3A Semi Finals: Steve's Standout Stars

Here are the standouts from the 3A semifinals at State Farm Center on Friday afternoon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Jake' last='Pollack']  Deerfield 2026 (Dartmouth)     Pollack was the most impactful player on the floor and filled up the stat sheet in Deerfield's win. The versatile guard/forward finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks, impacting the game in nearly every phase. Pollack showed his athleticism early with a transition dunk and consistently attacked the rim. He also lived at the free throw line late and delivered several big defensive plays, including multiple blocks protecting the rim. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him the engine for Deerfield throughout the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2217962' first='Evan' last='Nagler']  Deerfield 2026    Nagler gave Deerfield a big offensive boost in the first half, knocking down shots from the perimeter and scoring in transition. He finished with 11 points, including two three-pointers, and showed confidence as a catch-and-shoot option. Nagler spaces the floor well and plays comfortably off the ball, finding open spots when defenses collapse. His early scoring helped Deerfield build its first-half lead.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403346' first='Drew' last='Schnurman'] Deerfield 2029    Schnurman provided a major lift off the bench, especially in the second quarter when Deerfield extended its lead. The freshman guard knocked down three three-pointers in the first half and finished with 9 points on perfect shooting (3-3). Schnurman plays with good awareness and is always ready to shoot when the ball swings his way. His perimeter shooting gave Deerfield valuable spacing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2391672' first='Jeffrey' last='Hassan']  Kaneland 2027   Hassan was a force in the paint and one of the most dominant rebounders in the game. The physical big man finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends while adding three blocks defensively. Hassan's energy in the second half helped spark Kaneland's comeback as he scored inside, ran the floor, and protected the rim. His ability to rebound and defend gives Kaneland a strong interior anchor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552428' first='Marshawn' last='Cocroft']  Kaneland 2026   Cocroft handled much of the playmaking responsibility for Kaneland. The guard finished with 8 points and 4 assists, showing the ability to create offense for teammates while pushing the pace in transition. While his shot wasn't always falling, Cocroft remained aggressive attacking the lane and played solid defense on the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2393974' first='Evan' last='Frieders']  Kaneland 2026    Frieders quietly put together an efficient performance, scoring 10 points and hitting two three-pointers. The guard showed good feel for the game and capitalized on open looks when the defense collapsed inside. Frieders also contributed defensively with active hands and helped Kaneland generate transition opportunities.   [player_tooltip player_id='1873523' first='Jamison' last='White']  East St. Louis 2026 (Penn State)    White's presence inside was a major factor in the outcome. The athletic forward finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds, dominating the interior with his physicality and motor. White consistently attacked the offensive glass, pulling down seven offensive rebounds and creating multiple second-chance opportunities. He also showed his explosiveness with a powerful dunk in the third quarter that energized the Flyers as they began to gain separation. Defensively, White's length allowed him to alter shots while cleaning the glass. His ability to impact the game without needing plays called for him stood out throughout the contest.   [player_tooltip player_id='2822953' first='Alex' last='Johnson']  East St. Louis 2026   Johnson led all scorers with 19 points and added 10 rebounds in a strong all-around performance.  The aggressive guard attacked downhill whenever he saw space, finishing in transition and converting tough drives through contact. Johnson also knocked down two three-pointers, proving capable of stretching the defense when Leo collapsed into the paint. His activity on the glass was also notable for a guard, helping East St. Louis extend possessions and control the tempo of the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2962335' first='Phillip' last='Jones']  East St. Louis 2027   Jones provided one of the most efficient scoring performances of the game, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting along with five rebounds and three assists. The versatile wing scored in a variety of ways, from mid-range pull-ups to cuts and transition finishes. Jones also played a key role in the fourth quarter, scoring timely baskets and knocking down free throws that helped the Flyers stretch the lead into double digits. His ability to play within the flow of the offense while still producing stood out.   Emaurion Jackson  East St. Louis 2029   Jackson gave the Flyers a spark off the bench, scoring nine points in just 13 minutes. The Freshman guard pushed the pace and attacked gaps in the defense, converting several late-game drives as East St. Louis began to break the game open. His speed and ability to pressure the defense added another layer to the Flyers' offensive attack.   Brian Kizer Jr. Leo 2027   Kizer led the Lions with 11 points and was one of Leo's most aggressive offensive players. The guard showed confidence shooting from the perimeter and attacking off the dribble, keeping Leo within striking distance during the early portions of the game. East St. Louis' size and defensive pressure eventually made scoring difficult, but Kizer continued to compete and look for opportunities.   [player_tooltip player_id='2964028' first='Elon' last='Henderson']  Leo 2029   Henderson was an efficient contributor for Leo, scoring eight points on 3-of-5 shooting.  The forward knocked down two three-pointers and provided spacing for the Lions' offense. He also contributed defensively with several blocks and rebounds, using his length to disrupt shots around the rim.

Here are the standouts from the 3A semifinals at State Farm Center on Friday afternoon.