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FIRST TEAM
NANA AKENTEN
Bolingbrook
Height/Position/Year: 6-6, Jr., F
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A special-mention all-state ... All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Saw playing time as a sophomore on Raiders’ Class 4A third-place team last season ... Averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals ... Shot .460 from floor and .345 (29 of 84) from 3-point range.
Coach Rob Brost: “Nana is one of the top juniors in the state, as he currently holds 10 scholarship offers including Illinois State, Western Michigan, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Northern Illinois.”
TREVIAN BELL
Joliet West
Height/Year/Position: 6-6, Jr., F
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A third-team all-state ... AP 4A honorable-mention all-state ... All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Averaged 15.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists .... Shot .493 from field, .378 (31 of 82) from 3-point range and .669 (81 of 121) from free-throw line.
Coach Nick DiForti: “Trevian continues to develop into an overall good high school basketball player. Nearly every team we played focused their attention on him. If we weren’t such a balanced scoring team, he easily could have averaged over 20 points a game. His statistics are easily why he is considered one of the best in his class.”
JOE BUTLER
Minooka
Height/Year/Position: 6-3, Sr., F/G
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A fourth-team all-state ... AP 4A honorable-mention all-state ... Co-MVP in Southwest Prairie Conference ... Two-time Herald-News first-team all-area ... ... All-WJOL Thanksgiving Tournament ... All-York Christmas Tournament ... All-Galesburg MLK Tournament ... Averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists ... Shot 56 percent from 2-point range and 75 percent from free throw line ... Will play baseball at Illinois State.
Coach Scott Tanaka: “Joe Butler is the backbone of Minooka basketball. He plays with the technique, toughness, intensity and togetherness that we pride ourselves in. He did everything on the floor for us and was instrumental in our first SPC championship in school history and first regional championship since 1977.”
MALIK FULLER
Joliet Central
Height/Year/Position: 6-2, Sr., F
Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Pound for pound and inch for inch, one of the area’s best rebounders ... Averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds going up against players much taller ... Often termed “a beast” on the boards by opposing coaches ... St. Francis has shown interest.
Coach Jeff Corcoran: “Malik is our first two-time All-SWSC selection since the split and for a team that had no size, he absolutely worked relentlessly to control the glass. He is tough, physical and smart as a player that just wants to fight around the rim. He often spent the night guarding the biggest player, giving up several inches, but if we needed to shut down a guard as well, he was the guy we went to. His motor never stops and he was our silent leader.”
ELYJAH GOSS
Plainfield East
Height/Year/Position: 6-7, Sr., C/F
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A special mention all-state ... All-Southwest Prairie ... Averaged 13.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.7 steals ... Shot .561 (133 of 237) from field and .692 (72 of 104) from free throw line ... Committed to IUPUI.
Coach Branden Adkins: “Elyjah averaged a double-double. He holds school records for season and career rebounding and blocks. He was third on the team in steals, and his 56-percent field goal shooting was a school record.”
JALEN JACKSON
Joliet Catholic
Height/Year/Position: 5-11, Sr., G
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A fourth-team all-state ... East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year ... ESCC scoring leader for second straight season ... Two-time Herald-News first-team selection ... Averaged 18.4 points despite facing gimmick defenses designed to stop him ... Shot .423 from field, .356 (77 of 216) from 3-point range and .807 (88 of 109) from free-throw line ... Averaged 1.4 steals ... MVP of Romeoville Christmas Classic.
Coach Joe Gura: “Jalen is one of the most humble, nicest kids you are ever going to meet. At the same time, he is a dynamic player who has scored over 1,600 points in his career. He is incredibly talented. He can do so many things on the basketball floor. His success can be attributed to hard work, great character and the use of his athletic ability to the maximum.”
KEVIN KRIEGER
Plainfield North
Height/Year/Position: 6-6, Sr., F
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A third-team all-state ... AP 4A honorable-mention all-state ... All-Southwest Prairie Conference ... Averaged area-high 22.3 points along with 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 blocks ... Shot .495 from 2-point range, .336 (40 of 119) from 3-point range and .873 (172 of 197) from free throw line ... Committed to Minnesota State.
Coach Bob Krahulik: “When he didn’t score, Kevin did other things to help the team stay in games. He is a tough kid. No one knew this, but he played in the regional final after being in the hospital the night before having minor surgery on his throat. The doctor told him to take it easy for over a week, but he played anyway. This was his third time to have this surgery this season, but he still played.”
