressive defensive approach in their 1:00 PM matchup against Neuqua Valley. Stasys anchored the effort with an impressive performance, using his physicality to dominate the boards while finishing with 20 points. As usual, Benet was supported by a strong cast of experienced contributors, including senior guards Blair Fagbemi and Tyler Cibulka. Fagbemi displayed poise and confidence as a primary ball-handler, scoring efficiently at all three levels while making his biggest impact on the defensive end with relentless on-ball pressure and a strong commitment to rebounding. Cibulka impressed from beyond the arc, connecting on two three-pointers, including a deep shot from nearly 25 feet. With a veteran supporting cast and a clear focal point in Stasys, the Redwings look poised to remain among the state’s top teams.

Neuqua Valley

Neuqua Valley has emerged as one of my early favorites to contend for a state title this season. Led by what is arguably the top duo in Illinois, junior Cole Kelly and senior Mason Martin, the Wildcats possess both a high floor and a high ceiling as a team. Across the two Neuqua Valley games I watched, two things stood out immediately: the confidence of the team’s role players and the team’s willingness to shoot from beyond the arc. In their matchup against Bolingbrook, it seemed as though nearly every first-half shot came from three-point range. This approach was somewhat surprising given the size advantage Neuqua Valley held and the more balanced offensive attack they have typically displayed in previous viewings. What remains consistent, however, is the impact of their star duo.

Martin continues to be a dangerous perimeter threat capable of stretching defenses, while Kelly further solidifies his reputation as one of the most complete players in the state with his versatility and all-around production. The Wildcats also received strong contributions from senior guards Carter Coviello and Arshil Khamani, who complemented the team’s stars with poised and confident play, combining for a couple threes combined against Bolingbrook. Coviello, in particular, continues to be one of the area’s more underrated point guards. His defensive presence on the perimeter was evident against Benet, where his active hands and anticipation helped generate two second-half steals. With elite top-end talent, capable role players, and a confident offensive identity, Neuqua Valley looks well positioned to be among the state’s premier teams throughout the upcoming season.

Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook opened the Riverside-Brookfield Live Event with an 0-2 record, but the results were far more competitive than the record alone would suggest. The Raiders showed plenty of promising signs, particularly with the integration of new transfer Nate Woods. The 6-foot-5 wing endured a difficult shooting start in the opener against East St. Louis, missing his first four three-point attempts, but this didn’t waiver his confidence. As expected, much of Bolingbrook’s attack was generated by Brady Pettigrew‘s ability to penetrate the defense and create kick-out opportunities for shooters. However, Woods has seemed to transition from more of a catch and shoot threat to more of an off the dribble threat. Marlon and Mason Williams also made their presence felt throughout the event. The twins brought constant energy on both ends of the floor, using their relentless motor and aggressive ball pressure to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers shifting momentum throughout the game. Like many teams across Illinois this season, Bolingbrook has some challenges with its overall size, lacking traditional bigs inside. That disadvantage was noticeable in both contests, particularly when competing for rebounds and matching up against larger frontcourts.

Despite those limitations, the Raiders remained competitive through their pace, defensive intensity, and ability to create pressure offensively. The most encouraging takeaway, however, was the play of Pettigrew and his ability to take over the game when needed. The five-star junior looked capable of generating offense whenever he wanted, regardless of the opponent. Against Neuqua Valley, he set the tone from the opening possessions with an aggressive mindset, repeatedly going back and forth with one of the state’s premier players in Cole Kelly claiming. His combination of athleticism, shot creation, and competitive fire consistently put opposing defenses under pressure and turned routine possessions into highlight-worthy moments. While Bolingbrook still has areas to address, particularly regarding size and interior depth, the foundation remains strong. With Pettigrew leading the way, Woods continuing to adjust to his new role, and a supporting cast that embraces the program’s recent trademark intensity, the Raiders possess the talent and toughness to remain one of the more dangerous teams in the state as the season approaches.
 

East St. Louis

East St. Louis delivered a complete team performance in its 74-70 victory over Bolingbrook, matching the Raiders’ athleticism and intensity with a relentless effort of its own from start to finish. While the win was fueled by contributions throughout the roster, Devrice Johnson and Phillip Jones emerged as the Flyers’ standout performers. Johnson made his impact felt in every facet of the game, scoring efficiently at all three levels while also generating turnovers on the defensive end. His activity and versatility consistently created momentum for East St. Louis throughout the contest. Jones complemented Johnson’s production with a poised and controlled performance as the team’s primary floor general. He did an excellent job balancing playmaking responsibilities with his own scoring opportunities, attacking the rim when openings presented themselves and repeatedly finishing through contact.

