With the new high school almost here, there will be an opportunity for plenty of players to emerge and take their game to the next level. A breakout name to watch out for is Jaylen Francis, a junior of Marist High School (IL). 

Last season, the 6’5” wing forward was a part of the Marist team that won the Illinois 4A state championship. With much of that senior laden team gone, including Charles Barnes, Stephen Brown, TJ Tate, Adoni Vassilakis, and Karson Thomas now at the college level, Francis will have a much greater opportunity. 

The growth in Francis' game was displayed throughout the grassroots season while playing with Zero Fears.  This included being one of the top 2028 wings at the NY2LA Next Level Invitational tournament. Throughout the tournament he proved his highly productive and versatile play while helping Zero Fears to a 4-0 record. 

“I’m a player who has a high motor who can play the wing position, offering a more versatile play. I can be an advantage against slower big men…can finish well and I also have a solid jumper to knock down threes,” Francis said when describing his own game. He has shown a versatile array of tools not just with his shooting and motor but also his length, athleticism, physical play, and defensive versatility matching up with multiple positions effectively.

“Get better in all areas,” Francis first said about his goals for his upcoming junior season with Marist. He added in “have a good winning season with Marist and just take advantage of the opportunities I'm given to showcase I'm ready for the moment.” If Francis continues to show what he did throughout the grassroots season with his expanded opportunity, looking for him to have a real breakout junior season. Francis and Marist will get their season started at the Hancock Harvest Thanksgiving Tournament versus Morgan Park Academy on the 23rd later this month.