Sensational Seniors Light Up Holiday Tournaments

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The holiday tournaments might be complete, but the coverage of them is definitely not here at Prep Hoops Illinois!&nbsp; During a nine day period I covered games from Jacobs, Elgin, Wheeling, Hinsdale Central, Jack Tosh, Collinsville, Pekin, Duster-Thomas, and Pontiac.&nbsp; This is a look at the 2026 prospects that stood above the rest from those events!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845354' first='Oliver' last='Gray'] (Barrington – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray was outstanding in their opening round win at the Hinkle Holiday Classic as he dropped 27 points in the win.&nbsp; One of the best uncommitted seniors on the board he has a long and lanky frame with plus athleticism.&nbsp; Moves super well without the ball in his hands and transitions from catch to shot very quickly.&nbsp; More than just a shooter he gets out in transition for big dunks.&nbsp; Slippery through traffic as he gets skinny on dries and has agility to maneuver his body at the cup.&nbsp; More low-majors need to get involved here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1964163' first='Donovan' last='Williams'] (Stevenson – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams opened the Wheeling Hardwood Classic with a strong performance scoring 23 in a win over Wauconda.&nbsp; Lot of momentum heading into the season for Williams after a strong summer.&nbsp; He is a two guard that has a smooth three point shot especially from the corners where he was feeling it.&nbsp; Also mixed in some mid-range turnarounds and jumpers off shot fakes.&nbsp; Active defender getting a couple steals and blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552460' first='Bryce' last='Wegrzyn'] (Libertyville – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Winona State commit went off at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic with dominant performances one after another!&nbsp; That included a 56 point and 12 rebound outing which broke the single game scoring record at the event.&nbsp; He would go for 25 points in his last game to become the single tournament all-time leading scorer.&nbsp; The big man is a dominant force at the high school level and a STEAL at the D2 level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Jake' last='Pollack'] (Deerfield – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pollack had 15 points playing a little bit over a half of action in their first round win.&nbsp; The Dartmouth commit is a skilled passer out of the high and mid-post area.&nbsp; He set others up for open looks.&nbsp; Garners deep post position on the catch and finishes well out of the dunker spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845356' first='Jaali' last='Love'] (Waukegan – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Love is a bouncy four man who went to work against Antioch in the quarterfinals at Elgin.&nbsp; He is at his best using his quickness and second jump on the offensive boards for put backs along with finishing out of the dunker spot.&nbsp; Runs the floor well and does have touch on a turnaround J and is a capable spot up shooter although he can settle for it at times.&nbsp; He had 16 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2435304' first='Ledarrel' last='Goss'] (Lake View – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goss emerged on the Prep Hoops Circuit over the summer and showcased it with his high school team at the Elgin Holiday Tournament.&nbsp; He had 27 points in a quarterfinal loss to a good Sycamore squad.&nbsp; The athletic and quick twitched guard is a legit three level scorer with burst getting to the cup, banged in four threes, and crisp pull up twos.&nbsp; Flashed defensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2416503' first='Charlie' last='Pomis'] (Hersey – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pomis went off in their quarterfinal game at Elgin scoring 34 points against St. Charles North.&nbsp; It was all working for the two guard as he opened with an explosive take for a baseline jam.&nbsp; Then he would go on to make five from beyond the arc, pour in 15 footers with ease, and blow past defenders like they weren't even there.&nbsp; Also took several steals for dunks on the other end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845364' first='Morgan' last='Travis'] (Perspectives – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big time performance from this senior guard in their first round win.&nbsp; The strong and compact lead guard played on and off the ball as he went 5-6 from distance for 20 points in their victory.&nbsp; Shot it with a ton of confidence all game long!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2823585' first='Tony' last='Balanganayi'] (Palatine – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Illini lineman commit for football is the anchor of their hoops squad.&nbsp; Big bodied five man was 11-14 from the paint for 23 points and 8 rebounds against Payton.&nbsp; It was a dominant performance as he sealed on both the baseline as well as the high/low for scores.&nbsp; Drop steps, finishes out of the dunker spot, and had quick spin moves for buckets.&nbsp; So light on his feet for his size!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845353' first='Amir' last='Danforth'] (Rockford Auburn – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The North Dakota State commit became the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic all time leading scorer in their first round win against Plainfield East.&nbsp; His team needed everyone of his 19 points to get the comeback victory.&nbsp; Outside of the three that broke the record Danforth was in attack mode getting downhill with his explosive first step and ability to maneuver his body at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Abushanab (Glenbard West – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a jumbo wing that looks the part with his size, strength, and athleticism.  He is a D1 talent especially when he plays like he did in the first round at Jack Tosh netting 23 points in a win.  Completely took over the game in stretches flying down the court off defensive rebounds, crashing the offensive glass for put backs, and draining spot up triples.  Good defender that knows how to use his length to be intimidating on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323275' first='Adam' last='Flowers'] (Downers Grove South – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flowers stepped up in the first round win against Oswego.&nbsp; He was particularly effective in the first half where he scored 10 of his 14 points.&nbsp; Slick ball handler that can really be creative off the bounce slicing through the defense for finishes in the paint.