I was out in Lombard for a Breakaway workout yesterday with a good group of high school players. Here are some of the standouts from the event.

Ryan Dinnon (6’7 SF/PF, Andrew 2027)

Dinnon continues to look like a steal for Wisconsin-Parkside. He has good positional size, an effortless perimeter shot, and the ability to score off the dribble to create mismatches. His ball-handling has continued to progress, and he showed the IQ and passing ability to make plays for others on the move. Dinnon is at the point now his ball skills where he should be able to spend stretches breaking pressure for Andrew.

The physical transformation has been just as impressive, and he looks more athletic, vertically explosive, and mobile than he did even a few months ago. Dinnon has continued to add dimensions to his game while maintaining the feel and skill that made him an intriguing prospect in the first place. I remain very high on his long-term potential and expect him to put together a huge senior season.

Logan Wessel (6’5 SG, Mount Carmel 2027)

Wessel is one of the best uncommitted wings in the state. He is a very good athlete who can elevate above the rim, and he plays with the toughness to attack through contact and finish in traffic. He was also effective running the wings and making quick decisions when the ball found him, showing an understanding of how to capitalize on advantages without overcomplicating possessions.

His physicality carries over to the defensive end, where he competes with an edge and has the athletic tools to guard opposing wings. Wessel has the size, toughness, and athleticism to make an impact on both ends of the floor. I expect him to be an All-State-level guard this season.

Alex Sirbu (6’9 C, Buffalo Grove 2027)

Sirbu showed why he belongs among the top big men in the state. The Columbia commit has a big frame and excellent footwork around the basket, allowing him to establish position and score efficiently inside. He was dominant during stretches of live play, using his strength and interior skill to create looks that were difficult for defenders to contest.

Sirbu also rebounded at a high level on both ends, giving him a consistent presence around the rim. He has continued to develop his ability to operate as a short-roll option, adding another dimension to his offensive game. His physicality, efficiency, and improved skill make him a formidable interior matchup.

Ben Wade (6’10 C, Waukee Northwest [IA] 2028)

Wade is an intriguing big man prospect whose size and mobility immediately stand out. He showed a promising perimeter skill set during drills, knocking down outside jumpers with good mechanics and demonstrating the potential to operate beyond the paint. At 6-foot-10, he also has the height and length to affect shots defensively and make life difficult for opposing finishers.

There is plenty to like about his long-term profile as a potential mid-major big. As Wade continues to add strength, his ability to face up, attack closeouts, and use his perimeter skill against bigger defenders should become increasingly valuable.

Joey Jakstys (6’7 PF, Yorkville 2028)

Jakstys is a player I remain very high on, particularly because of his skill and comfort operating in space for a forward his size. He handled the ball well on the perimeter and did a nice job attacking off the wing, while his smooth shooting stroke gives him legitimate potential as a floor spacer. He understands angles and spacing and showed flashes of playmaking ability when the ball moved through him in the frontcourt.

Jakstys moves well in the open floor and has the skill set to develop into a versatile stretch forward at the next level. His ability to shoot, attack closeouts, and make decisions with the ball gives him more offensive versatility than a traditional interior player. I like the direction his game is heading.

DJ Caldwell (6’3 SG, St. Ignatius 2028)

Caldwell is a smooth wing who brings some athletic pop and looks comfortable making plays on the move. He was most effective attacking the basket and making quick decisions off the catch, allowing him to take advantage of defensive gaps before they closed. He also appeared to be shooting the ball well, converting open perimeter looks.

Caldwell has the skill and athleticism to become a more consistent offensive contributor as he continues to develop. With another offseason of growth behind him, he looks well-positioned to take a step forward and put together a breakout junior season.

Noah VanTholen (6’4 PG/SG, Riverside Brookfield 2028)

VanTholen is an athletic guard who looks to have added some size. He did a good job finding ways to get paint touches and showed the ability to facilitate once he drew defensive attention. His athleticism allows him to pressure the defense off the bounce, and he appears comfortable making plays with the ball in his hands.

I like his defensive potential on the wing, particularly as his frame continues to develop. VanTholen has the versatility to play on or off the ball, and I could see him gradually taking on more responsibility at the two and three as he gets older.

