I was out at one of the longest-running fall leagues in the state in Waukegan to watch some games at the Fundamental U Fall League. I only watched a handful of games during the day, and here are 12 players who stood out across classes.

Jared Van Donselaar (6’7 PF, Grayslake North 2028)

Van Donselaar moved well throughout the game and showed the versatility that makes him an intriguing forward prospect. He knocked down a three and handled the ball for extended stretches in space, showing comfort doing more than just operating around the basket. His length also makes him a factor defensively, particularly as a shot blocker around the rim.

At 6-foot-7, his mobility and willingness to operate on the perimeter give him plenty of room to grow into a more complete player. He has the tools to impact the game at both ends, and I expect him to take a significant step forward as a junior. Van Donselaar is a very intriguing prospects to track in the junior class.

Elton Jaegerskog (6’4 SG, New Trier 2027)

Jaegerskog played with a physical, aggressive mentality, consistently attacking downhill and putting pressure on the defense. His first step was effective, and his body control around the rim stood out as he found ways to finish through traffic. He also looked more athletic and agile than he did over the summer, while his pull-up and perimeter shooting both appeared solid.

The defensive effort remains a major part of his appeal as he continues to be a very good on-ball defender who competes with a high motor. Jaegerskog has the physicality, toughness, and developing offensive skill to make an impact at the next level. He is one of the better uncommitted senior guards in the area.

Tristan Trotter (6’4 SF, Hersey 2027)

Trotter looks poised for a breakout senior season, bringing good size and shooting ability to the wing. During the game I saw, he was useful in several different roles, spacing the floor, attacking on straight-line drives, and making plays as a connector when the ball moved through him. He also held his own on the glass, adding another layer to his overall impact.

Trotter’s ability to contribute without needing to dominate the ball should serve him well as he helps lead a senior-heavy Hersey team. His shootinf and size have made him a popular target for Division III programs throughout the Midwest, and he looks ready to build on the progress he has made.

Hunter Thiel (6’7 PF, Glenbrook South 2028)

Thiel continues to be a player I like, particularly because of his interior skill, physicality, and feel. GBS played through him on the block, where he showed good footwork, soft touch, and the ability to finish with hooks or short turnarounds. He seals well, has a good body, and understands how to establish position before receiving the ball.

He also competes physically on both ends and rebounded well, while his hands and ability to run the floor add to his value. Thiel has a dependable interior game that I would imagine makes him a featured piece this season, and I remain high on his potential as he continues to develop.

Ben Newcomb (6’4 SG, Lakes 2027)

Newcomb put together a scoring clinic, attacking with decisiveness and consistently finding ways to create quality looks. He was effective getting into the paint, played well off two feet, and showed impressive patience when finishing through traffic. His frame allows him to absorb and deliver contact, using bumps to create separation for layups or short jumpers. Newcomb can shoot the laces off the ball, which led to a couple of threes in the game I saw. He also displayed clean footwork off the catch and a repeatable release while working both on and off the ball.

Newcomb also was using his body well to stay in front of the ball and hold his ground against guards and wings. His experience battling in the post over the years seems to really serve him when going up for rebounds in traffic or absorbing contact. Newcomb has the skill, physicality, and toughness to become a very good college player at the Division III level. He can create his own offense, make shots from the perimeter, and use his body to his advantage inside. His scoring versatility makes him a difficult matchup for opposing guards, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he had an All-State type of season.

Rory Haas (6’7 PF, Lake Forest 2027)

Haas did a little bit of everything, using his size and strength to carve out space on the glass and finish through contact. He was especially effective inside against a smaller Highland Park lineup, where his physicality created advantages around the basket. He also showed good touch as a floor spacer and altered shots defensively in the paint.

Beyond his scoring and rebounding, Haas made some nice passes during the portion of the game observed. He can do damage as an interior scorer while still providing value away from the basket, and his size allows him to influence possessions defensively. It’s not easy to find 6-foot-7 players who can stretch the floor, make some plays off the dribble, or battle inside. Another promising, uncommitted senior.

Sammy Fuller (6’4 PG/SG, Loyola 2027)

Fuller was one of the more impressive players of the day, consistently making winning plays. He put constant pressure on the rim, attacked with force, and showed the ability to finish in a variety of ways. His playmaking also stood out, particularly when delivering passes on the move while keeping his head up and remaining under control. He is very comfortable navigating crowds and finding opportunities where others might see traffic.

