After plenty of talent filled the first and second teams, the third is no different. This third team features a couple of state champions from last season and a few of the top prospects in the state.

Chase Kasten - 2028 - G/F - Normal Community 

As being one of the top juniors in the state, Kasten has a real argument for the second team, but ends up here on the third team, at least for the preseason list. He is coming off of a sophomore season in which he earned third team 4A all-state honors from the IBCA. In this breakout season, the 6’6” wing helped Normal Community to a 28-6 season and regional championship while averaging 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. This continued into the grassroots season as one of the top 2028 players on the UAA over the spring and summer. 

DJ Laye - 2028 - PG - Marshall 

While Laye may not be as well known as some of the other players on these top three teams, he has proven more than enough to belong here. This was especially shown in his run leading Marshall to the Illinois 1A state championship last season as just a sophomore. In the championship game victory, Laye showed his star power on the big stage scoring 30 points along with 7 rebounds and 6 steals. Last season, he was the lone sophomore to be named first team 1A all-state by the IBCA. 

Deven Marshall - 2027 - G - Rock Island  

Over his junior season, Marshall proved to be one of the top guards in the entire state. He earned himself third team 4A all-state honors. In the season, Marshall averaged 20.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 steals per game helping Rock Island to a 28-5 season. With Marshall paired up with Arthur Abbey, the duo should be one of the top backcourts in Illinois this season. 

Kendall Meyers - 2027 - G/F - Marist  

The highly versatile 6’6” wing has already seen a ton of success in his high school career. As a sophomore, he helped Marist go 31-3. Then as a junior last season, Meyers played a significant role in helping Marist win the 4A state championship. With the other four starters gone from that state championship team, it will now be Meyers’ opportunity to show he’s among the state's top players. 

Ethan Vahl - 2028 - PG - Oswego 

While just entering his junior season, Vahl has already accomplished plenty. As just a freshman, he was able to earn himself special mention 4A all-state and then last season as a sophomore, moved himself up to third team 4A all-state. The 6’3” point guard has already hit the 1,000th point milestone and averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in his sophomore campaign.