There’s much more talent in the region than just the high major, big names. Here are five under the radar names who have continued to play at a high level.

AJ Berndt – 2026 – PG – Cary Grove

Berndt has quietly become of the top shooters in Chicagoland areas senior class. This included recently hitting seven threes in a single game on his way to a career high 26-point performance. After an all-conference junior season, Berndt has looked to grow his game as he also earned himself all-tournament team honors at the Johnsburg tournament to start his season which included a 20 point, 7 rebound, 5 assist performance. Not only a great shooter, Berndt is also a true point guard. Berndt has several offers from division three programs.

Kaleb Colbert – 2026 – G – Golda Meir

Colbert is off to a staggering start to his senior season. This includes a game with 43 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 steals in a win. In another game in the young season, he had a near triple double with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Not only is he an extremely athletic guard but is also a gifted shot maker who can create for himself. One of the top under the radar guards in Milwaukee right now.

Avonn King – 2026 – SF – Warren Township

King really emerged during this past grassroots season with ALL IN consistently putting up stat stuffing performances. This has continued into his senior season for a very good Warren Township team including recently putting up a career high 21 points. Much more than just a scorer, King is a 6’4” wing with a strong build who can do a bit of everything on the floor. He is an aggressive player who has shown the ability to control the glass as well to being an effective and versatile defender. Kings has received a few division three offers and should be on the radars of plenty more with his translatable tools.

Elijah O’Claire – 2027 – F/C – Kaukauna

While still developing, there is a lot to like from the game of O’Claire and even greater upside. The first is his size at 6’9” in addition to his length and mobility. He is an aggressive rebounder and interior defender but can also switch out to the perimeter. Offensively, he has shown good touch around the paint and can score it playing with his back to the basket. While he plays behind DePaul commit Andrew Jensen for Kaukauna, O’Claire has shown good abilities early in his junior season. The junior played with Team 1848 programs this past year.

Omari Thomas – 2026 – PG – Franklin Community

Whether it is his outside shooting, playmaking off the dribble, outside shooting, or creating for others, there is much to like from the game of Thomas. Already this season he had himself a 30-point game while shooting 6-8 from the outside but also proved to be one of the top distributors at NY2LA tournaments this grassroots season while playing with Hoosier State Prospects. He plays quick with the ball in his hands and has good court awareness with a versatile scoring ability.