Loyola/New Trier Thanksgiving Tourney: Senior Spotlight

High school basketball is officially back — always one of the best times of the year! I kicked off the season by catching games at Loyola Academy on Monday and New Trier on Tuesday. As always, this Thanksgiving event delivered competition, tons of energy, and standout performances across every class.   For this first article, I'm starting with the 2026 class in spotlighting standout seniors.   Note: I was only able to attend the first two days of action, so Wednesday matchups are not included.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Participating Teams</h2>   Loyola   New Trier   Lake Forest   Lake Forest Academy   Niles West   Lake Zurich *   Bulls Prep *   Mt. Carmel (Chicago)   * = Teams Not Covered    The Cornell commit impacted the game in every phase during Monday's matchup with Lake Forest. He consistently broke down the defense with strong dribble penetration, creating paint touches that led to late dump-offs finishes through traffic. His passing stands out—quick, accurate dishes in the half-court hit teammates in stride or directly in the shooting pocket. In transition, he varied his pace well, pushing the break when he had numbers and smartly pulling it out when situations were outmatched. Defensively, he got into ball-handlers, generated deflections and steals, and rebounded aggressively from the guard spot.     In a tight opener against Lake Forest, Ellis was a difference-maker in Loyola's 48–40 win. His perimeter shooting set the tone early, knocking down a momentum-building three in the second quarter to put the Ramblers up 12–9. He stayed hot in the third with back-to-back makes from deep. Ellis moved well along the perimeter, consistently relocating for clean catch-and-shoot looks and showing confidence hitting off-balance attempts. His shooting gravity opened driving and cutting lanes in the halfcourt. He finished with 12 points — all from three — and was a crucial spacing threat against the Scouts.     Leader and top scorer for the Trevians Tuesday night against Lake Forest. Quick first step and jab move allowed him to create scoring opportunities at all three levels. Controlled his drives, using pivots and finish with touch. Aggressive attacking of the rim led to free-throw opportunities, which he converted confidently. Effective step-back and fadeaway shots added to his scoring versatility, while timely, accurate passes showcased his court vision. Active off the ball, he consistently cut to open spaces, and on defense, his intensity and rebounding were standout elements.     Mordini struggled to find his shooting rhythm in both matchups against Loyola and New Trier, but he still managed to impact the game in meaningful ways. The 6'4" guard handled on-ball duties and showed he can effectively steer the Scouts' offense. He shared the ball with purpose, delivering timely passes and keeping the floor spaced. Off the bounce, he used his frame well—slipping by inattentive defenders to create advantageous halfcourt angles. Defensively, his instincts stood out: disciplined closeouts, lateral mobility, active hands in passing lanes, and the strength to hold his ground. Add in his activity on the glass, and he provided well-rounded value even on an off shooting nights.     Big-time performance Tuesday night against a stingy Lake Forest Academy squad. Wingate proved he's a three-point threat, knocking down four triples to help Mt. Carmel secure a 55–41 win. He showcased multiple layers to his shooting—clean looks off the catch, confident pull-ups when defenders sagged, a banked jumper after a ghost-type screen, and a deep straight-on three that showed his range. What stood out just as much was his shot selection; he stayed disciplined, took quality attempts, and let the offense come to him.     Houlihan and the Trevians were tested early by Lake Forest in Tuesday's 61-46 victory. Known primarily for his perimeter shooting, he struggled to find his rhythm until the second half — but when it mattered, he buried two key threes to help stretch the late-game margin. What really stood out, though, was his activity on the glass. He came up with multiple offensive rebounds that extended possessions and generated second-chance points for New Trier. The shooting will come as the season settles in, but his rebounding impact is something to monitor moving forward.

High school basketball is officially back — always one of the best times of the year! I kicked off the season by catching games at Loyola Academy on Monday and New Trier on Tuesday. As always, this Thanksgiving event delivered competition, tons of energy, and standout performances across every class.