Week 7 Evaluation: 2026 Top Performers

I had the chance to catch a couple of games this week, starting with a Northwest Suburban matchup on Monday between #10 Fremd and Wauconda. On Wednesday, I followed that up with a Kishwaukee River–Interstate 8 clash featuring Sycamore and Woodstock. Across both nights, all four teams showcased a mix of ranked prospects, under-the-radar players, and a few names you may be hearing for the first time. In this first installment, we'll focus on the top performers from the Class of 2026, with additional breakdowns to follow.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Results</h2>   Fremd 84 @ Wauconda 51   Sycamore 60 @ Woodstock 54    Illinois State commit finished with 22 points, controlling the game with efficient rim attacks and excellent body balance, frequently utilizing a euro step to score off either foot. Showed patience in the low paint, reading defenders and using a power dribble to create space and establish position for quality looks. Did consistent damage off the bounce, making it difficult for Wauconda to slow his momentum. Regularly drew multiple defenders and earned trips to the free-throw line throughout the contest. Could he be in the running for Player of the Year?     One of Wauconda's most athletic and well-known players, according to Head Coach Weidner. Didn't play in the first half against Fremd, but came out in the second and provided an immediate spark. Showed solid post work, effectively sealing defenders, and brought high-intensity defense throughout. Highlight-reel athleticism included a one-hand dunk in transition after splitting two defenders and a tough one-hand catch at the side of the board, switching hands mid-air to finish a layup. A dynamic playmaker who can impact both ends of the floor.   In the following game on Wednesday against Grant Community, he filled the stat sheet, 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GOWHS_BoysBBall/status/2009669110767235368 </div></figure>     Finished with 15 points against Wauconda while showcasing his three-level scoring ability. Knocked down catch-and-shoot threes with a smooth, confident release and put the ball on the deck to attack through contact. A solid finisher at the rim with the ability to play above it, he also showed control on drives to stop and pop in the mid-range. Provided strong rebounding and pushed the ball ahead with kick-ahead passes. Played unselfishly, delivering quality reads and even a no-look dime. Defensively, his long, rangy frame disrupted passing lanes. A legitimate wing/forward prospect who competes and impacts the game in multiple areas.     Against a tough Fremd team, Ortega showcased why he's such a shifty ball-handler, using a full bag of moves to attack the rim and beat defenders. It was an off-shooting night, as he made just one three and had difficulty connecting from close range, but he's typically accurate from deep and a strong finisher with scooping layups. Quick around the corner with smooth spins on drives, he also flashed playmaking when dishing off.   He bounced back against Grant Community with a 25-point performance, including four threes.   He's been a consistent contributor all season, highlighted by a career-high 35 points against Buffalo Grove at the 2025 Wheeling Hardwood Classic. Flying under the radar, he would be a gem for a small-college program.     Johson came alive in the second half to help extend the lead in the third quarter and close out the game against Woodstock. Used quick crossovers and drives from the wing to attack the rim, including a smooth euro step in transition that converted an and-1. Aggressive straight-line drives earned him trips to the free-throw line, where he converted all seven attempts. Active defensively and impactful on both ends, Johnson is having a solid senior season.     Unafraid to put his body on the line, Stokes took two charges and consistently made the little plays that matter each possession against Sycamore. Showed savvy on both ends, including a screen deny that led to a cut and finish with the foul, tracking down long rebounds and delivering a smooth baseline drive and dish to cutting teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2835732' first='William' last='Laidig']. Active defensively, his ball pressure and disruptive hands stood out. His biggest impact came through mentality—crashing the boards and securing rebounds on both ends.

I had the chance to catch a couple of games this week, starting with a Northwest Suburban matchup on Monday between #10 Fremd and Wauconda. On Wednesday, I followed that up with a Kishwaukee River–Interstate 8 clash featuring Sycamore and Woodstock. Across both nights, all four teams showcased a mix of ranked prospects, under-the-radar players, and a few names you may be hearing for the first time. In this first installment, we'll focus on the top performers from the Class of 2026, with additional breakdowns to follow.