Stock boosters, under the radar gems, high upside recruits, there are plenty of must see players to know for the upcoming high school season. We break down five highly talented players who could all take their game and stock to the next level this winter. 

DJ Laye - 2028 - PG - Marshall

In his sophomore season with Marshall, Laye emerged as one of the top point guards in Illinois when he led his team to a state title. He is a true two-way playmaking point guard. The quick and shifty guard can take over games with his great ability to get into the paint and create as well as on the defensive side pressuring the ball. After a first team all-state season last year, look for Laye to get on more radars this upcoming season. 

Drew Lenz - 2029 - PG - Winneconne

Lenz has continued to show off his extremely high skill set whether it has been with Team Herro or Winneconne. He was one of the top freshmen in all of Wisconsin last season while averaging 19.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. While just entering his sophomore season, Lenz has such an advanced blend of feel, point guard abilities, and scoring. After earning second team all-conference honors as just a freshman, don’t be surprised to see him among the state's top guards this season.  

Brennan Lepper - 2029 - F/C - Quincy

Over the past several months, Lepper has emerged as one of the top big men in Illinois’ 2029 class. This has led to him already having picked up a few division one offers and should be on more coaches radars this season with Quincy. The 6’7” post has proved to be a highly effective interior player on both ends of the floor but also showed a growing game as well. He is a physical big man with a solid build and good touch around the basket but can also step out and shoot the three plus rebound it extremely well. 

Daniel Salkauskas - 2028 - SF - Brother Rice

Salkauskas has continued to build his game and show greater tools and could be poised for a huge breakout junior season for Brother Rice. He is one of the more intriguing recruits in Illinois’ 2028 with his blend of size standing at 6’7” along with his highly versatile game. He brings a very well-rounded offensive game with his ability to create off the dribble, shoot the three, and use his size to be a mismatch and score around the paint. 

Gary Thorpe - 2027 - PG - Milwaukee South

For a player of Thorpe’s level, he is one of the more under the radar seniors in Wisconsin. He had a breakout junior season in which he was named first team all-conference in the Milwaukee City Gold and continued that high level of play into the grassroots season as one of the top guards on the NY2LA Association with Jay Academy. Thorpe is a lightning quick point guard that is a true playmaker on both ends of the floor. With this, he is a tough and aggressive on ball defender, great ability to get into the paint and create for himself and others, and also shoot the three.