Season Preview: Illinois Deep Sleepers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a list of deep sleepers that could surprise you in Illinois during the high school basketball season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hinsdale Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils shocked everyone last season and finished 31-4 en route to a sectional finals appearance. After watching this group in the summer, I believe they can do it again. 6'4" F Luke Bilenko is an underrated athlete who can score at a high volume. Chase Collingnon is another forward to look out for. But my favorite player to watch will be [player_tooltip player_id='2105166' first='Vincas' last='Buzelis']. The 2025 prospect transferred home from prep school this summer and should play a big role for the Red Devils.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loyola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Never count out a Tom Livatino squad. This group finished 23-10 last season and return four starters. The biggest name back is [player_tooltip player_id='1494125' first='Miles' last='Boland']. The 2024 CG is a player that can get hot at any moment. Capable of shooting and attacking the rim at a high volume. 6'4" W [player_tooltip player_id='1750708' first='Jimmy' last='Tarjan'] is a small school prospect who stretches the floor well. But look out for Ohio transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1373987' first='Nick' last='Patton']. A two-way three level scorer who already has a D1 offer from NIU.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metea Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was amazed by the potential of this team after watching them in Romeoville. 6'8" 2025 C Jake Nozek is a true difference maker. Another three level scorer who moves his feet well in the box and displays a smooth release. Point Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2374459' first='James' last='Parker'] is an underrated floor general who's a double-double threat. Add the athleticism and physicality of [player_tooltip player_id='1978583' first='Will' last='Ashford'] and you have a team that can compete with anyone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>O'Fallon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers put together an impressive run to the 4A sectional championship last season before losing to Moline. 6'0" PG [player_tooltip player_id='1157355' first='Jaeden' last='Rush'] is an experienced floor general who makes plays for others and can get it done himself. [player_tooltip player_id='1373443' first='Rini' last='Harris'] is another three-level scoring threat you can't keep your eye off. They defeated both Quincy and East St. Louis last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peoria Notre Dame</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing Koch, the Irish should be an exciting team to watch in Peoria. Big Man [player_tooltip player_id='1373440' first='Eoin' last='Dillon'] has emerged as one of Illinois top big men. The 6'8" Belmont commit impresses with his defensive capabilities and ability to stretch the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockford Guilford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reigning NIC-10 champions who won 22 games last season. Guilford returns the nucleus of its squad. The name to know is [player_tooltip player_id='1282464' first='Malachi' last='Johnson']. The 2024 PG is an outstanding athlete who can throw down dunks and get hot from deep. Another name to watch is Jr [player_tooltip player_id='1963960' first='Jaden' last='Webster']. He really impressed on the AAU circuit and can take over games at any moment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Ignatius</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolfpack are seeking their third straight trip downstate and will be led by the top prospect in 2025 to do so. [player_tooltip player_id='1385292' first='Phoenix' last='Gill'] is a do-it-all prospect who makes his whole team better. Another prospect who impressed this summer was Philip Erickson. He's a 2024 sniper who can light it up from anywhere. Look out for fellow 2024 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1285517' first='Reggie' last='Ray'] to take on a bigger role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->