&nbsp; Converted with either hand at the rack and had nifty footwork doing so!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839970' first='Jordan' last='Williams'] (Fremd – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams was a beast in the Wheeling Hardwood Classic championship game bringing home back to back titles and consecutive MVP trophies.&nbsp; The Illinois State commit came out looking to get his points as he attacked off the bounce for three early and-1s.&nbsp; The burst downhill and power at the rack are a tough combo for anyone trying to check him.&nbsp; Also knocked in a three showing sound mechanics and got to the line at high rate.&nbsp; Finished with 26 points (9-12 FG) (7-8 FT) and 5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323268' first='Tishawn' last='Clemmons'] (Decatur MacArthur – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clemmons is the guy you want to have on your side.&nbsp; He is a smaller guard which I'm not usually a fan of, but this kid is a winner!&nbsp; Elevates the play of those around him on a consistent basis with his pinpoint passing, intensity on the defensive end, and leadership.&nbsp; He can also get in the heart of the defense with his blow by speed and bomb in deep threes. &nbsp;Pair of big games for Clemmons when we saw him at Collinsville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105414' first='Sean' last='Lee'] (Decatur MacArthur – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee is a big and physically built wing that worked very well on the baseline against Lincoln's zone defense.&nbsp; Did everything he was supposed to do.&nbsp; Shot fakes and drives, baseline jumpers, and getting to the dunker spot for finishes.&nbsp; Rebounds very well for a wing.&nbsp; Could also be a small ball four at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1501486' first='Ben' last='Akoro'] (O'Fallon – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akoro had his moments in both games we saw.&nbsp; Big wing that can handle the ball and get to his spots.&nbsp; Liked how he got on the glass and what he brings to the table as a connective passer.&nbsp; His role at UW-Milwaukee early on is going to be a defender, ball mover, and score when opportunities present themselves.&nbsp; Stat sheet stuffer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] (DePaul Prep – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter is a man child at the high school level.&nbsp; The post is a load for any defense to contain as the Toledo commits combination of power and athleticism overwhelms opponents.&nbsp; Ability to go over either shoulder for the hook shot, plays above the rim with pop, and snatches rebounds in traffic.&nbsp; Improving his face up game off the bounce and defends well.&nbsp; Against Joliet West in the quarterfinals at Pontiac he had 20 points.&nbsp; Porter went beast mode in the semis as he had 15 points and 10 rebounds.&nbsp; In their title game against Benet he dropped 12 points and 5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] (DePaul Prep – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woo runs the show for DePaul Prep.&nbsp; Excellent decision maker that works so well in pick/roll with Porter as a passer along with being able to consistently knock in the pull up shot.&nbsp; Range out to three and speed to push on the break in transition.&nbsp; Watch out Ivy League because Woo is coming for you!&nbsp; In the quarters against Joliet West he had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.&nbsp; Against New Trier in the semis he had 19 points including scoring a quick 10 to open the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323334' first='AJ' last='Chambers'] (DePaul Prep – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chambers is a stat sheet stuffer do it all guard for the Rams.&nbsp; The Michigan Tech commit does whatever is asked of him in that particular game.&nbsp; Pass, slash, shoot, defend, etc.&nbsp; He is crucial part of the DePaul Prep team as he does so many things well.&nbsp; Against Joliet West he had 9 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Chambers went for 15 points in the title game doing everything he could to keep them in it during the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] (Benet – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stack is a 7'1” center that has really come into his own!&nbsp; The top five man in the class is finishing with fluidity around the rim throwing down big slams off lobs, in the dunker spot, and rim running.&nbsp; Also a high level rebounder and shot protector that can make a strong case to be the best in the state at both.&nbsp; Against Manual he had 9 points and 14 rebounds.&nbsp; Stack was a dunk show in the championship game as he had 15 points!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] (Benet – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastern Illinois got a good one in Wright.&nbsp; He is a quality shot maker from distance that has really improved his floor game over the last year.&nbsp; Good decisions as the primary ball handler now while picking his spots to score on threes and using a sweet soft touch finishing game in the lane.&nbsp; Against Manual he dropped 15 points and 10 assists.&nbsp; Wright took home the AC Williamson Award at Pontiac after leading his team to the title with 11 points in the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323283' first='Chris' last='Bolte'] (St. Ignatius – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolte came up big all tournament at Jack Tosh for Iggy.&nbsp; In the semis he came out on fire!&nbsp; Drained spot up threes at a high clip, got in the mid-range for pull ups, and snatched rebounds in and out of his area.&nbsp; Yale is getting a good one!&nbsp; Against Glenbard East he had 15 points (6-11 FG) (3-4 3PT) and 8 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839863' first='Michael' last='Nee'] (Glenbard East – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nee gave everything he had in the semis against St. Ignatius at Jack Tosh.&nbsp; The shot maker made tough ones over and over.&nbsp; He never got a clean look with the Iggy defense draped all over him, but he still kept making threes and pull ups from difficult angles and positions.&nbsp; Crisp ball handler setting up his shot and really competes!&nbsp; One of the truly elite shooters in the state.&nbsp; Went for 23 points and 6 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] (Curie – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior Curie star went off for all 18 of his points in the second half as he helped Curie survive a scare in the quarter finals against Lockport.&nbsp; He is one of the smoothest scoring combo guards remaining on the board in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->