The Illinois boys high school season got started on Monday. As part of the Windmill City Classic, the host Batavia took down Bartlett, 68-56. The two team’s traded some runs throughout the game but Batavia finished the game with a big run of their own to start off 1-0 for this season.

Evan Blankenship – 2026 – G/F – Batavia

Even while coming off the bench, Blankenship lit up the scoreboard going for a game high 30 points. He made an immediate impact entering the game getting to the line a couple of times and hitting a three for a quick 6 points. He was also key in the fourth quarter run with a trio of late three pointers to take the lead and then put the game away. The 6’5” senior wing continued his hot shooting his showed all grassroots season with Mercury Elite hitting five threes in the win. He moves well without the ball and is always ready to shoot it. He was also effective around the paint using his height and great length to score on multiple put backs. The available senior also used his length on the defensive side with blocks both in help in the paint and on the perimeter.

Joey Cwik – 2027 – PG – Bartlett

Throughout the game, Cwik did so much for his team. He got off to an incredibly hot start scoring 10 of his team’s first 12 points while assisting on the lone other points. Not only did he lead them with 25 points but did plenty more. He also contributed by running the point and creating for others well with multiple assists and played tough on the glass. In his 25-point performance, he did so very efficiently and in a variety of ways. Cwik knocked down a trio of threes in the game while also moving well through traffic and getting all the way to the basket.

Dane Farrar – 2027 – G – Batavia

At all times throughout this win, Farrar played with tremendous energy. This included coming up with a few steals and even more deflections, including one going all out diving on the floor. While playing with great energy, he was still playing under control and this also showed in his defensive play both on the ball and making plays in help defense with some key stops. Farrar added in some key driving buckets down the stretch of the fourth quarter and also hit a three in the game. The 6’2” highly competitive guard is a winning player that did so much in the win for Batavia.

Xavier Justice – 2026 – PG – Batavia

Justice was a key piece in the victory for Batavia. He started the game hot with a quick five points helping build a double-digit lead for them. The senior did hit a three in the win showing some range but consistently excelled on the attack. He is a skilled point guard operating well in traffic that racked up the assists in this game as a highly skilled passer who sees the floor well.