As we near the high school season in just a few weeks, it's time to feature some players poised for big and breakout seasons. Here is the first group up in this series. 

Cormac Hanus - 2027 - G/F - Benet Academy

While an extremely under the radar player,, Hanus has continued to progress his game over the past several months. This includes having plenty of translatable tools for the next level. Hanus had a strong grassroots season with Full Package as well as June season with Benet. As well as having some size on the wings at 6’5”, Hanus has also shown a knockdown shooting ability. 

Byron Jones - 2028 - G/F - Fond du Lac

After averaging 9 points and 6.2 rebounds as a sophomore Jones had a standout grassroots season with E2E Hoops. There is much to like from his game as the wing has good size standing at 6’6” along with plus length and athleticism. This is all in addition to a growing and versatile game. Jones is a slashing wing who moves well with the ball getting to the rim but can also shoot the three. As well, the wing is a truly versatile defender who can shut down multiple positions. Look for Jones to have a breakout season and be a popular name in his junior season with all his tools for the college level. 

Niko Jurkovic - 2027 - PF - Oswego

After making a big impact off the bench for Oswego last season, look for Jurkovic to have an even bigger season as a senior. Not only does he have good size in the frontcourt at 6’7” but plenty of other tools. As well, the senior has a big motor, plays with good physicality, and has some athleticism too. Jurkovic is a productive interior player on both ends as a very strong finisher, active paint protector, and aggressive rebounder.  

Kameron Shannon - 2028 - PF - Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 

Shannon has a ton of tools and is just poised for a breakout junior season. There are few players with his blend of abilities as he stands at 6’9” along with his athleticism. This is all in addition to being an elite rim protector who also has the mobility to switch onto the perimeter but has also shown a growing offensive game with an improved jumper. Shannon is a junior that college coaches should know with his unlimited upside. 

Brayden Smith - 2028 - SG - Elkhart Lake

It has been a big year of basketball for Smith. It started with being one of the leading scorers in all of Wisconsin as just a sophomore with 21.6 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The high level of play only continued into the grassroots season as he was one of the leading scorers on the 16U level of the NY2LA Association playing with Mammoth Basketball. Smith is a highly skilled guard who is a high level outside shooter with some three level scoring ability who should put up a ton of points this season.