Steve’s Day by Day Stars of Opening Week in Chicago

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “BLACKFRIDAY2025” for 50% off your annual subscription THIS WEEK ONLY***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening week of Illinois high school basketball did not disappoint, as several of the state's top prospects delivered eye-popping scoring performances. From electric guard play to elite shooting displays, players wasted no time establishing themselves as early-season standouts. Here's a day-by-day breakdown of the top scorers from the first week of IHSA action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday 11/24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2439329' first='William' last='Occomy'] – 2026 – Lindblom (41 points)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Occomy opened the week with one of the most impressive scoring outbursts. The shifty junior guard lived in the paint, using his creativity and body control to finish tough layups and floaters over length. When defenders cut off driving lanes he smoothly shifted into pull-up threes and mid-range jumpers.&nbsp; Even though Lindblom came up short Occomy's 41-point performance sent a clear message that he's poised to make serious noise as a senior and has the talent to erupt on any given night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tuesday 11/25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] – 2027 – Neuqua Valley (41 points)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'5 sniper put on a shooting clinic in Neuqua Valley's season-opening win over West Aurora. Martin buried 11 threes, showcasing effortless range and an elite release that requires almost no space. He scored off movement, off the catch, and even off the dribble which rare versatility for a junior shooter. One of the top long-term prospects in Illinois proved why his name belongs in early breakout-candidate conversations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday 11/26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1874810' first='Jayden' last='Riley'] – 2026 – Yorkville Christian (38 points)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SIUE commit exploded for 38 points in a hard-fought loss to St. Ignatius. Riley knocked down three triples while also stuffing the stat sheet with 8 assists and 5 steals, showing his ability to impact the game on both ends. Riley played with poise and aggression orchestrating the offense and scoring at all three levels. His performance reinforced why he's considered one of the most polished junior guards in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday 11/28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1552438' first='Mason' last='Lockett IV'] – 2026 – Oswego East (39 points)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'5 DePaul commit delivered one of the most complete scoring performances of the week. Lockett was efficient from everywhere on the floor knocking down threes off the catch as well as off the bounce, using his length to slice to the rim, and converting consistently at the free-throw line.&nbsp; Lockett entered the season as one of Illinois' premier prospects and his 39-point outing only solidified that status. He looked every bit the part of a high-major talent leading a dangerous Oswego East squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->