Romeoville Live: Bates Top Friday Underclassmen Performers
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Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL 6’4 Pg (Simeon ’26): It was the first look that we had of Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL in a Wolverine…
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Continue ReadingAndre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL 6’4 Pg (Simeon ’26):
It was the first look that we had of Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL in a Wolverine uniform and he put on an ABSOLUTE SHOW! Likely had the most impressive showing by an underclassmen on this day. In the game against Urbana, he impacted the game in every way imaginable. He handled the ball, facilitated for his teammates, rebounded, scored, and even blocked a couple shots. What won’t show up in the box score is a young players natural ability to lead. He was vocal on the court communicating with teammates, which is all a part of his winning intangibles. Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG Simeon | 2026 State IL has stardom written all over him, and we are excited to watch his story unfold.
Noah Mister Noah Mister 6'1" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2026 State IL 6’0 Pg (Kenwood ’26):
Noah was playing for the first time in June after being out with an ankle injury. Generally with missing that amount of time you would expect some degree of rust, but that was certainly not the case. Noah added another element to the Bronco well oiled machine. His ability to have a balance of scoring and facilitating is something that gave his team a different element than what we saw last week. In the game that I evaluated, he quite possibly did not miss a single jump shot. He is a deadeye shooter with a supremely high basketball IQ. That combination is something that is going to bold well for him projecting out to the next level. The only concern was his lack of physical stature, and it appears he has grown a few inches since we have last saw him. I am very high on Noah, and he projects out to being one of the better players in the class of 2026.
Rajan Roberts Rajan Roberts 6'2" | PG Kenwood | 2026 State IL 6’1 Pg (Joliet West ’26):
You have to catch yourself from not taking for granted the consistency of Rajan Roberts Rajan Roberts 6'2" | PG Kenwood | 2026 State IL . He has been consistently so good, that you come to expect of level of excellence from him. Today, Roberts was doing the things that has many speaking his name when it comes to being the top of the 2026 class. He may be the most elusive ball handler in the class. Rajan consistently breaks initial defenders down off the dribble and creates opportunities for himself as well as his teammates. At 6’1, Rajan has the size to finish in traffic or get to the foul line. Some players just have an “IT” factor, and Roberts certainly has that. Has shown in June his ability to be a floor general. That balance to go along with his next level scoring prowess, makes it easy to see why he is one of the most coveted players in his class.
Mickeis Johnson Mickeis Johnson 6'3" | SG Romeoville | 2026 State IL 6’3 Guard (Romeoville ’26):
It is rare when talking about young players to use the term “2 way player.” With that being said, that is certainly what Mickeis is. He is one of the toughest young players in the state of Illinois. He is highly productive on the offensive end, and is a lockdown defender on the defensive end. Mickeis showed the ability to knock down shots from three as well as the midrange. He is also an excellent downhill driver who uses his physical build to finish in traffic. A supreme athlete who has the ability to finish above the rim with the utmost of ease. Mickeis is a player that makes any team better, and projects out well at the next level. Already picking up an offer from Northern Illinois in the past week, Johnson is well on his way. His growth as a 3 point shooter will be his next phase in taking his game to another level. Love what we see early on in the process.
Karson Thomas Karson Thomas 6'4" | SF Lincoln Way East | 2026 State IL 6’3 Guard (Lincoln Way East ’26):
This vary well be the most slept on player in 2026, and that will hopefully come to an end with this article. Karson has next level ability and athleticism. A strongly built and explosive athlete, who flourishes in the midrange game with his effortless pull up jumper. Like the aforementioned Mickeis Johnson Mickeis Johnson 6'3" | SG Romeoville | 2026 State IL , Karson competes on the defensive end just as hard as the offensive end. This is reflected by the amount of steals that he gets to in the passing lanes and on ball. Today he attacked closeouts well which resulted in strong finishes of over opposing defenders. Karson is a name that should be on everyone’s radar moving forward.
Devin Cleveland 5’11 Pg (Kenwood ’27):
Devin was terrific on Friday. It is hard to believe that he hasn’t even step foot in high school yet as his game is far beyond its years. Devin is the son of a coach, and it absolutely shows. Coming into high school, he already holds the reputation of being an elite shooter. Though that is the case, Devin continues to show in June that he has so much more to his game. What I love most, is that he just plays the right way. He never seems to force anything. He takes the right shot, he makes the right pass etc. When you combine high skill and high IQ, you create a high ceiling. Some incoming Freshman that play varsity aren’t ready to make an immediate impact, but Devin looks to be a youngster who can contribute right away. Ironically, I have seen this young man play basketball since he was in the 1st grade, and I can honestly say I saw this coming. Super bright future for Devin.
BJ Powell 5’9 Pg (Lincoln Way East ’26):
BJ had a very successful Freshman campaign on a very talented senior led team. He garnered a lot of attention for his ability to play off ball and make three point shots at a high clip. What I like to see is when young players transition into more expanded roles as high school career goes on. Today, BJ showed that he is more than a specialist. Now as Lincoln Way East true point guard, BJ was extremely poised as a ball handler under pressure. He never got sped up, and comfortably got his team into sets. He did it all while still maintaining his scoring output. Clearly, playing up on Meanstreets 17U EYCL team has had great benefit to him. BJ looks to build upon his stellar start to his high school career, and I expect him to do just that.