Finders leapers in junior class
It’s easy to get caught up in the high-profile stars of the junior class. Max Christie of Rolling Meadows and Bryce Hopkins of Fenwick already have produced at a star level and received double-digit offers from high-major programs.
But a player’s growth between his sophomore and junior seasons often can be significant. Every player develops and emerges differently.
As a result, there are a host of juniors, many of whom have had a taste of varsity action, poised to take the next step.
There are names basketball fans have heard of through recruiting circles and some unknowns who are set to do the same: break out this winter.
The biggest unknown set to make a name for himself is Von Steuben’s Ola Ajiboye. The 6-8 big man has improved significantly and made a huge leap up the City/Suburban Hoops Report player rankings.
“He’s put in the work and improved so much,” Von Steuben coach Marvin Williams said. “He lives in the gym and is a humble kid who is driven. He wants to be the best he can be and is never satisfied.”
Ajiboye was a double-double machine for a Von Steuben team that struggled last year in the Public League’s White Division. But his upside is easy to see. He has size, midrange shooting ability and the look of a player who likely isn’t done growing.
Williams actually shut his big man down this fall because of the growing pains Ajiboye felt from the three inches he has added since last season.
“The sky is the limit,” Williams said of Ajiboye, who also is solid academically.
Here are some other potential Class of 2021 breakout candidates:
Isaiah Barnes, Oak Park-River Forest
This is the biggest name on this short list as he’s among the top 10 prospects in the junior class and picked up an offer from Illinois this summer. But so far, it has been all about talent and upside for the highly versatile 6-6 Barnes.
This season, Barnes could fill the stat sheet and see a significant increase in production. He’s bigger and stronger, more confident and capable of making an impact in a variety of ways.
Ben Schwieger, Waubonsie Valley
There’s a reason a player who averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds last season has Division I offers.
The 6-4 Schwieger improved and impressed this offseason. Now he’s among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 25 prospects in the class. He blends scoring and shooting ability with some underrated athleticism.
Jakobi Heady and Hamahrie Bowers, Hillcrest
To include one on this list and not the other would seem unfair. These 6-5 wings showed much promise this offseason in developing their respective games.
Their better-known teammate, 6-6 Julius Rollins, rounds out a terrific junior trio with size, length and versatility.
Devon Ellis, Conant
While he contributed last season as a sophomore, look for the 6-4 Ellis to take a big leap forward. He’s big and strong and continues to add to his game, including a much-improved outside jumper.
Christie and Wisconsin commit Chris Hodges of Schaumburg receive all the attention in the Mid-Suburban League, but watch for Ellis’ impact to be felt throughout the conference.