Brody Dreeszen (5’8 PG, Waukee Northwest [IA] 2029)

Dreeszen was an impressive energy giver the first time I saw him. He understands how to use his speed and strength to create advantages, and his decision-making stood out throughout the game. He consistently set the table for teammates, played within the flow of the offense, and showed the instincts of a true point guard.

He was just as effective making his presence felt in other areas, from being an irritant defensively to contributing on the glass and pushing the ball in transition. Dreeszen plays with an edge and consistently looks to make winning plays. His feel for the game allows him to impact possessions well beyond what his size might suggest.

Declan Wilson (6’8 PF, Burlington Central 2029)

Wilson has intriguing long-term upside as a forward with perimeter skill and legitimate size. He handled the ball well in stretches and showed improved shooting mechanics and touch from the outside. He also demonstrated the ability to make decisions in transition and operate as a passer from the high post, giving him several ways to contribute offensively.

Wilson has added noticeable strength and athleticism heading into his sophomore season, which should help him become more effective on both ends. His ability to move between the perimeter and interior makes him an interesting developmental prospect, and I expect him to take a meaningful step forward this year.

Ryan Iacob (6’3 SG/SF, York 2029)

Iacob is a rock-solid wing who provides value in several areas. He has good size and strength for his position and showed confidence attacking the basket, using push shots and his ability to navigate traffic to create offense. His spot-up shooting mechanics also look sound, giving him another way to contribute when he isn’t handling the ball.

His impact extends to the less glamorous parts of the game. Iacob made the extra pass during live play, communicated well defensively, and moved his feet in space to stay in front of the ball. It is great to see him back at full strength, and his willingness to fill multiple roles should make him a winning player for York.

Riley Anderson (6’3 SG/SF, Wheaton Academy 2029)

Anderson is an explosive wing who looks to have added some height. His vertical athleticism gives him a real advantage around the rim, and he remains most effective as a slasher and cutter who can attack gaps without needing to dominate the ball. He also looked more comfortable as a spot-up shooter, showing encouraging progress in an area that can make him more difficult to defend.

Defensively, Anderson brings the intensity and athleticism to guard across multiple positions. His ability to cover ground and compete on the perimeter stands out, and I love the edge he brings on that end. If the shooting continues to develop, his athleticism should become even more impactful.

Orlando Bohlen (6’2 SG, Walter Payton 2029)

Bohlen is one of the premier shooters in the class. He looked excellent during drills, consistently getting into his shot and setting his feet even when moving off the ball. What stands out most is his ability to knock down jumpers with very little space, including attempts under heavy contest. His shooting range and quick preparation make him a difficult player to lose defensively.

Bohlen appears poised to take on a larger offensive role as a focal point for Walter Payton this season. He also looks more mobile and comfortable creating off the dribble, which could help keep defenders from simply running him off the three-point line. His shooting will be the calling card, but the added ability to attack should make him a more complete scorer.

Brooks Franks (6’5 PG, Wheaton Warrenville South 2029)

Franks is a big-bodied point guard with an advanced frame for his age, good athleticism, and the ability to play at his own pace. He sees the floor well and makes sound decisions, showing a natural feel for when to attack and when to get teammates involved. During live play, he did a good job collapsing the defense and finding the right reads.

His physical tools also show up defensively. Franks uses his upper body and wingspan effectively to disrupt actions in the gaps, making it difficult for opponents to navigate around him. He showed some encouraging feel for his jumper during drills, too, which will be a nice tool while playing up on varsity this year. Franks is one of the more underrated guards in the class, and his size and playmaking ability give him plenty of room to grow.

TJ Adams (6’0 PG, Waubonsie Valley 2029)

Adams is a scoring point guard with a particularly effective midrange game. He changes speeds well, has a good first step, and consistently finds ways to get into the lane and create opportunities. His ability to read defensive movement helps him find openings, and he showed a knack for generating offense without needing to rely solely on straight-line speed.

There is room for him to become even more effective as he adds strength and continues to develop physically. Adams also brings value defensively with his quickness and relentless mentality, allowing him to pressure the ball and make opposing guards work. I expect him to have a big sophomore season for Waubonsie Valley.

