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<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. 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>
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<p>Here we examine the top 20 teams heading into the fall league and camp season. We of course will have another update of this prior to the start of the season. Things can and will change as you can see from our WAY TO EARLY Rankings right after last year's state championship.</p>
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<p><strong>#1 Neuqua Valley</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #1</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Honestly not a lot has changed which is why they remain at the top spot. They have two of the truly elite prospects in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin']. Each have elevated their games since the end of the high school season. With two elite prospects it gives them the slightest edge over Benet at #1. The role players know their jobs on this team and they play to it. Those guys are [player_tooltip player_id='2392385' first='Arshil' last='Khimani'], [player_tooltip player_id='2415557' first='Carter' last='Coviello'], [player_tooltip player_id='2532320' first='Eli' last='Poulakidas'], and Hunter Rheamue who do the dirty work and make open shots.</p>
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<p><strong>#2 Benet</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #2</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Benet lost a lot from their state runner up team, but they have had a ton of guys step up. That starts with [player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Ed' last='Stasys'] who has made a legit case for the #1 spot in the 2027 class. Always an elite rebounder he has expanded his game over the last few months. [player_tooltip player_id='2425956' first='Perry' last='Tchiegne'] has seamlessly fit in as the #2 player on this team with his passing, defense, and scoring. Depth of guards is impressive with [player_tooltip player_id='2426050' first='Blair' last='Fagbemi'], [player_tooltip player_id='2446967' first='Drake' last='Cadle'], [player_tooltip player_id='2839940' first='Tanner' last='Telford'], Eli Wright, and Gio Sanderlin. [player_tooltip player_id='2426052' first='Cormac' last='Hanus'] has emerged as a big time lefty shot maker while [player_tooltip player_id='2869571' first='Brandon' last='Otten'] is the x-factor as a skilled two way wing.</p>
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<p><strong>#3 St. Laurence</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #11</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2323617' first='Markese' last='Peoples'] has taken his game to another level over the last four months. Emerged as a legit D1 prospect despite his lack of ideal size because of his relentless motor, power game off the bounce, and skilled handle. Big time rebounder that can pass it. [player_tooltip player_id='2532014' first='Logan' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125677' first='Reggie' last='Stevens'] have settled into their roles playing off Peoples with their shooting and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='2532002' first='Jeremiah' last='Toney'] is a utility guard that does a little bit of everything. [player_tooltip player_id='2385372' first='Noah' last='Corro'] provides shot making and passing at the point. [player_tooltip player_id='2715607' first='Kelechi' last='Enyia'] and AJ Enyia transferring in are huge additions. Kelechi is a strong and athletic wing while AJ brings this group a post with rim protection/rebounding potential. [player_tooltip player_id='2369925' first='Evan' last='Lemons'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3689793' first='Lawrence' last='Burnett'] are two sophomores primed to take steps forward. Two freshman to watch in [player_tooltip player_id='2409341' first='Bennett' last='Meier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3687261' first='Dakarai' last='Simmons'].</p>
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<p><strong>#4 Bolingbrook</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #5</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] is the best player in the state and he made that very apparent this summer winning EYBL 16U MVP honors averaging 24 points a game against the best 2028s nationally. When you have the best player that takes you a long way and with his ability to score from anywhere the Raiders are in good shape. Nate Woods was a big pick up as a small forward from Lyons who can stretch the floor with his shooting while [player_tooltip player_id='3599119' first='Blake' last='Williams'] is another addition in the portal on the wing who impacts on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2881313' first='Isaiah' last='Rogers'] missed June with an injury, but he should be a quality second or third scorer that will get on the glass. [player_tooltip player_id='2532021' first='Mason' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2949600' first='Marlon' last='Williams'] are smaller lead guards that run the shot.</p>
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<p><strong>#5 St. Ignatius</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #10</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Ignatius had a strong run in June. Class of 2028 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2531962' first='Amir' last='Tucker'] has embraced the role of being the man and it is now fully his team. Shooter that can fill it up along with make others better. Their second best player [player_tooltip player_id='2381425' first='DJ' last='Caldwell'] missed June which opened up opportunities for others to expand their games. [player_tooltip player_id='2125620' first='Duke' last='Ross'] took a big step forward as did his brother [player_tooltip player_id='2433752' first='Walker' last='Ross']. Both will be key starters for this squad. [player_tooltip player_id='2839874' first='Chris' last='Chittaro'] is a gritty left handed guard that nails spot up threes and is a scrappy defender. [player_tooltip player_id='2194657' first='Josiah' last='Hall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2441810' first='Teddy' last='Dana'] are going to be x-factors off the bench. The player that can take this team to another level is 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2413941' first='Fitz' last='McDermott'].</p>
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<p><strong>#6 Evanston</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #9</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2540157' first='Vito' last='Rocca'] (Dartmouth commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='2531970' first='Ben' last='Ojala'] remain the go to duo for this team. They were last season and with the experience under their belt they will be back for a deep run in March. [player_tooltip player_id='3427250' first='Tate' last='Schroeder'] continues to expand his role as a third scorer and quality all-around player. [player_tooltip player_id='2125615' first='Dion' last='Lane'] is a great glue guy with his defense and three point shooting. Leo McKenzie in 2029 and [player_tooltip player_id='3683320' first='Layton' last='Jones'] in 2030 have emerged as big men to track on this squad.</p>