East St. Louis set the tone early with its physicality and defensive pressure, creating problems for Bolingbrook throughout the first half. Just as impressive, however, was the confidence the Flyers displayed when matched up against one of the state’s premier players in Brady Pettigrew. Even as Pettigrew began to take over stretches of the second half and elevate his scoring output, East St. Louis never wavered. The Flyers continued to compete aggressively, trusting their game plan and refusing to back down in crucial moments. The result was a hard-fought victory that showcased not only East St. Louis’ talent, but also the toughness, confidence, and collective effort that make the Flyers a team capable of competing with anyone in the state.

West Aurora

West Aurora came out firing against Andrew, setting the tone early behind the stellar play of senior guard Travis Brown. Brown was electric from the opening tip, pouring in approximately 20 first-half points while showcasing both his scoring ability and efficiency. While high-scoring performances often come with a high volume of shot attempts, Brown was remarkably efficient, missing only a handful of shots and consistently making the right decisions offensively. Brown’s impact extended beyond his scoring. He did an excellent job creating opportunities for his teammates, particularly 6’8” post player Jordan Weeks. Weeks demonstrated impressive versatility for his size, knocking down two three pointers and forcing Andrew’s defense to extend beyond the paint. His ability to stretch the floor created additional driving lanes and opened up the offense for West Aurora’s playmakers.

Those opportunities were capitalized on by players such as Orlando Edwards, who effectively attacked closeouts and finished through contact at the rim. The Blackhawks’ offensive balance made them difficult to defend, as multiple players were able to take advantage of the space created. Another key factor in West Aurora’s success was its composure against Andrew’s full court pressure. The Blackhawks’ ball handlers remained poised and patient throughout the game, consistently breaking the press without rushing possessions. Their ability to stay under control limited turnovers and allowed them to maximize scoring opportunities, a crucial component of their strong overall performance. With Brown leading the way, Weeks providing a unique inside-out presence, and the rest of the roster executing with confidence and discipline, West Aurora put together one of the more impressive performances of the event.

Andrew

Andrew is led by senior wing Ryan Dinnon, whose all around scoring ability and leadership kept the Thunder competitive throughout the contest. The 6’7” standout consistently found ways to produce offensively, scoring from all areas of the floor while doing his best to match the explosive start put together by West Aurora’s Travis Brown. Whether attacking the basket, operating in the mid range, or stretching the floor, Dinnon proved to be a difficult matchup and a steady source of offense. Defensively, Andrew established its identity through relentless ball pressure. The Thunder applied pressure for the entirety of the game, frequently picking up opponents full court and forcing them to work for every possession. Senior guard Malik Mahmoud was at the center of that effort, setting the tone with his energy, toughness, and intensity on both ends of the floor. His ability to pressure ball handlers and disrupt offensive rhythm was a key component of Andrew’s defensive approach. Offensively, the Thunder relied on crisp ball movement and unselfish play to generate quality scoring opportunities. Quick passes and strong spacing consistently led to open looks, helping Andrew remain within striking distance and keeping the game competitive throughout.

After halftime, Andrew came out with renewed energy and immediately capitalized on signs of fatigue from Brown following his tremendous first-half performance. Senior guard Justin Freeman sparked the Thunder’s second-half surge by knocking down three consecutive three pointers, providing a significant momentum swing and helping Andrew seize control of the game’s early stages after the break. The combination of Dinnon’s scoring versatility, Mahmoud’s defensive leadership, and the team’s commitment to pressure defense and ball movement demonstrated why Andrew has the potential to be a difficult matchup for opponents throughout the season.

