Class of 2028 already proving itself to be full of basketball talent
When it came to their teams’ success and their own individual production, Davion Thompson of Bolingbrook and Jaxson Davis of Warren had incredible seasons last year as freshmen. Joined by Kenwood’s Devin Cleveland atop the Class of 2027, they continue to be special.
But this year’s freshman class, with not just high-level prospects but also depth, surpasses last year’s.
Neuqua Valley’s Cole Kelly and Boling-brook’s Brady Pettigrew, both heavily hyped entering high school, provide the biggest star power. Kelly, a 6-5 wing who opened eyes last spring and summer, was immediately Neuqua’s primary option and has handled it well. He scored 31 points with six three-pointers this past weekend and is averaging 18.1 points and 9.4 rebounds. He already has offers from Illinois and DePaul.
Pettigrew, a versatile 6-4 guard, isn’t putting up the same type of numbers, but he isn’t being asked to just yet. Nonetheless, he’s a key piece for a 16-2 state-ranked team that includes Thompson and Pettigrew’s older brother, Valparaiso recruit JT Pettigrew.
Ethan Vahl, a smooth, 6-2 guard, is averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and two assists for Oswego, while 6-8 big man Amari Williams is averaging 8.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and more than a block per game for Shepard.
Poised point guard Darrius Hawkins, who not only handles the ball but takes on pressure and sets up teammates, has been integral in helping Homewood-Flossmoor to a 16-2 start.
Evanston’s Ben Ojala has shown he belongs, having made several big shots in key moments this season and providing a spark for the Wildkits with 26 three-pointers while averaging just under eight points.
Several other promising local freshmen to keep an eye on: Payton’s CJ Pittman, Thornton’s DeAndre Higgs, Lincoln Park’s Alvin Robinson, De La Salle’s Roosevelt Thomas, Rich’s Jeremiah Weatherford, St. Laurence’s Noah Corro, Libertyville’s Terrence Davis, Homewood-Flossmoor’s John Brown and the Yorkville tandem of 6-3 Braydon Porter and 6-6 Joey Jakstys.
The freshman talent extends throughout the state. Archie Goewey of far-downstate Centralia helped lead the Orphans to the Centralia Holiday Tournament title last month, making a buzzer-beating layup and finishing with 25 points in the championship game against Evanston. Goewey was the first freshman ever named tournament MVP.
Danville’s 6-7 Amir Beasley turned heads in his limited time in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Amarion Smith-Holley, a 5-9 guard, has impressed at Peoria Richwoods. And Metamora has an outstanding freshman class with the trio of Brady Jones, Kayden Turner and Sam Koch.