Big Tim’s Top Freshman I've seen in state in regular season 2025-2026 (and a couple I haven’t seen)!!!!

Class of 2029 has shown itself to be deep this year and very special. Most start on varsity but a couple are big contributors off the bench. Here we go:

ISAAC SMITH IV, Chi Prep Academy (Chicago): 6'6" wing has put up big numbrs against elite competitoon in the Grind Session. Doesn't play against IHSA players, plays a national schedule against national level talent. Most impressive freshman based in Illinois.

DAKARI NESBITT, Thornton Township (Harvey): 5'10" combo guard has been the most explosive and high scorer of the IHSA players. Hits threes at a high level, gets to the rim off the bounce, and finishes through and around contact. Uses athleticism to stay in front of players and defend.

KEIWON GULLEY, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights): 6'0" combo guard is explosive off the bounce with a nice mid range jump shot. One of the top five players statiscally in steals in the nation according to Max Preps. Averages 7 a game with quick hands and jumping passing lanes.

KADEN MCCLELLAN, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights): 5'10" point guard is a true floor general who sets up his teammates with exquisite passes. Has recorded double/doubles in points and assists in multiple games. Nice mid range pull-up jumper, and uses up and unders and Euro steps to score at the rim.

DENYM WALLACE, New Trier (Winnetka): 6'7" forward has a big body for a player his age, not afraid to attempt to finish through contact at the rim. Can step out and hit mid range jumpers as well as threes. Hits the defensive glass and not afraid of contact.

JAYDEN ALFORD, Christian (Yorkville): 6'0" combo guard comes off the bench, can score on attacks to the rim, or three pointers off the catch or the bounce. Defends multiple perimeter positions and sticks his nose in the paint for rebounds.

ELON HENDERSON, Leo Catholic (Chicago): 6'9" forward plays both varsity and junior varsity for the Lions. He crashes the glass on both ends, and can step out to hit threes off the catch. Changes ends well with rum runs from the dunkers spot.

TITUS PAYTON, Andrew (Tinley Park): 6'5" wing does a little bit of everything. Promoted from junior varsity in early December and moved to the starting lineup. Rebounds, scores on putbacks, attacks to the rim at this point. Defends multiple positions, not a focal point of the offense yet.

TJ JAMISON, Whitney Young (Chicago): 6'4" combo guard is a knockdown shooter from three off the bounce or the catch. Can create for himself or others off the bench. Versatile enough to be put at the point in spots. Improving defender with long arms and moves his feet well.

CODY RADER, Geneva: 5'10" combo guard is more of a spot up shooter from the wings for the varsity. He does have good ball handling and wil likely run the offense in the future. Geneva has plenty of experieinced ball handlers at this point.

CHRISTIAN BURGE, Lake Park (Roselle): 5'11" point guard runs the offense and gets the ball to the scorers on the team. Has shown ability to hit threes off the bounce and push it in transition making some good passes in the post.

JAYDEN RHODES, Corliss (Chicago): 6'4" forward is a double/double machine. Hits the glass on both ends of the court, changes ends well, scores on post ups on the block. Energy guy at thie point in his development.

RONALD JOHNSON, Mount Carmel (Chicago): 6'3" point guard has positional size already to run a college team. Gets to his spots on the court, more of a mid range scorer at this point. Gets to the paint and shoots over defenders, as well as getting to the rim and finishing through and around contact. Good passer in halfcourt and in transtion. Heady player for a first year player. Has deceptive bounce off the floor as he'll dunk on you.

DAKYLEN “DK” HEARD, Mount Carmel (Chicago): 6'5" wing gives the Caravan energy off the bench and a double/double threat with his hustle on the glass. Good free throw shooter shows the ability to have a good stroke from three as he grows in his game. Attacks the rim relentlessly off the dribble. King of Bounce.

MILES MARABELLA, Antioch: 6'4" point guard who already has positional size to run a college team. He has to do everything for the Sequiots from setting up the offense, having to score, rebound, pass, and stay out of foul trouble. Plays football and might have a future in that sport as well as a wide receiver, kicker, and punter.

DECLAN WILSON, Burlington Central (Hampshire): 6'6" forward is more of a rebounder, rim protector, and outlet passer to guards at this point. Does all of them well and is a low turnover young man.Sticks to his role and doesn't go outside of it.

EMRAN ALISPAHIC, Notre Dame College Prep (Niles): 6'5" combo guard has ability to score from all three levels, whether off the bounce or the catch. Crashes the glass on both ends of the court. Gets to his spots off the dribble, and passes the ball to his teammates on the perimeter or feeds the post. Sneaky athleticism.

A COUPLE I HAVENT SEEN BUT HAVE HEARD GOOD THINGS:

DALLAS MARSHALL, Bloomington: 6'5" combo guard is the leading scorer and rebounder for his team. Played very well at Pontiac.

TAMARIUS BERRY, Heights (Peoria): 6'0" combo guard has been an explosive socrer for varsity. Shows up regularly on my top scoring performances for the night. Has had multiple 2 plus points in games this year. Nice three point shot off the bounce with nice step backs, attacks the paint as well.

BRAYDEN WATSON, Mascoutah: 6'5" wing is a double/double threat collecting a few this season. Long frame. Crashes the glass on both ends. Athletic can finish from the dunkers spot. Made all tourney at Collinsvile Holiday Classic.