Sophomore Ranked Players Who Deserve More Attention

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we are almost two months away from the start of the season we wanted to examine some prospects that need to be talked about more heading into the 2025-2026 season!&nbsp; Here is our look at the 2028 class!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] (Homewood Flossmoor)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawkins is going to be one of the more productive sophomores in the state this year.&nbsp; He will be option #1 for a very good HF program looking for its next star.&nbsp; Shifty ball handler who can create off the dribble for acrobatic layups.&nbsp; The lefty has range on his shot out to three and passes it with a ton of flair.&nbsp; Like what he brings as a defender putting pressure on opposing lead guards while getting seals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369867' first='Ryan' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2369943' first='John' last='Morgan'] (Crystal Lake South)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big man duo from Crystal Lake South are primed to make major impacts after a freshman season where they both saw solid minutes as contributors.&nbsp; Good size, strength, and skill out of the post duo that are really fun to watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2819731' first='Solomon' last='Morrison'] (Metea Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morrison is coming off a strong summer and should be ready to contribute as a key forward for Metea Valley.&nbsp; Versatile forward that can play the three and four on both ends while playing with athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389292' first='Troy' last='Ford'] (Rockford Auburn)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ford is another mismatch forward that impacts on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Rockford Auburn will be led by their senior guards, but Ford will be impactful with his length and athleticism as a two way player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2834186' first='Nigel' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2389398' first='Orlando' last='Edwards'] Jr (Peoria Central)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peoria Central is turning over their program to the 2028 class with a ton of guards.&nbsp; Two of them that you should know about are Moore and Edwards.&nbsp; Slick scorers that can create on their own and share the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839941' first='Noah' last='Van Tholen'] (Riverside Brookfield)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Riverside Brookfield point guard has quality size and feel for the game at the lead guard spot.&nbsp; He showed us quite a bit during the June live periods where he will be a nice compliment to Mercer in the Bulldogs backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532017' first='Luke' last='Loughlin'] (Barrington)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect this 5'9” point guard to have a key role for Barrington with his creative scoring in the paint as a crafty finisher.&nbsp; Solid shot maker from three with pull ups in the mid-range and three.&nbsp; Crisp passer that will get Gray the ball in spots to do damage!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2310787' first='Kyrie' last='Hart'] (Decatur St. Teresa)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Illinois combo guard at 6'1” that can score and dish it with flair.&nbsp; Look for him to make a name for himself in Decatur this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->