Illinois Overall Rankings Regardless of Class: #1-#5
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This fall we released our latest rankings for the classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025. What if you took those classes and did an overall ranking regardless of class? This is what they would look like! Once again this is…
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Continue ReadingThis fall we released our latest rankings for the classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025. What if you took those classes and did an overall ranking regardless of class? This is what they would look like! Once again this is a ranking based on college potential not what their impact will necessarily be this year in high school. This is our Illinois Top 50 Prospects Regardless of Class!
Today we unveil prospects #1 – #5!
#1 James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO (St. Rita – 2024)
Last Year’s Rank: #1
Big game James tops the list of the premier prospects in the state of Illinois. The St. Rita five man has an old school game with some nifty moves around the basket, being able to handle in the open floor, and anchors on the glass. Brown is being pursued by not only the premier programs in the Midwest, but also national blue bloods.
#2 Morez Johnson Morez Johnson 6'9" | PF Thornton | 2024 State #33 Nation IL (St. Rita – 2024)
Last Year’s Rank: #2
Johnson made an early commitment to the in-state Illini and the Big 10 program has to be thrilled with what they are getting. Possibly the highest upside prospect in the state at this point with his physical tools and elite athleticism. Johnson plays so hard snatching rebounds at a high level while being a monster defender as a switchable threat and shot blocker. Offensively he finishes with force, runs the floor, and has an emerging face up game.
#3 Jeremy Fears Jeremy Fears 6'1" | PG Joliet West | 2023 State #31 Nation IL (Joliet West – 2023)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Fears is making his return to Illinois for his senior campaign after spending the last two seasons at La Lumiere. The top 30 prospect nationally has an ultra-refined feel for the game. Knows how to run the show and get others involved with his passing and IQ in the half court. Has improved athletically over the years and can score from multiple levels. Committed to Michigan State.
#4 Melvin Bell Melvin Bell 6'4" | SG La Lumiere | 2025 #109 Nation IN (St. Rita – 2025)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
Bell is the top 2025 prospect in the state despite the injury he suffered in the spring that has held him out since. His timeline for a return is still up in the air, but there is no denying his potential as a long term prospect. Long and athletic wing scorer that can get buckets from multiple levels. As a freshman he showed he could compete with the big boys producing while still maintaining a ton of room for growth both skill wise and physically.
#5 Jeremiah Fears Jeremiah Fears 6'1" | PG AZ Compass Prep | 2025 State #31 Nation AZ (Joliet West – 2025)
Last Year’s Rank: NR
The second Fears in the top 5! First time ever having brothers in the top 5 on this list as the younger Jeremiah joins Jeremy. Jeremiah is more of a scoring point guard that can flat out get buckets in a hurry. Shifty guard with excellent handles, change of pace, and deep range on his three point shot. He is primed to explode on the high school hoops scene this year and already has an array of high-major offers.