Juniors Make Impression at When Sides Collide

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual <strong>When Sides Collide Shootout</strong> once again delivered high-level matchups and plenty of talent on display. Several members of the Class of 2027 made their presence felt throughout the event, showing why they're names to track as the season pushes forward. Below is a look at the top junior performers who stood out with their play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Foster – New Trier (6'6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foster wasted no time making an impact scoring five quick points to help New Trier jump out to an early lead. The skilled forward showed a solid handle for his size, attacking defenders with straight-line drives before knocking down a three from the wing a few possessions later. With his combination of size, skill, and feel Foster continues to look like a piece New Trier can rely on as postseason play approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3430149' first='Matthew' last='Logue'] – New Trier (6'5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logue provided valuable production off the bench for the Trevians, doing most of his damage through hustle and physicality. He consistently took advantage of smaller defenders, cleaning up around the rim, and finishing plays. A steady forward who stays within his role, Logue's efficiency helped swing momentum, as he finished with 10 points in the opening game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125619' first='Dshaun' last='Bolden'] – Oswego East (6'5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a quieter outing than usual for Bolden, who is typically known for his high-energy presence. He struggled to find a rhythm offensively, scoring just five points in the first half. While not his best showing, Bolden's motor and athleticism remain evident, and this performance felt more like an off night than a trend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] – Neuqua Valley (6'5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fans including those from Illinois got an early look at Martin's shooting ability and he did not disappoint. Martin came out firing! Knocking down multiple threes and carrying much of Neuqua Valley's scoring load in the first half. As the offense found its flow in the second half, Martin thrived in catch-and-shoot situations on the perimeter. He finished with six made threes, 28 points, and a marquee win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425702' first='Magnus' last='Johnson'] – DePaul Prep (6'7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson impressed with his activity level and effort in limited minutes. A long, energetic forward, he made his presence felt on the glass and as a rim protector using his length to contest shots and rebound over traffic. He also showed poise around the basket, scoring off second-chance opportunities and playing a valuable role within the flow of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125658' first='Kendall' last='Meyers'] – Marist (6'5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meyers had a solid showing, flashing his versatility in spurts. He displayed good shooting mechanics, attacked the basket, and drew fouls when opportunities presented themselves. While the game tilted toward guard play, Meyers impacted the contest by rebounding and defending. He remains a forward who feels close to breaking out with a bigger offensive performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425956' first='Perry' last='Tchiegne'] – Benet (6'5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was one of Tchiegne's strongest all-around performances. Offensively, he attacked mismatches, scoring on tough left-handed finishes when smaller defenders were switched onto him. Defensively, he was outstanding, using his length and physicality to disrupt Warren stars Davis and Walker throughout the game. While he scored 10 points, it was his defensive intensity that proved pivotal in Benet's victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Ed' last='Stasys'] – Benet (6'7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stasys continues to elevate his game with each viewing. The athletic forward runs the floor well, finishes through contact, and uses his explosiveness to impact the game on the boards. His momentum-shifting dunks in the second half energized Benet and highlighted his upside. Stasys finished with 11 points and was a key factor in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'] – Warren (6'1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a rematch of last season's state championship, Davis came out firing, hitting deep threes reminiscent of his earlier 51 point outing this season. Most of his first-half attempts came from beyond the arc before Benet adjusted and chased him off the line. Davis responded by attacking the paint and creating for others in the second half. He finished with 28 points and five made threes in a hard-fought loss to the reigning 4A champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->