Season Preview: Illinois Deep Sleepers
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Here’s a list of deep sleepers that could surprise you in Illinois during the high school basketball season. Hinsdale Central The Red Devils shocked everyone last season and finished 31-4 en route to a sectional finals appearance. After watching this…
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Continue ReadingHere’s a list of deep sleepers that could surprise you in Illinois during the high school basketball season.
Hinsdale Central
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 Vincas Buzelis Vincas Buzelis 6'5" | SF Hinsdale Central | 2025 State IL . The 2025 prospect transferred home from prep school this summer and should play a big role for the Red Devils.
Loyola
Never count out a Tom Livatino squad. This group finished 23-10 last season and return four starters. The biggest name back is Miles Boland Miles Boland 6'3" | SG Loyola Academy | 2024 State IL . 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 Jimmy Tarjan Jimmy Tarjan 6'4" | SF Loyola | 2024 IL is a small school prospect who stretches the floor well. But look out for Ohio transfer Nick Patton Nick Patton 6'2" | SG Loyola Academy | 2024 IL . A two-way three level scorer who already has a D1 offer from NIU.
Metea Valley
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 James Parker is an underrated floor general who’s a double-double threat. Add the athleticism and physicality of Will Ashford Will Ashford 6'5" | SF Metea Valley | 2024 State IL and you have a team that can compete with anyone.
O’Fallon
The Panthers put together an impressive run to the 4A sectional championship last season before losing to Moline. 6’0″ PG Jaeden Rush Jaeden Rush 6'0" | PG O'Fallon | 2024 State IL is an experienced floor general who makes plays for others and can get it done himself. Rini Harris Rini Harris 6'3" | SG O'Fallon | 2024 State IL is another three-level scoring threat you can’t keep your eye off. They defeated both Quincy and East St. Louis last season.
Peoria Notre Dame
Despite losing Koch, the Irish should be an exciting team to watch in Peoria. Big Man Eoin Dillon Eoin Dillon 6'8" | C Peoria Notre Dame | 2024 State #294 Nation IL 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.
Rockford Guilford
Reigning NIC-10 champions who won 22 games last season. Guilford returns the nucleus of its squad. The name to know is Malachi Johnson Malachi Johnson 6'2" | SG Rockford Guilford | 2024 State IL . The 2024 PG is an outstanding athlete who can throw down dunks and get hot from deep. Another name to watch is Jr Jaden Webster Jaden Webster 6'3" | SG Rockford Guilford | 2025 IL . He really impressed on the AAU circuit and can take over games at any moment.
St. Ignatius
The Wolfpack are seeking their third straight trip downstate and will be led by the top prospect in 2025 to do so. Phoenix Gill Phoenix Gill 6'3" | SG St. Ignatius | 2025 State #72 Nation IL 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 Reggie Ray Reggie Ray 6'2" | PG St. Ignatius | 2024 State IL to take on a bigger role.