MARCO PETTINATO
Lincoln-Way West
Height/Year/Position: 6-2, Jr., G
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A second-team all-state ... AP 3A honorable-mention all-state ... All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... Averaged 19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals ... Shot .532 (215 of 404) from field and .799 (155 of 194) from free throw line ... Has 31 ACT ... Attracting attention from Ivy League schools.
Coach Brian Flaherty: “Marco’s a point guard, but he does everything else. He rebounds, he assists, he’s a good passer, he makes steals when we need them. He’s a throwback in that he’s a guard who plays a tough-and-rugged style. With his physicality, once he gets past a defender, all the defender can do is foul him.”
PJ PIPES
Lemont
Height/Year/Position: 6-1, Jr., G
Highlights: IBCA 3A/4A fourth-team all-state ... All-South Suburban Blue and runnerup for conference player of year ... Averaged 20.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals ... Shot .440 from field, .353 (48 of 136) from 3-point range and .814 (166 of 204) from free-throw line ... All-tournament at WJOL Thanksgiving Tournament and Romeoville Christmas Classic.
Coach Rick Runaas: “PJ is an outstanding person to coach and an outstanding player to watch. He is a fierce competitor during games and at practice. He wants to improve. He wants the challenge of being the best player on the court. He’s also a great student in U.S. History! (Runaas is his teacher).”
TRAVIS SCHOONOVER
Reed-Custer
Height/Year/Position: 6-1, Sr., G
Highlights: IBCA 1A/2A first-team all-state for second straight season ... at top of AP 2A honorable mention all-state list ... All-Interstate Eight for third season ... Two-time Herald-News first-team all-area ... Averaged 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Coach Mark Porter: “Travis not only was a first-team IBCA all-stater for a second straight year, he finished his career with 1,907 points and with a school-record 413 steals, which is third in Illinois high school history. He hit 74 3s this season and a school-record 274 in his career.”
SECOND TEAM
Jacob Buchner, Plainfield South, 6-3, Sr., G: All-Southwest Prairie for second straight year ... Three-year starter ... Averaged 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals ... Shot 52 percent from field and 77 percent from 3-point line ... Was the player Cougars’ opponents plotted to limit.
Matt Cappelletti, Romeoville, 6-5, Sr., F: Team MVP ... All-Southwest Prairie ... Averaged team highs of more than 16 points and nearly seven rebounds while shooting about .500 from field and .750 from free throw line ... Three-year starter ... Coach Marc Howard has labeled him an ideal senior leader for his young team.
Justin Fox, Dwight, 6-4, Jr., G/F: IBCA 1A/2A special-mention all-state ... All-Interstate Eight ... Averaged 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists ... Shot 47 percent from field, 42 from 3-point range and 71 percent from free throw line ... Coach Eric Long said, “Justin led our team to a 43-17 record over the last two years.”
Jarret Gmazel, Lincoln-Way Central, 6-0, Sr., G: All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... Team MVP ... All-tournament at Big Dipper ... State 3-point qualifier ... Averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists ... Led Knights in charges taken ... Shot 34 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from free throw line ... Coach Bob Curran said, “Jarret is a great kid with tremendous work ethic who gets along with all kids.”
Jose Grubbs, Joliet Central, 6-3, Jr., F: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... MVP of WJOL Tournament ... Averaged 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals ... Coach Jeff Corcoran said, “Jose can get to the basket with ease but has developed into a pretty good shooter from the perimeter. His confidence has gone through the roof, which allows him to be a complete player. He turned into a great rebounder as the season progressed.”
Teyvion Kirk, 6-2, Jr., G: IBCA 3A/4A/ special-mention all-state ... All-Southwest Suburban Blue ... Averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals ... Coach Nick DiForti said, “Teyvion’s skills are overwhelming as a point guard. He is a guard every coach wishes they had.”
Jon Marotta, Lincoln-Way West, 6-6, Sr, F: IBCA 3A/4A special-mention all-state ... All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... Averaged 12.9 points and 5.4 rebounds ... Shot .446 (54 of 121) from 3-point range and .724 from free throw line ... Will play on the D-II or D-III level ... Coach Brian Flaherty said, “Jon is very difficult matchup. He became a marked man this year. He’s a competitive kid, and what separates him is his ability to go on the perimeter and shoot.”