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<p><strong>#7 Mt. Carmel</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #13</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2767906' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2915584' first='DK' last='Heard'] have established themselves as the two best 2029 prospects with a strong showing in the spring and summer. The sophomore duo is going to get a big lift from 2027 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2403910' first='Logan' last='Wessel'] who was outstanding all spring and summer as a skilled wing with size that will be one of the more productive players in the Catholic League. Football star [player_tooltip player_id='2877491' first='Marshaun' last='Thornton'] is a hoops standout in his own right with his freakish athleticism and two way impact on the wing. Inside Tim Andrenele and [player_tooltip player_id='3576962' first='Sam' last='Ogeto'] provide size for the Caravan. Depth of guards in Dominic Scailise, [player_tooltip player_id='2532005' first='Kai' last='Harvey'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2125630' first='Gavin' last='Huth'].</p>
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<p><strong>#8 DePaul Prep</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #15</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>They lost so much from last season's veteran squad. Lost a couple of transfers, but added as well. The biggest change here is [player_tooltip player_id='2842573' first='Blake' last='Choice'] becoming the guy for this team which we saw throughout June with his size and improved scoring with a larger role. [player_tooltip player_id='2425702' first='Magnus' last='Johnson'] and Eli Ghattas provide a solid front court for the Rams. [player_tooltip player_id='2751053' first='Jacob' last='Only'] was a key addition as a second veteran ball handler next to Choice who has experience. Kalob Hayes is a name to track! This is one of those teams where you just trust the coach and program.</p>
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<p><strong>#9 Lockport</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #12</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125671' first='Nojus' last='Venckus'] continued to get better and better each time we saw them play all summer. Whether with Lockport or Breakway they plays so well off each other with their passing, cutting, and shooting. [player_tooltip player_id='2822689' first='Nate' last='Munson'] is a physical lead guard who fits it with the twins and [player_tooltip player_id='3415797' first='Jayde' last='Wyett'] is a nice addition on the wing.</p>
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<p><strong>#10 East St. Louis</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: NR</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>The Flyers were a team that took a big step forward after their state title roster lost a lot. They lost Jamison White who is truly impossible to replace, but they might have in the aggregate (Moneyball reference). This team will be deeper and less reliant on one player. [player_tooltip player_id='2962335' first='Phillip' last='Jones'] emerged as their go to guy as the quick and athletic lead guard is a tremendous athlete who can push, pass, and shoot it. Senior wing Terryion Webster took a jump this summer with his consistency as an athletic wing that can shoot it and play above the rim. Devrice Johnson and [player_tooltip player_id='2458184' first='Tyrik' last='Barnes'] are key veteran starters for this group. [player_tooltip player_id='3576059' first='Emurion' last='Jackson'] broke out at the state championship last season where he brought them a huge spark. Elevated his game emerging as a top 10 2029 prospect this spring/summer with his skill and athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id='3631783' first='Jamir' last='Allen'] is a freak athlete as a versatile wing. DeAngelo Taylor and Dezmon Wyatt are two freshman to watch!</p>
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<p><strong>#11 New Trier</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: NR</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>The Kirkpatrick/Houlihan era has come to an end, but the Wallace era begins now at New Trier as 2029 post [player_tooltip player_id='2405910' first='Denym' last='Wallace'] might be the most productive 2029 player in the state as a physical and skilled low post presence. He has nice vets around him with [player_tooltip player_id='2839877' first='Elton' last='Jaegerskog'], [player_tooltip player_id='3430149' first='Matthew' last='Logue'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2438564' first='Fintan' last='Pierce'] all elevating their games this summer. They will be able to cover so much ground defensively with their length and can shoot the ball!</p>
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<p><strong>#12 Centralia</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #7</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2751256' first='Archie' last='Goewey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2826261' first='Kenny' last='Bratton'] are high level football prospects that might go that way for college, but are legit D1 hoops prospects as well. Wings bring athleticism and shot making on the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id='2125643' first='Jaxson' last='Hancock'] runs the show for the Orphans with his high basketball IQ and advanced feel for the game. [player_tooltip player_id='3454828' first='Kruz' last='Jackson'] at the point and [player_tooltip player_id='3454811' first='Dre' last='Hooper'] inside got valuable experience last season as key role players. Keep an eye out for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='3472198' first='Trey' last='Branch'].</p>
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<p><strong>#13 Lyons</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #16</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2538631' first='Grant' last='Smith'] emerged as a legit MM+ target this spring and summer. He was the second best player on [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='Meanstreets' last=''] 16U squad while posting monster games one after another for Lyons. Versatile wing that can shoot, defend, and play above the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='2839879' first='Timmy' last='Sloan'] is a very underrated lead guard with his size for position and elite passing instincts. [player_tooltip player_id='3564547' first='Grayson' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2442186' first='Ty' last='Smith'] broke out over the last few months as legit secondary scoring options. [player_tooltip player_id='2675420' first='Quinn' last='Carroll'] is a sophomore with a ton of upside!</p>
