There are so many great options for this series, so we move to part four of it. Here are the next five from around the Midwest.

Noah Cook – 2026 – SF – Crystal Lake South

Cook is an under the radar wing forward in Illinois’ 2027 class that is poised for a big breakout junior season. He is one of the more athletic players in all of Illinois which shows in his play on both ends of the floor. Cook has shown a good ability to get to the rim and finish but also the ability to shoot the three. The 6’6” wing is an incredibly high upside player.

Dallas Higelmire – 2027 – G/F – Springport

Over the course of the NY2LA grassroots season, Higelmire was one of the most impactful and versatile players at the 16U age group while playing for The Academy. This included having a stat line of 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game as he was consistently doing it all. As well to his well-rounded skill set, he has good positional size at 6’5” plus his athleticism. His impact goes well beyond the stats too with his defensive abilities being able to guard multiple positions effectively.

KJ Miller – 2027 – SG – Plainfield East

After being a breakout player over the past year, it is time more college coaches take notice of Miller. He is one of the higher upside players in Illinois’ 2027 class. He has a game made for the next level with his great positional size at 6’7” and length plus his versatile offensive game and athleticism. Miller shoots it well from the outside and can also create well for himself off the dribble, He has started to attract a good amount of division one interest but look for this to take off at some point.

DJ Nash – 2027 – SG – Madison East

Nash is an under the radar junior who had a stellar grassroots season with CBA West. This included averaging 20 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists at NY2LA Swish N’ Dish to start the spring and then 14.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists at NY2LA Summer Jam to finish the summer. The 6’3” junior is a shifty playmaker with the ball who creates well for himself from all three levels.

Kolton Schmitt – 2027 – SF – Gibson Southern

Over the past few months, Schmitt has started to garner some attention for a player of his level. This started following a standout summer with Indiana Elite Wetzel. As well to having some size on the wings at 6’6”, Schmitt has a highly versatile offensive game. The wing has a great looking jumper with plenty of range but can also make plays off the dribble but can also get into the post and score with a good face up game. As he adds on strength, Schmitt will be an incredibly tough matchup and primed for a breakout season.