Kale Maupin, Peotone, 6-4, Sr., G: IBCA 3A/4A special-mention all-state ... Team MVP ... All-tournament in all three tournaments Peotone played ... Three-year starter and three-year All-Interstate Eight ... More than 1,000 career points ... Led team in scoring at 15.9 points and rebounding at 7.1 ... Led team in assists and steals ... Coach Scott Maupin said, “Kale likely is the most versatile player I have had during my career. He can shoot on the perimeter, drive to the bucket or match up effectively in the post.”
Larry Roberts, Minooka, 5-10, Sr., G: All-Southwest Prairie ... All-Galesburg MLK Tournament ... One of area’s best 3-point shooters and clutch shooters ... Averaged 11.5 points and 2.6 assists ... Shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from free throw line ... Will play at Benedictine ... Coach Scott Tanaka said, “Larry always made big shots in big games. He led our team in assists, which speaks of his unselfishness. There were times he guarded the other team’s best perimeter player.”
Jake Schutter, Providence, 6-1, Jr., G: All-Catholic League South ... As the point guard, averaged 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals ... Shot .404 from 3-point range and .756 from free throw line ... Coach Tim Trendel said, “Jake was our best player night in and night out for four months. He was our rock. He was instrumental in all our big wins over teams like DeLaSalle, Mount Carmel and Joliet Catholic.”
THIRD TEAM
Jon Butler, Minooka, 6-1, Jr., G: All-Southwest Prairie ... Averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and had a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio ... Led team in charges taken ... Coach Scott Tanaka said, “Jonny was instrumental in our first SPC championship in school history and first regional championship since 1977. He was called upon many times to guard the opponent’s best player.”
Anthony DiNardi, Providence, 6-5, Sr., F: All-Catholic League South honorable mention ... Averaged 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists ... Coach Tim Trendel said, “Anthony is a great athlete with tremendous leadership skills. I wish I had 12 Anthony DiNardis on my team.”
Richie Elias, Plainfield North, 6-2, Sr., G: Point guard who averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 steals and one block ... Outstanding defensive player ... Averaged two breakaway layups per night over the last 10 games ... Coach Bob Krahulik said, “Richie was the heart of the team, the only true ballhandler we had. He handled pressure every game. As soon as he became more confident, comfortable and assertive, we played a lot better.”
Zach Grady, Bolingbrook, 6-6, Sr., C: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds ... Coach Rob Brost said, “Zach is one of the best post players in the area.”
Scott Gustafson, Plainfield Central, 6-1, Sr., G: All-Southwest Prairie ... Averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds, leading Wildcats in both categories ... Shot .411 from 3-point range.
Brent Headrick, Reed-Custer, 6-6, Sr., F: IBCA 1A/2A third-team all-state ... All-Interstate Eight for third straight season ... Averaged 17.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks ... Shot 73 percent from free throw line.
Scott Horrie, Gardner-South Wilmington, 6-1, Sr., G: IBCA 1A/2A special-mention all-state ... Co-player of year in River Valley Conference ... Averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals ... Coach Chris Gibson said, “Ryan was the heart and soul of our team. He was our best guard defender.”
Mitch Kwasigroch, Lincoln-Way Central, 6-5, Sr., F: All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... Averaged 10.7 points and 6.1 rebounds ... Shot 54 percent from field and 76 percent from free throw line ... Coach Bob Curran said, “Mitch was one of our most consistent players. We always could count on his scoring, rebounding, defending the post, stretching the defense, taking charges, making the extra pass and providing leadership.”
Luke Mander, Joliet Catholic, 6-5, Sr., C: All-East Suburban Catholic honorable mention ... Team captain ... Averaged 7.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists ... Shot .481 from field ... Coach Joe Gura said, “Luke was a true leader for our team.”
Devon Sams, Bolingbrook, 6-0, Sr., G: Averaged 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds ... Three-year starter and four-year varsity player ... Started on last season’s 4A third-place team ... Team leader.
SPECIAL MENTION
DJ Anderson, Bolingbrook, 6-1, Sr., G: Averaged 9 points and 3 rebounds ... Shot 42 percent from 3-point range and 88 percent from free throw line.
Nick Clemmons, Minooka, 6-2, Sr., G/F: Averaged 6.4 points, 3.0 rebounds ... Shot 51 percent from 2-point range and 74 percent from free throw line ... One of the best sixth men in area.
Harold Davis, JCA, 6-0, Sr., G: All-East suburban Catholic honorable mention ... Averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.3 assists ... Good defender.
