With a spot in the state championship game on the line, both Deerfield and Kaneland brought their best game down to Champaign on Friday. In this one, each team traded large runs. This started with Deerfield going on a 12-0 run behind Evan Nagler and Jake Pollack that spanned the first and second quarters and helped them take an 11-point lead into the second half. The second half was a different story as Kaneland was able to answer with an 13-0 run of their own to finish off the third quarter behind Jeffrey Hassan. The fourth quarter saw several lead changes including a basket in the final seconds by Marshawn Cocroft to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, Connor Kimme was able to score the first 3 points of it to get Kaneland the lead. Though Deerfield was able to finish it off with 2 baskets from Jake Pollack and the defensive stop at the buzzer to advance with the 49-48 win in this instant classic.

Marshawn Cocroft – 2026 – PG – Kaneland

Cocroft is a pure point guard who is very elusive with the ball with his great quickness and his handle to pair along with his court vision. During the game he was often getting two feet into the paint to make plenty of plays. In just the first few minutes of play, the Grand Valley State commit had a pair of drive and kick out assists for threes to finish with 4 assists. He came alive down the stretch of the fourth quarter with his scoring ability playing on the attack with a trio of key fourth quarter baskets. This including a driving basket with just 10 seconds remaining to tie it all up and send it to overtime.

Evan Frieders – 2026 – SG – Kaneland

Frieders is such a well-rounded and impactful 6’5” wing guard. He was key on both ends of the floor. He finished the game with 10 points but also made a ton of defensive plays. His scoring included a strong drive to the basket, a basket in transition off his own steal and a pair of threes. One of which came in the final two minutes of regulation to take the lead. On the defensive side, not only did he have two steals but also had multiple deflections and poke outs forcing several turnovers utilizing his great length.

Jeffrey Hassan – 2027 – F/C – Kaneland

It was another highly productive game by the incredibly lengthy 6’9” junior who has unlimited upside. He was able to finish this game with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. He was dominant scoring in the third quarter which included a trio of dunks coming on a put back, a strong post up move, and on a drive which cut the lead all the way down to 1 to finish off the quarter after a double-digit deficit. Not only does he rebound so well with his physical tools but is very aggressive rebounding out of area and ripping the ball away from a pair of opponents for one of them. With all his tools, it is very easy to see why the junior already holds several division one offers.

Evan Nagler – 2026 – G – Deerfield

The early play of Nagler was instrumental in Deerfield building their first quarter lead. In just the first four minutes of play, the senior guard scored 8 points and finished the first quarter with 10. This included a pair of threes, showing off his great outside shooting ability. He was moving very well without the ball to find space and knock down his jumpers with his pure jumpers. Though, Nagler also showed his ability to make plays on the attack scoring at the rim and distributing it out. The 6’3” guard is committed to Case Western.

Jake Pollack – 2026 – PF – Deerfield

As well to being 6’9, Pollack is a skilled big man who knows to play. He was instrumental throughout this game leading Deerfield to the win. This included leading them with 20 points, including all 4 of their points in overtime. Even while going up against comparable size and great length, Pollack was still successful scoring the ball posting up. He also showed his skills hitting a three and his ability to handle the ball on a couple of driving baskets and a drive and kick out for three. The Dartmouth commit plays with great energy which was displayed blocking a shot on one end and then beating everyone down the floor for a dunk on the other end. He was not only key with his shot blocking with 5 of them, including 2 just in overtime, but also taking a pair of charges in the second half.