Check In With HS Teams in Back Half of Top 40 After Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***</em><br><br>The month of June was a great chance for us to see a large group of high school teams in a short amount of time throughout the month.&nbsp; That combined with the evaluation of individual players on the grassroots circuit in the spring and July has allowed us to get a good feel for where we are heading into the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here we examine teams #21 - #40 heading into the fall league and camp season.&nbsp; We of course will have another update of this prior to the start of the season.&nbsp; Things can and will change as you can see from our WAY TO EARLY Rankings right after last year's state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#21 Metamora</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metamora has two of the better players in central Illinois and they will be key in carrying this squad.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2916010' first='Sam' last='Koch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2751060' first='Brady' last='Jones'] are tough and skilled small forwards who have experience.&nbsp; They will need more depth behind them!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#22 St. Patrick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2437108' first='Omar' last='Ajanovic'] had a strong month of June inside for the Shamrocks.&nbsp; Posted consistent production on the interior.&nbsp; Minnesota football commit [player_tooltip player_id='3715309' first='Dylan' last='Mota'] will join up with Ajanovic inside to provide one of the best frontlines in the state.&nbsp; Gael Guiterrez and [player_tooltip player_id='2125648' first='Jimmy' last='Czeslawski'] bring fire power on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#23 Belleville West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>J'Dyn Lloyd elevated his stock to be one of the best prospects in the 2027 class.&nbsp; The Missouri State commit had a great month of June where we saw him at both Lindenwood and Riverside Brookfield where he consistently made shots and looked like a go to guy.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3427194' first='TJ' last='Cason'] is a rangy guard with experience and [player_tooltip player_id='3454780' first='Amauri' last='Fenton'] brings front court help in the 2028 class as a two way threat.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2850776' first='Cameron' last='Murkey Jr']. is a 2030 to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#24 Bloom</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bloom is going to be one of the most fun teams to watch this upcoming season.&nbsp; They have a trio of young guards in 2029s [player_tooltip player_id='2918205' first='Keiwon' last='Gulley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2918202' first='Kaden' last='McClellan'] along with 2030 [player_tooltip player_id='3665027' first='Larry' last='Ellis'].&nbsp; These three play well off each other with Gulley and Ellis being elite scorers while McClellan can also set guys up at a high level.&nbsp; Jaquon Harris and [player_tooltip player_id='2749967' first='Xavier' last='Martin'] give this young group some experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#25 East Peoria</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lost [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] who would have put this team probably in the top 5 for sure top 10 overall.&nbsp; Now the star is Cole Dubois.&nbsp; He is a competitive lead guard that just wins games.&nbsp; High level shot maker who can pour it in from deep!&nbsp; 2028 post [player_tooltip player_id='2632017' first='Kaylen' last='Hardy'] and 2029 guard [player_tooltip player_id='3472199' first='Kingston' last='Weatherspoon'] will be his running mates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#26 Yorkville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top 15 duo in 2028 is the leading the way here in [player_tooltip player_id='2532003' first='Joey' last='Jakstys'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2194655' first='Braydon' last='Porter'].&nbsp; Each had their moments of being the lead guy when we saw them in June.&nbsp; Plus athletes with skill coming quickly!&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3454830' first='Graham' last='Martinson'] is one to watch out for in 2028 as a 6'4” shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#27 York</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dukes were the surprise team of the state finals last season.&nbsp; They won't sneak up on anyone this season.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2839900' first='Joseph' last='Lubbe'] had a good month of June leading his team after taking them downstate a year ago.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2829810' first='Miles' last='Burnison'] has elevated his game as an interior presence.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3572122' first='Sawyer' last='Asgedom'] is a quality perimeter shot maker and while [player_tooltip player_id='2829852' first='Nathan' last='Poku'] brings defense on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#28 Kenwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens'] is the clear top option for Kenwood.&nbsp; The 2027 big bodied wing is a physical downhill slasher who is light on his feet with nimble footwork around the hoop.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2864914' first='Osiris' last='Bell'] is a slick second option at the guard spot.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3625295' first='Colby' last='Irvin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2384522' first='Elijah' last='Shim'] will be important pieces in the 2028 class.&nbsp; Freshman Elijah McKinnie is a freshman that will bring excitement on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#29 Lincoln Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Park didn't quite live up to expectations last year, but they are back with a different group once again with a ton of depth across the board.  For them to reach expectations [player_tooltip player_id='2542413' first='Alvin' last='Robinson'] will need to emerge as the top 25 caliber junior he can be.  [player_tooltip player_id='2385677' first='Noah' last='Young'] is a flashy young point guard who will have emerging scoring guards Terrell Easton and [player_tooltip player_id='3685652' first='Andre' last='Harris'] next to him.  [player_tooltip player_id='2837979' first='Jayden' last='Townsend'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2822666' first='Derrick' last='Moore'] bring major perimeter size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#30 Wheaton Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you have one of the best players that is a great start!&nbsp; Wheaton Academy has that in [player_tooltip player_id='2125634' first='Hayden' last='Schroeder'].