Scott Gasik, Peotone, 6-4, Sr., G: All-Interstate Eight ... Averaged 15.0 points with a school-record 78 3-pointers ... Shot .375 from beyond arc ... Averaged 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists ... Plans to play on D-III level.
Cam Gavin, Lincoln-Way West, 6-1, Sr., G: Played prominent roles for state runnerup teams in football and basketball ... Averaged 6.4 points and 4.9 rebounds ... Shot .595 from field ... Had some big offensive games in Warriors’ run to 3A state title game.
DeAndre Heckard, Romeoville 6-0, So., G: Two-year starter ... Led Spartans in assists and was second in scoring and rebounding.
Lee Higgins, Plainfield East, 6-1, Sr., G: Averaged 11.0 points, 1.7 steals and 1.2 assists ... Shot .415 from 3-point range and .789 from free throw line.
Isaiah Malone, Lincoln-Way Central, 5-11, Sr., G: Averaged 8.0 points, 5.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds ... Shot 66 percent from free throw line.
Ross McCormick, Seneca, 5-9, Sr., G: IBCA 1A/2A special mention all-state ... All-Interstate Eight ... Averaged 15 points, five assists and just under seven rebounds ... Missed early portion of season with injury.
Mikolaj Nowobilski, Lockport, 6-3, Sr., F: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Shot 49 percent from field.
Neil O’Donnell, Reed-Custer, 6-1, Sr., G: All-Interstate Eight ... Led area in assists with a school-record 275 ... Averaged 8.9 assists, 6.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals.
Jordan Reed, Plainfield East, 6-0, Sr., G: Averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals ... Shot .699 from free throw line.
London Stamps, Romeoville, 5-11, So., G: Second on team in scoring and steals ... Two-year starter.
Henry Thompson, Plainfield North, 6-0 Sr., G: Averaged 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist ... Made 66 of 168 from 3-point range for 39.3 percent ... Will play on D-III level.
Drew Travers, Dwight, 6-4, Sr., F: Averaged 17.6 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from field and 76 percent from free throw line through 15 games ... Missed final 14 games with torn ACL, otherwise likely would have landed higher on all-area team.
Elijah Ward, Joliet West, 6-5, Jr., F: Excellent defensive player and very athletic ... Averaged 7.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals.
Justin Windt, Plainfield Central, 6-4, Sr., F: Averaged 10.8 points and 4.1 rebounds ... Four-year varsity player, finishing career with more than 850 points and 400 rebounds.
Nick Wisz, Lemont, 6-3, Sr., F: All-South Suburban Blue ... Averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds ... Shot .515 from field and .691 from free throw line.
HONORABLE MENTION
Bolingbrook: Antowine Locke, 6-0, Sr., G
Coal City: Christian Johnson, 6-1, Jr., G/F
Dwight: Jace Kennedy, 6-4, Sr., F
Gardner-South Wilmington: Austin Kavanaugh, 5-9, Jr., G
Joliet Catholic: Jared Lenoir, 6-1, Sr., G; Pete Ragen, 6-4, Jr, F
Joliet Central: Cameron Blackmon, 5-9, So. G; Jomarre McNair, 5-10, Jr., G; Treveon Ward, Joliet Central, 6-2, Sr., F
Joliet West: Jason Bingham, 5-11, Jr., G; Eddie Creal, 6-1, So., G
Lemont: Austin Tittle, 6-4, Sr., G/F
Lincoln-Way Central: Aaron Michalak, 5-10, Jr., G; Isaac Panfil, 6-4, Sr., F
Lincoln-Way East: Kyle McDermed, 6-3, Sr., G; Justin Siorek, 6-4, Sr., G; Sam Shafer, 6-5, So., G
Lincoln-Way West: Jay Bumstead, 5-11, Jr., G; Nolan Green, 6-0, Jr., G
Lockport: Brandon Credit, 6-0, Sr., G; Matt Smietanski, 6-0, Jr., G
Morris: Matt Shaw, 6-2, Jr., G; Tyler Spiezio, 6-4, So., F
Plainfield North: Zach Jarosz, 5-9, Sr., G; Bradlee Mills, 6-3, Sr., F
Plainfield South: Devin Smith, 6-1, Jr., F; Nick Welter, 6-5, Sr., F
Providence: Michael Drew, 6-1, Jr., G
Reed-Custer: AJ Simonelli, 6-3, Sr., F
Romeoville: Mike Salter, 6-3, Fr., G/F
Wilmington: Tyler Fox, Sr., F; Steve Smock, Sr., F
– Compiled by Dick Goss