Glenbard West

Glenbard West endured a challenging opening to the Riverside Brookfield event against Lincoln-Way East and Oswego East, but the Hilltoppers still displayed some encouraging individual performances, particularly from their backcourt duo of senior Bennett Kammes and junior Quinn Stallings. Offensively, much of Glenbard West’s production runs through those two guards. Kammes continues to establish himself as one of the area’s premier shooters, knocking down multiple three pointers in both contests. His shot making ability was on full display with a roughly 55 foot buzzer beating three to end the first half but got called back by refs, followed by another long-range make from well beyond NBA range against Oswego East to tie the game with 6 seconds left. His ability to stretch defenses creates valuable spacing and gives the Hilltoppers a reliable perimeter scoring threat. While Kammes provided his usual shooting display, the standout individual performance of the event belonged to Stallings. The 6’3” junior erupted for 29 points against Oswego East, showcasing a complete offensive arsenal. Stallings scored at all three levels, knocking down perimeter shots while also attacking the basket with confidence and finishing through contact. His combination of size, skill, and aggressiveness made him difficult to contain throughout the game.

Outside of Kammes and Stallings, Glenbard West continues to develop additional offensive contributors as players settle into their roles. When either Kammes or Stallings catches fire, Glenbard West is capable of competing with anyone. When those opportunities are limited, generating offense can become a challenge. Defensively, the Hilltoppers rely heavily on a 1-3-1 zone that aggressively attacks the ball after the initial pass. With seniors Avery Flores and Dax Keller being big contributors always looking to stick their noses in to take charges and get deflections. The scheme helps compensate for an undersized lineup by creating turnovers, disrupting offensive rhythm, and forcing opponents into uncomfortable decisions. However, because of their size limitations, it also requires a collective commitment to rebounding, with all five players needing to contribute on the glass. Overall, Glenbard West appears to be a team with some youth who has some upside as players settle into varsity roles.

Lincoln Way East

Lincoln-Way East delivered a hard-fought performance against Glenbard West, with its energy and physicality proving to be major factors in the outcome. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Griffins applied consistent ball pressure and aggressively attacked passing lanes, creating turnovers and disrupting Glenbard West’s offensive rhythm. Their defensive intensity made it difficult for the Hilltoppers to operate comfortably on offense. The physical nature of Lincoln-Way East’s defense was evident throughout the game. The Griffins played with a high level of aggressiveness, frequently challenging ball handlers and contesting possessions. While that style can be highly effective, maintaining discipline within that approach will be important as the season progresses. Finding the balance between physicality and foul management could be a key factor in the team’s success. Offensively, Lincoln-Way East did an excellent job utilizing its size advantage against Glenbard West’s zone defense.

The Griffins consistently collapsed the defense and generated quality perimeter opportunities, leading to several three-pointers from Marcus Gordson, Reece Klas, and Aaron Stauffacher. Their ability to stretch the floor while leveraging their interior presence made them difficult to defend and allowed them to maintain offensive balance throughout the contest. Overall, Lincoln-Way East possesses several traits that translate to long-term success: size, defensive intensity, perimeter shooting, and a willingness to play physically. When the Griffins are knocking down shots and controlling the game’s tempo, they have the potential to be a difficult matchup for opponents throughout the season. If they can pair that physical style with consistent discipline on both ends of the floor, they have the tools to emerge as a strong contender in their conference and beyond.

Oswego

Oswego was one of the more impressive teams on display, turning in a strong performance against a talented and physical Benet squad. Led by junior guard Ethan Vahl, the Panthers showcased a balanced attack, competitive toughness, and the potential of a young core that continues to trend upward. Vahl was the catalyst, delivering a remarkable 31 point performance while demonstrating complete control of the offense. His ball handling ability consistently allowed him to create separation from defenders, generating opportunities both at the rim and from the perimeter. Whether attacking through traffic for difficult finishes or knocking down contested jump shots, Vahl proved capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. What made his performance even more impressive was his ability to create for others when defenses shifted their attention toward him. Vahl repeatedly made smart, timely passes to open teammates, including Graham Schwab, who provided a reliable perimeter threat, and the Panthers’ frontcourt duo of 6’11” Cole Jansons and 6’7” Niko Jurkovic.

The combination of Vahl’s playmaking and Oswego’s interior size made the Panthers difficult to defend and allowed them to maintain offensive balance throughout the contest. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Oswego’s performance is the youth of its core contributors. Both Vahl and Jansons are juniors, giving the program two high upside pieces who are still developing physically and refining their games. Their continued growth, combined with the experience gained in high level competition, gives Oswego a strong foundation moving forward. Beyond the individual talent, the Panthers play with a noticeable edge. Their effort, physicality, and willingness to compete on every possession allow them to challenge quality opponents regardless of circumstance.