Fuller’s impact extended well beyond his offensive production. He is a good defender who can guard multiple positions, stays active with his hands, and contributes on the glass as one of Loyola’s top rebounders. The defensive traits along with his IQ just feel like a seamless transition to the college game. His size, playmaking instincts, and defensive versatility make him a player I expect to open eyes this season in an elevated role.

Luke Alvarez (6’1 PG/SG, Loyola 2027)

Alvarez was automatic from three, consistently knocking down shots with a quick release and very little need for space. He was always ready to shoot and showed the ability to capitalize whenever the defense gave him an opening. His movement without the ball was particularly effective, as he understood how to find space and stay involved within Loyola’s guard-heavy lineup.

The shooting is the obvious calling card, but Alvarez also plays with toughness and intelligence. He scrapped for rebounds and loose balls, competed for extra possessions, and showed that he can contribute both on and off the ball. His readiness to shoot and willingness to do the little things make him a valuable perimeter threat. Alvarez is already committed to Denison.

Josh Kaunas (6’6 PF, Johnsburg 2027)

Kaunas is one of the better, under-the-radar forward prospects in the state. He shot the ball extremely well from three, both on pick-and-pop opportunities and kick-outs, while also showing the ability to create space from the triple threat with well-timed jab steps. He runs the floor effectively, gets off the ground fairly well around the basket, and has enough handle to attack off the bounce when defenders chase him off the line. His perimeter skill gives him a versatile offensive profile for a 6-foot-6 forward, and Kaunas showed that throughout the day.

The physical development has been just as impressive. Kaunas has added significant muscle over the last six months and now has a strong, powerful frame that allows him to do more than just hold his own physically. He is now filled out to a point where he has the upper and lower body strength to dictate positioning on both ends. He also has an intriguing defensive profile thanks to his mobility and timing as a rim protector. I am very high on Kaunas as he continues to develop, especially with how he shoots it and clearly has taken pride in transforming his body.

Elie Ghattas (6’7 PF, DePaul Prep 2027)

Ghattas consistently looked to establish himself inside, using his strength and shot fakes to neutralize opposing shot blockers. He finished well off dump-offs and seals, showed a reliable touch over his left shoulder, and was a force on the offensive glass. His ability to palm the ball out of the air and finish dunks with authority never get old, acting as a magnetic outlet inside for the guards on the team.

The motor is another major part of his game. Ghattas plays with consistent energy, runs the floor, and competes for every rebound. He also showed good passing instincts around the basket, including when operating as a high-low option. The best part is that he still has so much of a runway for growth as his skillset and anticipation on both ends keep progress. Ghattas should be a nice interior piece for the Rams, and he is only scratching the surface of how good he will be.

Jack Hearn (5’9 PG, New Trier JV 2029)

Hearn is a highly skilled and competitive young point guard who played with confidence and an edge. He ran the offense well, made good decisions on the move, and used a shifty handle to create advantages for himself and others. His shooting range was especially impressive, with what felt like a barrage of deep threes where he showed the ability to make shots off the bounce as well. As a passer, he delivered the ball with precision and wasn’t afraid to make plays in the teeth of the defense.

What stands out is how much Hearn can accomplish despite his size. He plays with fiery toughness, keeps his head up, and combines scoring ability with legitimate, natural playmaking instincts. He looks like a true all-around point guard who can control possessions and create opportunities for teammates who will be a winning PG for years to come.

Evan Rieck (6’4 SG/SF, New Trier JV 2029)

Rieck is one of the better open-court athletes and dunkers I have seen in the 2029 class. His explosiveness off the ground was on full display, highlighted by a tomahawk putback and a reverse dunk. He was consistently effective as a slasher and cutter, and he did a nice job attacking closeouts when defenders ran at him. He also knocked down a three and looked comfortable with his shot mechanics.

His athleticism creates plenty of opportunities on the defensive end, too. Rieck has the explosiveness and anticipation to develop into a disruptive gap defender who can jump passing lanes and be a potential rim protector from the wing. With his size, leaping ability, and willingness to attack, he has a ton of tools to work with as he continues to round out his game. Rieck could be a special player if he puts it all together.