Ranked Rising Sophomores Who Need to Be Talked About

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What prospects in the class of 2028 are ranked, but still probably not talked about quite enough?&nbsp; Here are 13 that are ranked in the top 75 that deserve to be talked about more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532040' first='Deandre' last='Higgs'] (Thornton)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Higgs is a strong and athletic two way wing that can impact the game on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Was one of Thornton's most impactful players right out of the gate as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832405' first='JJ' last='Gwaltney'] (Herrin)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Galtney is a high level shot maker that pours them in from beyond the arc.&nbsp; The lefty lets it fly with a free and easy release off the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2835362' first='Durant' last='Stokes'] (Rockford Jefferson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stokes has a grown man frame with upside to continue to grow and get better.&nbsp; Excels with his athleticism putting pressure on the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2715607' first='Kelechi' last='Enyia'] (Providence Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enyia proved to be a pure bucket getter over the summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] at the 15U level.&nbsp; Powerful guard that scores from all three levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2632077' first='Jeremiah' last='Weatherford'] (Rich Township)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a lot of moving parts at Rich Township look for this rangy guard to emerge as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2842576' first='Tommy' last='Hills'] (Barrington)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hills is a two guard at 6'3” that can make shots at a high level from the perimeter and mixes in mid-range jumpers.  Quality wing scorer that should be a good secondary option this year for Barrington.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389804' first='Lucas' last='Thompson'] (Triad)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson is a combo forward that brings skill and athleticism to the table.&nbsp; Pushes off the defensive boards, can handle it in the half court, and shoots it pretty well from three.&nbsp; Mixes it up with hook shots in the lane and spinning layups around the cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2877511' first='Da'Quinn' last='Hill'] (Rockford Jefferson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill really impressed us over the summer with FVV.&nbsp; The 5'10” guard is so shifty with the rock in his hands getting in the paint putting pressure on the rim converting soft touch finishes.&nbsp; Big time pull up game from mid-range and three.&nbsp; Big shot maker that puts a ton of defensive intensity on opposing guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2766431' first='Kyler' last='Payne'] (Waubonsie Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne is a 6'5” strong bodied four man that is a quality area rebounder, runs the court, and has good passing instincts for a post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2766519' first='Ryder' last='Wettig'] (Trico)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The southern Illinois wing is a versatile wing that can stuff the stat sheet.&nbsp; For his high school team he is a go to scorer while with Gateway he showed how he can be the glue piece that passes, boards, and makes open shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2842569' first='Aaron' last='Ziga'] (Dekalb)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ziga opened our eyes this spring when he showcased how well he can dish the rock and get others involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2474926' first='Kayden' last='Turner'] (Peoria)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner is a combo guard that has length, range, and athleticism.&nbsp; He has a good feel for the game passing it and drained jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2877526' first='DJ' last='Caldwell'] (St. Ignatius)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caldwell has spurted up to 6'3” and his game has elevated as well.&nbsp; Good shot maker especially in the mid-range.&nbsp; Like the upside he brings on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->