Lyons Township

The Lions are led by senior guard Timmy Sloan and junior wing Grant Smith, who form one of the more intriguing duos in the state. Smith appears to be the focal point of the offense, while Sloan serves as the floor general, orchestrating the attack with poise and precision. In Lyons Township’s matchup against Mt. Carmel, Smith immediately asserted himself by scoring the team’s first ten points. The junior demonstrated his versatility as a scorer, showing the ability to produce at all three levels while being particularly effective attacking off the dribble and getting downhill to the basket. Sloan’s impact extends beyond the box score. At 6’5”, he often has a size advantage over opposing guards, allowing him to see over defenses and make advanced reads as a passer. His court vision and decision making help keep the offense organized and create quality opportunities for teammates throughout the game. As the primary ball handler, Sloan consistently controls the tempo and ensures the Lions operate efficiently.

The supporting cast also played an important role in the team’s successes this weekend. Players such as Ty Smith, Quinn Carroll, and Grayson Lee provided valuable offensive contributions by knocking down perimeter shots and converting difficult scoring opportunities inside the arc. Their ability to complement the team’s stars helps make Lyons Township a difficult team to defend. Overall, the Lions are well coached and play with high effort and discipline. With Smith’s scoring ability, Sloan’s leadership and playmaking, and a capable supporting cast surrounding them, Lyons Township appears positioned to remain a formidable team within their conference.

Mt. Carmel

Mount Carmel was one of the most impressive teams I saw throughout the weekend. The Caravan combined an aggressive offensive approach with relentless defensive intensity, showcasing a roster that is both talented and exceptionally well balanced. Their ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor consistently stood out and helped establish them as a team worth closely monitoring heading into the season. Senior Logan Wessel serves as one of the team’s leaders and primary weapons. At 6’5” with a strong frame and impressive athleticism, Wessel presents matchup problems in a variety of ways. Against Lyons Township, he opened the game by knocking down a three pointer before immediately utilizing his size and strength to attack the basket. His versatility allows him to score from multiple areas of the floor while also providing a physical presence that sets the tone for the team. Despite Wessel’s strong performance, what stood out most was Mount Carmel’s overall depth. The Caravan have no shortage of contributors, particularly following the additions of transfers Eze Nwagwu from St. Rita and Tim Adenrele from Thornton Fractional South. Nwagwu provides valuable stability as a ball handler while also offering perimeter shooting ability. Against Lyons Township, however, his greatest impact came on the defensive end, where his ball pressure, active hands, and anticipation disrupted passing lanes and generated turnovers. Adenrele adds another dimension to the roster with his size and length. The 6’10” forward possesses a tremendous wingspan and used it effectively throughout the game. While his long term potential may still be developing, he already impacts winning through rebounding, rim protection, and his ability to occupy space defensively. His presence in the paint makes opponents think twice about attacking the basket and provides Mount Carmel with valuable interior depth.

The future is equally bright for the Caravan thanks to the emergence of Ronald Johnson and Dakylen Heard, both members of the Class of 2029. The sophomore duo consistently made winning plays, combining aggressive defense with the ability to score at all three levels. Their energy, confidence, and productivity suggest they could become major contributors not only this season but for years to come. What ultimately separates Mount Carmel is its balance. The Caravan possess proven upperclassmen leadership, impactful newcomers, talented young players, and a deep rotation capable of contributing in multiple ways. Coupled with their physical defensive identity and ability to generate offense from a variety of sources, Mount Carmel has all the ingredients of a legitimate contender. Based on what they showed this weekend, the Caravan have the talent, depth, and toughness to put themselves firmly in the conversation among the state’s top teams this upcoming season.

Marist

The reigning state champions looked every bit the part in their matchup against Downers Grove North, turning in a strong performance against the Trojans. Led by returning starter Kendall Meyers, the Redhawks controlled much of the contest and consistently found ways to capitalize on their advantages. Marist’s offensive approach centered around attacking Downers Grove North’s 2-3 zone by leveraging its size and athleticism. The ability of Amari Brown and Matt Greene Jr. to penetrate the defense forced the Trojans to collapse into the paint, creating quality perimeter opportunities for shooters such as Brown and Tyce Bullock. The Redhawks displayed patience and discipline offensively, repeatedly generating open looks while maintaining constant pressure on the defense. Another major factor in Marist’s success was its dominance on the glass. Myers and Chase Coleman were instrumental in securing rebounds and creating second chance opportunities, allowing the Redhawks to extend possessions and convert extra scoring opportunities. Their work inside helped establish a physical presence that Downers Grove North struggled to consistently match.