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<p><strong>#14 Leo</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #19</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Leo returns much of their core from last season's run to state. [player_tooltip player_id='2964028' first='Elon' last='Henderson'] is their top prospect long term as a 2029 post that brings athleticism, shot blocking, and some skill to the table. The depth of advanced ball handlers in [player_tooltip player_id='2323606' first='Asa' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='2632058' first='Karon' last='Shavers'], [player_tooltip player_id='2532329' first='Jeremiah' last='Echols'], and Brian Kizer is a luxury that not many teams have. They are willing to share the wealth and you know they turn it up defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='3472210' first='Kierre' last='Brooks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2834484' first='Nathan' last='Stephens'] give them some size on the wings next to Henderson.</p>
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<p><strong>#15 Homewood Flossmoor</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #20</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2467517' first='Darrius' last='Hawkins'] keeps getting more experience as the go to guy for HF. Loved what we saw out of him in June with their group as his confidence continues to elevate as one of the most dynamic lead guards in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='2829613' first='Danny' last='Ruffin'] is the second option as a rugged two guard while 2028 power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2540205' first='John' last='Brown IV'] is primed for a big jump as a rangy four that can stretch the floor along with protect the paint. Depth of quality role players is a big asset for this team with Derrell Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='2403028' first='Jeffrey' last='Cade'], Sam Carter, Dereon Savage, and [player_tooltip player_id='3427156' first='Jayden' last='McDonald']. </p>
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<p><strong>#16 Peoria</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: NR</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Peoria lost a couple transfers, but their core three 2028 guards return. It starts with point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2834186' first='Nigel' last='Moore'] who is a dynamic lefty that can play off his speed and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='3665311' first='Kayden' last='Turner'] is a top 20 junior with his positional size and three point shooting. [player_tooltip player_id='3597945' first='Damarion' last='Taylor'] had a great spring posting huge games on the circuit as a scoring combo. [player_tooltip player_id='3597839' first='Cyrow' last='Childs'] is a bouncy post and sophomore guard Daniel Ruffin will be a nice fit next to the three juniors.</p>
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<p><strong>#17 Glenbard North</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #8</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>This team boasts a pair of top 20 rising seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='2455373' first='Oturo' last='Redento'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125660' first='Lamari' last='Carpenter']. Redento is a PHI favorite with his ability to leave an impact in so many ways on both ends of the floor. Wing that is a solid passer, defender, rebounder, slasher, and quality shooter. Carpenter is a wing that can really score it both off the bounce and catch. They are a lethal 1-2 combo! They will need some pieces beyond them to step up. [player_tooltip player_id='2839935' first='George' last='Schager'] showed in June he could be one of them!</p>
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<p><strong>#18 Curie</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #18</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2844431' first='Dream' last='Horton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton'] have proved they are the next dynamic lead guards in Coach Oliver's system. Strong showings throughout the month along with on the travel team circuit. [player_tooltip player_id='2540149' first='Tobyus' last='Banks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2844456' first='Amir' last='Green'] are going to play well off the Horton duo!</p>
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<p><strong>#19 Whitney Young</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: #22</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Interesting Dolphins squad. They swapped out one guard for [player_tooltip player_id='2531979' first='CJ' last='Pittman'] from Walter Payton in the transfer portal. Their go to guy appears like it will be top 5 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2886496' first='TJ' last='Jamison']. Jumbo combo guard that has a feathery touch from deep and the ball will be in his hands a lot! Pittman and Jamison are joined by tons of ranked guards in [player_tooltip player_id='2532358' first='Zaire' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='3649457' first='Jaivyn' last='Richardson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2455378' first='Ed' last='Williams'] IV, and [player_tooltip player_id='2986698' first='Mason' last='Spicer']. Up front [player_tooltip player_id='2125591' first='Caden' last='Crudup'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2433704' first='Oliver' last='Kerrigan'] each showed flashes in June.</p>
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<p><strong>#20 Waubonsie Valley</strong></p>
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<p>Previous Way to Early Rankings: NR</p>
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<p>What Has Changed Since March?</p>
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<p>Everyone knows about [player_tooltip player_id='2125659' first='Kristopher' last='Mporokoso']. The top 10 senior has been a mainstay for years at Waubonsie Valley and it is now his final season. Plus shooter with size that can rebound and defend. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='2766431' first='Kyler' last='Payne'] is a skilled post that rebounds and scores down low. [player_tooltip player_id='2404896' first='TJ' last='Adams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2422332' first='Isaac' last='Echols'] both emerged as legit guards!</p>
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***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your subscription***
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. 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.
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