January Check-In: NW Suburbs Seniors

January is coming to a close, and after highlighting underclassmen earlier, I'm now zoning in on seniors from Chicago's northwest suburbs who I've evaluated throughout the month but haven't yet advertised. This group includes prospects from McHenry, Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove, and Fremd. The list blends ranked names with unranked seniors and late bloomers continuing to carve out larger roles for their teams. In this part, the focus is on the 2026 class. Let's take a look at the seniors making noise!    Horton brings a blend of offensive skill and defensive mentality at the point for the Saxons. Offensively, he's effective attacking gaps, aggressively penetrating the defense and finding clean driving angles to get to the rim. Shows touch from the mid-range, putting pressure on the defense inside the arc, and has the vision to read defenders and deliver touch passes to teammates. Defensively, he's active with his hands, generates deflections, moves well laterally, and plays with increased hustle. Also shows heart on the glass for a guard.     Black is an underrated two-guard who provides steady contributions in the starting lineup. He has a clean stroke from deep and can heat up quickly when given space. Shows a feel for attacking off the wing and making timely cuts in the halfcourt that lead to finishes at the rim. While he may not be a high-volume scorer, he's capable of pitching in offensively when needed. Defensively, he's quick and disruptive, using his instincts to bother dribbles and read gaps for steals.     Patterson can run the point while also sliding into a shooting guard role within the offense. He features a tight, quick crossover that allows him to beat defenders off the bounce, put stress on the interior defense, and distribute effectively to teammates. He brings a level of craftiness as a finisher, able to fend off defenders, use different angles, and show touch off the glass. A senior for the Saxons who can reach double-digit scoring while also being charitable with the ball.     The UW–Platteville commit brings a well-rounded, all-around game. He has the skill to break down defenders, attack off the bounce, and draw fouls. At the charity stripe, he shows a smooth release and consistent efficiency. When the offense hits a lull, Renfro can make a play or create flow for his teammates. Add in a comfortable three-point shot and rebounding support, and Renfro has the tools to succeed.     An uncommitted senior, Pinto would be a strong fit at a D2 or lower-level college. He's a sharpshooter from deep, can finish in the paint, move effectively in the halfcourt, and provide timely scoring while averaging double-digits on the season. Even as a shooting guard, his height and length allow him to crash the boards and contribute on the glass. A top-three player on an 18-2 Fremd team with postseason aspirations, Pinto is a smart player who consistently makes a difference.     Nelson is an impactful piece in Fremd's lineup, making a difference in multiple ways. As a point guard, he shows the vision and IQ to set up teammates, make smart reads, and deliver the extra pass that creates quality scoring chances. He also provides a scoring threat with a quick catch-and-shoot release from three and the ability to get downhill on straight-line drives. Defensively, he stays low in his stance, moves well laterally to beat ball-handlers to spots, and gets his hands into passing lanes.     A tough two-way, team-first player for the Vikings this season, Requena consistently handles the little things that have helped Fremd put together a successful year. His defensive presence brings a spark through constant activity and a guard's mindset to crash the glass. While not a big-time scoring threat, the points he generates and his impact in other areas make him a reliable piece for the team.     After not playing a ton in last year's lineup, Oldenburg has taken the next step as a senior leader, providing meaningful minutes. He may not be one of the team's top scorers, but he can light it up from deep on occasion and pitch in with timely, impactful scoring. Defensively, he's active with constant movement, generates steals, and makes the small plays that lead to positive outcomes.

January is coming to a close, and after highlighting underclassmen earlier, I'm now zoning in on seniors from Chicago's northwest suburbs who I've evaluated throughout the month but haven't yet advertised. This group includes prospects from McHenry, Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove, and Fremd. The list blends ranked names with unranked seniors and late bloomers continuing to carve out larger roles for their teams. In this part, the focus is on the 2026 class. Let's take a look at the seniors making noise!