One final team with our preseason projections for Illinois as we reach the fourth team. Plenty of talent is still here with these five below. 

Phillip Jones - 2027 - PG - East St. Louis 

Jones played a huge role last season as a junior in helping East St. Louis win the 3A state title. On the season, he averaged 11.4 points, 5 rebounds, and a staggering 7.4 assists per game to earn special mention 3A all-state honors. In the June scholastic season, Jones showed that he is ready to take a larger role with Jamison White and Alex Johnson now graduated. Over the past few months he has continued to add to his game and build his recruitment, landing an offer from Troy. 

KeShaun Manney - 2027 - G - Bloomington Central Catholic 

Manney has been one of the most productive guards in Illinois over the past couple of seasons. This included being named third team 2A all-state as just a sophomore and then last season earning first team 2A all-state, the only non-senior to do so. He received these first team accolades with the lofty stat line averaging 23.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. 

Grant Smith - 2028 - G/F - Lyons Township

After greatly emerging in his sophomore year this past season where he averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds to earn special mention 4A all-state honors, Smith progressed even more over the spring and summer showing that he’s one of the top players in Illinois’ 2028 class. During his breakout summer, Smith earned himself a few division one offers. He has a unique blend of abilities to be an all-state player as a 6’6” wing along with his explosive athleticism, outside shooting, and ability to create off the dribble. 

Brady Welch - 2027 - PG - Moline

Over the past several years going back to his middle school days, Welch has continued to show he’s one of the most skilled players in Illinois’ 2027 class. His game has only continued to grow as he earned third team 3A all-state honors last season as a junior. He was one of the top scorers in the state last season averaging 22.3 points along with 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Welch has a great blend of ability with both his outside shooting and ability to run the point. 

Mikey Woods - 2027 - PG - Perspectives

After previously attending Bosco Prep in Indiana, Woods will make the move back to Illinois and attend Perspectives to finish off his high school career. Woods started out his high school career at St. Francis de Sales. Look for Woods to come in and immediately be one of the top playmakers in the CPS and the entire state. He is a highly skilled point guard with both his shot making ability and high level passing. Woods has multiple division one offers.