&nbsp; The power forward is a physical low post scorer that brings skill to the table as well.&nbsp; Rebounds and is a solid defender.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2769579' first='Ray' last='Rienow'] can stretch the floor with his shooting as can [player_tooltip player_id='2413169' first='Noah' last='Tink'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125636' first='Jackson' last='Snider'].&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3579289' first='JP' last='Brock'] is a 2028 that could be a breakout candidate this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#31 West Aurora</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Same can be said about West Aurora with having a star.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2125687' first='Travis' last='Brown'] is a star at the high school level in Illinois.&nbsp; Elite speed pushing coast to coast, has a feathery mid-range game and can stretch to three on occasion.&nbsp; Active hands swiping steals and can pass it.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2532025' first='Orlando' last='Edwards Jr.'] is a wing with size should be the secondary scorer next to Brown.&nbsp; Jaden Matthews-Thoms, [player_tooltip player_id='2834113' first='Amon' last='Greene'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3669947' first='Jordan' last='Weeks'] are players who will play roles for this squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#32 Normal Community</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They would have been much higher on this list with Jerrel Brown who was a top 10 player in the state who bounced for prep school.&nbsp; Now their go to player is top 5 2028 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2542412' first='Chase' last='Kasten'] who has had a nice summer with the Wolves.&nbsp; Wing with plus athleticism and shot making.&nbsp; Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2882140' first='Makhi' last='Birditt'] to step up for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#33 Marist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending 4A state champs lost the majority of their squad who played major roles last season, but they do return 2027 top 20 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2125658' first='Kendall' last='Meyers'].&nbsp; The four man brings skill and size up front being able to be a playmaker as well.&nbsp; Lot of pieces surrounding him including [player_tooltip player_id='3430124' first='MJ' last='Greene'], Tyce Bullock, [player_tooltip player_id='3660868' first='JJ' last='Nash'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2834549' first='Jacob' last='Jones'].&nbsp; None might be as exciting long term as the duo of 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2940657' first='Deuce' last='Johnson'] and 2030 shooting guard Robert Smith Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#34 Oswego</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] is one of the premier talents in the state and he will have every opportunity to show that for Oswego.&nbsp; The smooth two guard is a tough shot maker with a feathery touch from deep.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3252526' first='Jayden' last='Alford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125688' first='Tray' last='Alford'] are huge additions transferring in from Yorkville Christian.&nbsp; That perimeter trio will have [player_tooltip player_id='2393606' first='Cole' last='Jansons'] inside at center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#35 Oswego East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125619' first='Dshaun' last='Bolden'] is the type of player that can carry a team.&nbsp; Been a bit forgotten after missing the summer, but he is a jumbo wing that can impact on both ends and be a 20+ point scorer.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2894590' first='Alijah' last='Johnson'] is a big man in 2028 that is primed for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#36 Rock Island</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rocky was a bit up and down during June, but the talent is there despite losing a lot.&nbsp; They have one of the best players in central Illinois in [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall'].&nbsp; Athletic guard who can score, pass, and defend.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2455389' first='Arthur' last='Abbey'] is a head floor general that can run the show or get buckets.&nbsp; Houston Zepeda is a freshman to look at!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#37 De La Salle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Meteors have a team that's depth should be its biggest strength.&nbsp; Their backcourt of Davaun Bates, Stephon Dixon, [player_tooltip player_id='2532338' first='Kendall' last='Davis'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2532316' first='Chaden' last='Harvey'] is a strong one.&nbsp; The upside on this squad comes with 2029 forwards [player_tooltip player_id='3472215' first='Zahari' last='Threatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2859747' first='Kalel' last='Davis'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#38 Thornton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always a tough and hardnosed squad who will be led by bucket getting point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2947687' first='Dakari' last='Nesbitt'] who can score from all three levels.&nbsp; DeAndre Higgs and [player_tooltip player_id='2948461' first='Kobe' last='Stevenson'] are both quality perimeter players and prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#39 Thornwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really like the 1-2 punch here for Thornwood in [player_tooltip player_id='2877539' first='Lester' last='Watson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2879381' first='Mekhi' last='Young'] as the 2028 backcourt will carry this squad.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='3696485' first='Kingston' last='Harris'] is an intriguing 2029 post and wing [player_tooltip player_id='2532333' first='Jordan' last='Johnson'] is another to track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#40 Brother Rice</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2632084' first='Daniel' last='Salkauskas'] made major strides over the summer in the 2028 class as a floor spacing and skilled four.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2455377' first='Uriah' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='3427287' first='Aiden' last='Henderson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2853757' first='Case' last='Cosme'] are a nice trio of ball handlers.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2125603' first='Coy' last='Workman'] and Adam McBreaty bring toughness and shot making on the wings.&nbsp; Kevin Salkauskas gives Brother Rice more size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->