The standout performer of the game was Bullock, whose impact was felt on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he set the tone with relentless on ball pressure, generating multiple steals that quickly turned into transition points. Offensively, Bullock showcased his athleticism and skill, repeatedly beating defenders off the dribble with a quick first step and displaying impressive touch when finishing through contact around the basket. His two way performance provided a glimpse of the versatility that makes him such an important piece of the Redhawks’ success. Marist appeared firmly in control late in the game and was able to turn to its bench before a brief Downers Grove North surge prompted the return of the starters. The Trojans knocked down a few timely shots to narrow the gap, but the Redhawks quickly regained control and closed out the victory. What continues to stand out about Marist is its aggressive mentality on both ends of the floor. Whether attacking favorable matchups offensively, pressuring opponents defensively, or battling for extra possessions, the Redhawks play with a confidence and physicality that few teams can match. With experienced leadership, proven talent, and the championship pedigree that comes from last season’s title run, Marist looks poised to once again be a major factor among the top teams in Illinois.

St. Ignatius

With the graduation of Chris Bolte, St. Ignatius enters a new chapter as the Wolfpack work to establish a fresh identity. Based on their performance this weekend, the program appears to be heading in the right direction. Built around the complementary talents of junior guard Amir Tucker and senior forward Duke Ross, St. Ignatius has the foundation of a balanced inside-out attack that can challenge opponents in multiple ways. Tucker serves as the catalyst for the offense. As the team’s primary ball handler, he controls the pace of the game while providing a reliable scoring threat from the perimeter. What stands out most about Tucker is his confidence. The 6’3” guard plays with a confidence that helps him convert tough shots routinely. That confidence, combined with his shot making ability and ball handling skills, makes him a constant threat whenever the ball is in his hands. Ross anchors the interior and provides the physical presence that complements Tucker’s perimeter game. Despite standing 6’6” and often matching up against larger frontcourt players, Ross consistently embraces the challenge. In St. Ignatius’ matchup against Stevenson, he showcased his toughness by finishing through contact, battling for rebounds, and competing effectively against taller opponents. Ross’ impact extends beyond statistics; he thrives in the physical aspects of the game and consistently does the hard work that helps his team succeed. His motor and willingness to compete on every possession make him one of the leaders of the roster. The combination of Tucker and Ross creates a difficult dynamic for opposing defenses to manage. Tucker’s ability to stretch defenses and create off the dribble opens opportunities inside, while Ross’ presence in the paint forces opponents to commit additional attention around the basket.

As a result, the Wolfpack’s supporting cast benefits from increased space and opportunities to contribute offensively. Defensively, St. Ignatius plays with a level of intensity and determination that can frustrate opposing teams. Their effort on that end of the floor was particularly noticeable against Stevenson. On multiple occasions, the Patriots appeared to have transition opportunities only for the Wolfpack to sprint back, recover, and force difficult possessions. That commitment to defense, combined with their willingness to compete for every loose ball and contested play, gives St. Ignatius an identity built on toughness and effort. While the Wolfpack are still developing in the post-Bolte era, the pieces are clearly in place for a successful season. With Tucker providing a threat from the perimeter, Ross anchoring the interior, and a team-wide commitment to playing hard on both ends of the floor, St. Ignatius looks poised to continue moving in a positive direction.

Stevenson

Stevenson was one of the biggest surprises of the event, delivering an impressive performance against St. Ignatius that showcased the depth, versatility, and competitiveness from the Patriots’ roster. From the opening tip, Stevenson appeared in control, excelling in nearly every facet of the game and consistently making winning plays on both ends of the floor. Senior guard Kavin Patel was at the center of that success. Patel impacted the game in a variety of ways, scoring efficiently at all three levels while bringing relentless energy on the defensive end. Whether knocking down perimeter shots, attacking the basket, or making plays in the mid-range, he consistently found ways to contribute offensively. Defensively, his willingness to sacrifice his body and take charges exemplified the toughness that defined Stevenson’s performance. It seemed that whenever the Patriots made a key play or generated momentum, Patel was involved in some capacity. Patel was complemented by fellow senior Timo Sirotyuk, a 6’7” forward whose athleticism consistently stood out. Sirotyuk excelled in transition, turning defensive rebounds into offensive opportunities. On multiple occasions, he initiated fast breaks by securing the rebound, making the correct outlet pass, and then sprinting the length of the floor to finish the possession himself. His ability to run the court and impact the game in transition added another dimension to Stevenson’s attack.

