There’s still time to check out these five boys hoops players
Last week we presented a list of five local girls basketball players to go out and see before the season ends.
We also promised a list of five prep boys players to watch before the playoffs hit next month. So here we go ...
Cam Cerese, Lake Park
Given his do-it-all ability and fierce competitiveness, it’s stunning the 6-foot-3 point guard remains unsigned.
As a junior last year, Cerese set the program record for points in a season with 691. And he’s not exactly slowing down.
He averaged 25.5 points in four games at the Pekin Holiday Tournament and has the Lancers on track to win the DuKane Conference title.
With his size he’s a tough matchup for opposing guards. Put a bigger guy on him, and they won’t be able to handle his athleticism.
Some college is getting a good one.
Jaxson Davis, Warren
Just a freshman, Davis was a known talent coming into high school. But I don’t think anyone expected the magnitude of his instant impact.
The Blue Devils fell to 20-4 with Tuesday’s overtime loss to Stevenson and have cooled off a bit since a blistering start.
But Davis remains dynamite, evidenced by his 31-point effort against Stevenson. The 6-1 guard scored 36 points in the Proviso West title game, becoming the first freshman to earn MVP honors in the tournament’s 62-year history.
Davis has an offer from Illinois, but, as we’ve said before, an avalanche of college attention is on its way.
Connor May, Palatine
May could have pursued options at a higher level of play, but the Palatine senior chose the academic allure and national prominence of Division III Washington University in St. Louis to play his college ball.
The 6-7 senior is a brute force for the Pirates, a nightly threat for 20 points and 10 rebounds while getting his fair share of blocked shots.
But the forward is more than just a physical presence. He’s topped the 1,000-point mark and rates among the highest scorers in Palatine history.
Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows
The floodgates have opened with scholarship offers for this 6-7 junior. Illinois and Marquette were the first to jump aboard.
Miletic learned under former Rolling Meadows superstar Cam Christie, who’s now at Minnesota. Up on varsity since his freshman year, Miletic already has ample poise and veteran savvy after helping the Mustangs through back-to-back regional title runs.
Miletic contributed as a freshman, but his game has blossomed every year. Just look at how his outside shooting has improved.
Gabe Sularski, Benet
We wrap up with another youngster we’ve talked about before. Sularski, part of a strong group of sophomores at Benet, holds offers from Illinois and Michigan State among others.
Considered by many as the No. 1 player in the Illinois Class of 2026, Sularski is leading the Redwings on another course toward the state semifinals. Benet fell 69-66 to Curie in the Pontiac tournament final, but the 6-6 guard showed his mettle while scoring 25 points.
Sularski isn’t afraid to be “the guy” down the stretch in big games, and his steady presence is proof that teams can successfully blend together three classes.