There were some breakout performances in the Spring, along with players who cemented their spots in the rankings. These are by their play only not rankings based. Class of 2023 only. Here we go:
Owen Freeman, Midwest Pro Academy: Class of 2023 Iowa commit 6'10" forward showed the total package all Spring. His exquisite footwork in scoring on the interior with drop step dunks, finishing with either hand, to stepping out and hitting threes for the Top club team in Illinois. Averaged a double/double for the Spring solidified his top ranking in Class of 2023. Transferring to Moline from Bradley Bourbonnais to make them a top contender for coveted Illinois Class 4A State Title.
Mark Nikolitch-Wilson, Full Package Athletics: Class of 2023 6'8" forward showed a step put three point game along with a dribble drive package from the perimeter. Full Package was the surprise team of the Spring taking out shoe company clubs along the way. He still has good footwork posting up inside and hitting the defensive boards. Will take Rolling Meadows to next level as a possible Top 5 team in the state.
Dalen Davis, Meanstreets: Class of 2023 6'0" point guard has had some top performances against nationally ranked guards on the Nike EYBL Circuit. Showed a three point stroke and can get to the basket and finish at the rim. Did a good job defensively in the Spring and showed he could run a team from the point guard position. Will help a good Whitney Young(Chicago) team run it back and maybe finish one spot higher from last season.
Jack Fiegen, Full Package Athletics: Class of 2023 6'5" guard is a three point sniper extraordinaire. He had 3 games in Fort Wayne where he hit 8 threes in a game. Shot some insane percentages from the three point line with 26/39 67% from three in Team Rose Tournament. He can also go off the dribble now with one dribble pull-up jumpers. New Trier(Winnetka) looks to run it back with Fiegen as the leader.
Darrin Ames, Mac Irvin Fire: Class of 2023 6'2" point guard has put up serious numbers this Spring though his team has not done well. He's shown a nice step back three point jumper, and can get to the basket with his ball handling wizardry. Shot a good percentage this Spring period looks to lead Kenwood Academy(Chicago) to a City and State Title.
Richard Barron, Meanstreets: Class of 2023 6'5" wing has been a consistent knock down three point shooter on catch and shoot all Spring. He has shown in spots he can go off the dribble and score. Strong bodied guard who can be a bull in a china shop in finishing at the basket. Looks to take St Ignatius College Prep(Chicago) back to the Class 3A State Finals.
Zack Hawkinson, Midwest Pro Academy: Class of 2023 6'6" forward is a double/double machine for his high school team. He showed this Spring though he can hit the three especially off catch and shoot. He also showed slashing ability to the basket and is a strong finisher at the rim. Showed he's a good passer off the dribble, and ability to jump passing lanes for steals. Looking to run it back for Sacred Heart Griffin(Springfield) for back to back Class 3A State Titles.
Cameron Christie, Illinois Wolves: Class of 2023 6'6" combo guard played more off the ball this Spring and showed he was excellent at it. Nice catch and shoot from three, two dribble pull-ups, and is becoming a better finisher at the rim. Got after it defensively guarding multiple spots on the wing this Spring. Leader for Rolling Meadows who will be a serious contender for Class 4A State Title.
Asa Thomas, Illinois Wolves: Class of 2023 6'6" wing is a nasty catch and shoot three point shooter. Game has improved off the dribble as he has a Euro step around defenders in the paint and finishes them at a high level. Good rebounder and passer to cutters off the ball. Will try to lead Lake Forest to a North Suburban Title.
Brock Harding, Midwest Pro Academy: Class of 2023 6'0" point guard jumped into the consciousness of people like me in the Chicago Area this Spring. He's definitely one of the top point guards in the State. He's an improved three point shooter, can get off the floor and dunk two handed as well as one handed. Keeps his dribble, probes the defense for nigh passes to teammates. Good at feeding the post and is a good defender. Moline will be a contender for Class 4A State title as he will team with Owen Freeman.
Nikola Abusara, Full Package Athletics: Class of 2023 6'6" wing is a high riser. Can jump out of the gym and dunk on unsuspecting defenders. He's become a good three point shooter, but is an attacker off the dribble to the basket. Put a lot of players on posters this Spring. Also has a nice Euro step around defenders and finishes at the basket with either hand. Look for his profile to really take off at Benet Academy(Lisle) next season.