The Patriots also benefited from the play of 6’6” forward Quinton Frakes, who operated effectively as a stretch forward. Frabes demonstrated confidence as a perimeter shooter, forcing defenders to respect his range, while also showing the ability to attack closeouts and finish strong drives to the basket. His versatility created matchup problems and helped maintain offensive balance throughout the contest. What stood out most about Stevenson was the way its pieces complemented one another. The Patriots combined skilled guard play, athleticism on the wing, positional versatility, and a high level of effort to produce a well rounded team performance. Their ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes them a difficult matchup and gives them the potential to compete with some of the top teams in the state.

Waubonsie Valley

From the opening tip against Simeon, Waubonsie Valley played with a level of intensity and urgency that immediately stood out. The Warriors thrive in an up tempo environment, consistently applying pressure and forcing opponents to match their pace. That identity starts with one of the top players in Illinois’ Class of 2027, Kristopher Mporokoso. Listed at 6’5”, Mporokoso combines size, athleticism, and explosiveness to impact the game in a variety of ways. His acceleration is particularly impressive, allowing him to go from a standstill to full speed in an instant. Whether attacking the basket in transition or creating opportunities in the half court, Mporokoso consistently puts pressure on defenses and serves as the engine that drives the Warriors’ offense. As is the case with many of the state’s top teams, Waubonsie Valley is more than just its star player. The Warriors boast a solid supporting cast, with junior guard Isaac Echols and senior forward Darion Butler standing out as key contributors. Echols embraces the team’s fast paced style and plays with confidence on the offensive end. Capable of scoring at all three levels, he provides another dynamic weapon that defenses must account for. His ability to create offense both for himself and within the flow of the game prevents opponents from focusing solely on Mporokoso and helps create favorable one-on-one opportunities for the rest of the roster.

Butler impacts the game in a different, but equally important, manner. The 6’8” senior serves as the team’s interior anchor, bringing size, physicality, and stability to the frontcourt. While the Warriors often play with high energy and speed, Butler’s approach is more measured and controlled. His effectiveness comes from his positioning, timing, and understanding of his role. Whether protecting the paint, controlling the glass, or finishing around the basket, Butler consistently provides the interior presence necessary to complement Waubonsie Valley’s perimeter-oriented attack. What makes the Warriors so effective is the way their roster pieces fit together. They combine speed, athleticism, and aggression with enough size and discipline to remain balanced on both ends of the floor. Their ability to create and capitalize on the chaos generated by their pace makes them a difficult matchup for opponents, and if their performance against Simeon is any indication, Waubonsie Valley has the talent and depth to be a serious contender throughout the season.

Wheaton Academy

Wheaton Academy looked like a well oiled machine throughout its appearances at the Riverside Brookfield event, displaying balance, discipline, and execution. At the center of everything is senior standout Hayden Schroeder, whose impact on the offense cannot be overstated. Entering the season with 1,667 career points, the 6’8” forward has firmly established himself as one of the state’s premier offensive threats. Against Peoria Central, Schroeder was dominant in the paint, consistently drawing multiple defenders and creating matchup problems whenever he touched the ball. His combination of size, skill, and scoring instincts forced opponents to dedicate significant defensive attention to slowing him down. What makes Wheaton Academy particularly dangerous, however, is the quality of the pieces surrounding Schroeder. The Warriors boast a disciplined and experienced supporting cast that complements their star in a variety of ways. Tyler Anderson and Noah Tink provided valuable perimeter shooting, stretching defenses and capitalizing on the opportunities created by Schroeder’s presence inside. Their ability to knock down outside shots prevented opponents from collapsing too heavily into the paint and added another layer to the Warriors’ offensive attack.

Meanwhile, Ray Rienow made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. His interior physicality, rebounding, and defensive activity provided stability in the frontcourt while also contributing offensively when called upon. His versatility and willingness to do the little things helped maintain the balance that defines Wheaton Academy’s style of play. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Warriors’ performance was their adaptability. Whether the game required scoring in the paint, perimeter shooting, defensive stops, or physical rebounding, Wheaton Academy consistently seemed to have an answer. Their ability to execute in a variety of situations, combined with strong leadership and a clear identity, allowed them to operate with a level of efficiency that stood out throughout the event.