12 from the 12th grade: The state’s top senior basketball players
With the summer circuit wrapped up and the Class of 2025 set to begin its final season in just over two months, it’s time to take a closer look at a dozen of the state’s top senior prospects.
1. Dietrich Richardson, Peoria Manual
He’s a connective playmaker on the perimeter with size, versatility and endless length in his 6-6 frame. With Richardson it’s not only about his talent but also his high ceiling and where he will be physically and as a player in a few years.
2. Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows
The strides the 6-7 Miletic has made since his freshman year have been steady and impressive, particularly with his perimeter shot. The Marquette recruit is now a real threat in spreading the floor with his shooting while still retaining his blue-collar ethic.
3. Antonio Munoz, Young
The athleticism and motor stand out, which translates into Munoz being an active rebounder, a versatile defender, a lob threat and a finisher at the rim. He has the overall qualities to be a hybrid forward down
the road.
4. Matthew Zobrist, Metamora
The 6-5 Zobrist is a lethal threat from three-point range with his quick release and range, but he also has evolved into more of a crafty shot creator as he has added off-the-dribble skills. Bradley was able to keep the local product home.
5. EJ Mosley, St. Laurence
A do-it-all scorer with the ball in his hands who can provide a bit of a thrill ride while doing it in the backcourt. He’s now a threat from all areas of the floor who puts defenses on their heels with his speed and explosiveness with the basketball.
6. Tyreek Coleman, Waubonsie Valley
Coleman is simply a “baller” He can do it all from the guard position — from pushing the pace in transition with his sneaky bursts of speed, running an offense or providing offensive punch as a multifaceted scorer.
7. Phoenix Gill, St. Ignatius
The multifaceted guard is such a positive contributor in so many facets. He does the little things with intangibles. Gill, who is committed to Northwestern, will become a more well-rounded scorer as his jumper improves.
8. Tristian Ford, Chicago Prep
The Rockford native, who went the prep-school route two years ago, recently committed to Murray State. The 6-3 combo guard is an electric bucket-getter who has the size and length to go with it.
9. Aleks Alston, Kenwood
A skyscraping 6-9 forward, Alston brings outstanding size, length and floor-spacing upside as he shoots an easy ball from three-point range. When he gets over the inconsistency hump, he has the ability to take off.
10. Leshawn Stowers, Peoria
A downhill attacking scorer with a big guard’s body and strength to punish defenders, Stowers is a finisher with a midrange game and an improving three-point shot. He exudes toughness and physicality.
11. Daniel Pauliukonis, Benet
The position versatility as a 6-9 four-man with a smooth shooting stroke out to the three-point line stands out. But the still-developing upside is what excites you when projecting Pauliukonis long term.
12. Nick Allen, Bradley-Bourbonnais
The emerging tools, touch and size made Allen, who is headed to Illinois State, a coveted mid-major prospect. He’s a bona fide big at 6-10 who is comfortable with his back to the basket, and in time he will be an interior presence both offensively and defensively.