Grant Vongluekiat (6’1 SG, Fenwick 2030)

Vongluekiat is an impressive open-floor athlete who already has a varsity-ready body as a freshman. He showed sound shooting mechanics and a useful stop-and-pop game from the midrange, while his ability to attack the rim makes him more than just a perimeter shooter. He does not need much of an advantage to get downhill and finish through contact.

He also looks capable of becoming a productive defensive guard, bringing good activity and a willingness to impact possessions. Vongluekiat’s athleticism, physical readiness, and well-rounded skill set give him a strong starting point as he begins his high school career.

Sam Hardman (5’10 PG, Downers Grove North 2030)

Hardman is a skilled, intelligent point guard who showed a good feel for running an offense. He shot the ball well, displaying a consistent release from distance, and impressed with his footwork and creativity when getting to the rim. He has the ability to make different passes at the point guard spot and looks comfortable organizing teammates while reading the defense.

Hardman also brought a good spark defensively, particularly with his point-of-attack pressure during live play. He plays with awareness and has the instincts of a natural leader. I am excited to see how his game translates at Downers Grove North this season.

Luke Hardman (6’2 SF, Downers Grove North 2030)

Hardman is a physical wing who made a strong impression with his defensive impact during live play. He rebounds at a high level for his size and competes with a hard-nosed mentality, showing a willingness to do the work that helps a team win possessions. Offensively, he can knock down standstill threes and attack effectively when given a straight-line driving opportunity.

He looks like a player who will continue adding strength and growing into his frame. His defensive activity and rebounding already give him ways to impact games, and his ability to space the floor and attack closeouts provides a useful offensive complement.

Rylan Payne (6’6 PF, Waubonsie Valley 2030)

Payne has an intriguing ceiling as a young forward with long arms and good mobility for a freshman. He looks to be continuing to grow and already understands how to use his length defensively, contesting shots and making life difficult for drivers. Around the basket, he showed soft touch as a finisher and signs of becoming more comfortable playing through physicality.

I especially like how Payne moves in the open floor and the fact that he can put the ball on the ground. Those skills give him room to develop beyond a traditional interior role as he adds strength and continues refining his game. He has a bright future if the progression continues.

Jaxon Purvis (6’5 PG, Yorkville Christian 2030)

Purvis is an intriguing young point guard with excellent size for the position and a strong feel for the game. He sees the floor well, makes calculated decisions with the ball, and has the height to survey defenses and identify passing windows. He also showed that he can knock down shots when his feet are set, giving him a useful perimeter skill to build around.

Purvis looks like he is just beginning to tap into his athleticism. His size, instincts, and shooting ability could make him a difficult matchup for opposing guards as he continues to develop physically and becomes more comfortable creating off the dribble. He has the potential to become a major player for Yorkville Christian.

Max Michaels (6’4 SF, 2031)

Michaels is a talented eighth-grader with the potential to develop into a very good wing. He showed a functional handle and the ability to put the ball on the floor in space, while his outside shot stood out for its consistent release point and tight rotation. He also looks capable of producing from the midrange, where his length and ability to get shots off quickly can create advantages. His versatility allows him to contribute in several roles rather than being limited to one spot on the floor.

What impressed me just as much was his feel and competitiveness. Michaels moved fluidly, made decisions on the move, and showed passing and defensive versatility during live play. The ball did not stick in his hands, and he was willing to challenge himself throughout the drills and didn’t back down from some older matchups. As he gets stronger and becomes more comfortable playing through contact, his skill set should become even more effective. He is a player to keep an eye on for years to come.

Cam Smith (6’2 PG/SG, 2031)

Smith is another talented eighth-grader worth tracking. He is a high-level shooter with legitimate long-range ability and the confidence to keep letting it fly. He already has good height for a guard and showed that he can score in several ways, including creating space for tough shots off the dribble. His ability to maintain confidence after a miss is a valuable trait for a player whose shooting can be such a weapon.

Smith also showed some promising instincts as a creator, looking comfortable making moves in space and generating his own looks. Defensively, he anticipates well from the help side and has the awareness to read developing plays. With his shooting ability, size for a guard, and growing offensive versatility, he is an intriguing young prospect to follow.