X-Factors in 2027 and 2028 That Sparked Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During a nine day period I covered games from Jacobs, Elgin, Wheeling, Hinsdale Central, Jack Tosh, Collinsville, Pekin, Duster-Thomas, and Pontiac.&nbsp; Who were the underclassmen that were the x-factors for their teams elevating them to new heights?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532017' first='Luke' last='Loughlin'] (Barrington – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Loughlin didn't score a ton it was his on point passing that helped them pick up a victory.&nbsp; Excellent passing feel getting others involved in both the half court and transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darnell Stitts (Grant – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stitts sparked a run for Grant that got them back in the game against Barrington.&nbsp; He had 16 points asserting his will on the game as the strong guard got downhill for euro steps, runners, and scoop shots along with a pair of threes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2915369' first='Noah' last='Cook'] (Crystal Lake South – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook will ultimately determine how far CLS goes this season.&nbsp; He is a versatile mismatch piece that many teams don't have.&nbsp; In the first half of the game we saw he was non existent.&nbsp; In the second he got ignited with a big dunk to start the half and then played off his athleticism impacting with his bounce and length offensively and defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425956' first='Perry' last='Tchiegne'] (Benet – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the player that can elevate Benet to new heights.&nbsp; They have a core three that are emerging as the go to players, but Tchiegne does everything you can ask on the perimeter.&nbsp; Defends at a high level, passes on the move, and can score when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369868' first='Charlie' last='Yellen'] (Deerfield – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deerfield has a nice core of upperclassmen, but Yellen is the guy that can elevate their ceiling.&nbsp; Solid athlete that can knock in open shots spotting up and mix it up showing a well-rounded game.&nbsp; He had 7 points in their opener at Hardwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532002' first='Jeremiah' last='Toney'] (St. Laurence – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Toney is a long and lanky upside play long term.&nbsp; He is a stat sheet stuffer that is most effective when playing off his defense, getting on the offensive glass, and being a connective passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Briggs Bucy (Metamora – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New name for me was this Metamora gritty floor general.&nbsp; He is a nifty finisher around the cup that was an outstanding passer whipping the ball around the floor especially in the half court.&nbsp; Also mixes it up defensively as in round 1 he had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aidan Horton (Perspectives – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horton is the spark for Perspectives.&nbsp; He is the third guard that can do a little bit of everything with his shot making from beyond the arc, sweeping drives, and tough defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will O'Leary (York – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Leary makes everything go for the Dukes at the point guard position.&nbsp; Made those around him better and the offense flowing against Andrew dishing out four dimes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2455403' first='David' last='Barnes'] (Mt. Vernon – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes is a physical forward who plays with a high-motor.&nbsp; He snatches rebounds in bunches, finishes through contact inside, and is a tough defender.&nbsp; Very impactful player for the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2455400' first='Damonte' last='Phillips'] (Decatur MacArthur – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips is a stat sheet stuffer.&nbsp; Love how he gets after it on the defensive end swiping steals on a consistent basis.&nbsp; Also is a connective passer along with in the drive/kick for shooters on the offensive end.&nbsp; Ton of speed pushing in the open floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'] (Richwoods – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore brings a toughness and physicality inside for Richwoods.&nbsp; He cleans up in the paint and can go coast to coast for finishes.&nbsp; In the championship game he finished well around the hoop for 13 points and 6 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2990989' first='Noah' last='Wade'] (Springfield – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wade is a key player for Springfield.&nbsp; When his brother went out with an injury heading into the fourth he calmed the team down and ran the show from the point making sound decisions and getting a couple key buckets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2829613' first='Danny' last='Ruffin'] (Homewood Flossmoor – 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruffin is a well built two guard that can slash, plays tough defense, and hits the glass from his wing spot.&nbsp; Also showed growth as an improved passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832355' first='DJ' last='Hayes'] (Sparta – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quick and shifty guard from Sparta is a creative ball handler that can get in the heart of the defense for soft touch finishes along with hitting spot up threes.&nbsp; Like how he brings the intensity on the defensive end with his length.&nbsp; Against Woodlawn he had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 dimes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2381425' first='DJ' last='Caldwell'] (St. Ignatius – 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you shoot it like Caldwell did in the title game your stock is certainly going to go up!&nbsp; The sophomore two guard went off in the Jack Tosh title game hitting 3-4 from beyond the arc for 13 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->