Deandre Craig, Team FVV: Class of 2023 6'2" point guard has been a sleeper the past two years. No longer as he's one of the top floor generals in the state. He can get to the basket, finish at the rim in a variety of ways, along with a knockdown three point shot. He's very disruptive on defense getting steals by the bushel. Possible the best two way guard in the state of Illinois. He'll try to help Mount Carmel(Chicago) win the Chicago Catholic League.
Ahmad Henderson II, Y and R: Class of 2023 5'10" point guard has been a very good floor general his entire high school career. Extended his range on his jump shot this Spring, as he can now more dangerous on his drives to the basket. Finds teammates for good shots at a high level. Brother Rice(Chicago) will be a contender for the Chicago Catholic League title. His matchups with Deandre Craig will be worth the price of admission.
Raeshom Harris, Illinois Heat: Class OF 2023 6'4"guard is one of the biggest sleepers in the area. He can score from three as well as finish at the rim with slick moves at the basket. He'll be the star at Bloom Township(Chicago Heights) and should put up big numbers.
Drew Scharnowski, Breakaway Basketball: Class of 2023 6'8" wing showed the full arsenal this Spring. He's an inside/outside force as he can score on the interior, along with stepping outside for three point shots. He can also take you off the bounce as a secondary ball handler. Look for him to explode at Burlington Central(Hampshire).
Arius Alijosius, Breakaway Basketball: Class of 2023 6'3" three point shooter and scorer off the bounce with two dribble pull-ups from midrange. Gets out on the break for scores. Look for him to be one of the first two options for Riverside Brookfield next season.
Niklas Polonowksi, Breakaway Basketball: Class of 2023 6'6" guard has the ability to be one of the top scorers in the state next season. Scoring ability is high level as he can do it on all three levels, three pointer, mid range, and at the rim. Catch and shoot as well as two dribble pull-ups. Should be dangerous to deal with at Lyons Township(LaGrange).
Ryan Cohen, Illinois Wolves: Class of 2023 6'2" guard knockdown three point shooter off catch and shoot, as well as off the dribble. Big time scorer who moves well off the ball. Will be the leader of a Glenbrook North(Northbrook) team who will be favorite for Central Suburban South Title.
Tyler Van Gorp, Hoops 4 Health: Class of 2023 6'11" center is much improved from last season. He can post up and score on jump hooks over either shoulder, rebounds at a high level, and changes ends of the court very well. Has become a rim protector as a shot blocker. Can also step out and hit a three pointer. New Trier(Winntetka) should be a dangerous team next season.
Darrion Baker, Team Rose: Class of 2023 6'8" wing can score from outside on threes, as well as slash to the basket. Is an improved finisher at the rim, has become a rim protector and rebounder. He's finally been healthy to show his all around skill on the court. Hillcrest(Country Club Hills) will be a dangerous team next season.
Ty Pence, Midwest Pro Academy: Class of 2023 6'6" combo guard is a nice three point shooter, slasher and finisher at the rim. He has posterized more than a few unsuspecting players in the last year or so. Rebounds well for a wing. Can catch and shoot as well as score off the dribble. Will be one of the top scorers in the state for St Joseph Ogden.
David Douglas Jr, Breakaway Basketball: Class of 2023 6'4" point guard is versatile who can hit the three as well as facilitate the offense. Quick first step gets him to the basket with finishes at the rim. Uses size and length to bother opposing guards. Looking to run it back for another Class 1A State Championship for Christian(Yorkville).
Xavier Suliaman, Hoops 4 Health: Class of 2023 6'3" combo guard is an explosive scorer who can jump out of the gym. Loves to attack the basket with acrobatic finishes at the rim. Good balk handling skill to get where he wants off the dribble. Can shoot the three mostly off the bounce, but will hit a few catch and shoot threes. Two dribble pull-up game gets high on his jump shot. Look for him to put up numbers at Marist(Chicago).
Cooper Lepage, Fundamental U: Class of 2023 6'2" combo guard hits threes, is good at setting up teammates. Hits them from all spots of the court, can get downhill and finish at the basket. Plays for South(Crystal Lake).
Dauntrell Dixon, First Step: Class of 2023 6'0" point guard hits step back threes and can score attacking the basket in a variety of ways. Uses Euro step around, straight line drives to finish with his strong body being physical with defenders. Makes slick passes off the bounce or moving ball on perimeter. Plays for Bogan(Chicago).
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