Forget about “breaking out” when it comes to these seniors.
In terms of production, they’ve already generated significant numbers in their careers. But they’ve done so in relative obscurity, whether it be due to lack of team success or playing for a program that hasn’t been seen enough.
Here’s the list of underrated and overlooked seniors set for big seasons once again.
Luke Smith, Addison Trail
The impact Smith has made for this program is eye-opening and undeniable. The 6-foot guard is a four-year starter and has put up massive numbers, including 26 points a game last season. He will surpass 2,000 career points by the midway point of this season.
Hunter Gawron, Niles North
The 6-6 senior is one of the more under-appreciated players in the state. Gawron, who averaged 17 points and seven rebounds, continues to add more to his game and can be a dominant figure in different ways.
Theo Rocca, Evanston
Rocca is a leader, plays with an edge and does all he can to help his team win. The 6-4 shooting guard will only improve on his averages of 13 points and four rebounds from a year ago. He’s a threat as a shooter (40% from three) and a defensive demon.
Payton Edwards, Bloom
Edwards is criminally overlooked and underrated, considering all he does to affect a game. The 6-3 wing is a slasher who will make a shot, rebound and do all the dirty work. And he’s a beast defensively.
Jovi Ratliff, Hillcrest
There are few players who average 17 points as a junior who are more under the radar than Ratliff, a 6-1 scoring combo guard. Now there certainly will be a defensive bull’s-eye on a player who fuels the Hawks.
Hudson Kirby, Geneva
While small-college programs are well aware of Kirby, the 6-5 senior remains an unknown among high school fans. Leading the DuKane favorites, Kirby will undoubtedly improve upon his solid junior numbers: 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists a game.
Alanis Castillo, Lemont
A double-figure scorer as a junior who put together a terrific summer, the big 6-5 wing is set for a breakthrough season after averaging 10 points, four rebounds and two assists a game while shooting 35% from three.
Donte Montgomery, Oak Lawn
The wiry 6-2 guard did it all for the Spartans as a junior, including individual games of 38 and 36 points. What do you do for an encore after putting up 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals a game? He has added some playmaking to his repertoire.
Luca Carbonaro, Wheaton South
The 6-2 guard has been a high-level producer and efficient player the last two seasons, including putting up 17 points, three rebounds and three assists as a junior. If the Tigers are to make a push in the DuKane, Carbonaro will lead the charge.
Jordan Tunis, Schaumburg
Tunis just might be the most overlooked player in the MSL. A four-year starter for the Saxons, the 5-11 senior is coming off a junior year when he put up 15 points and five assists a game.
Liam Hanson, Libertyville
He’s a heavily recruited prospect at the Division III level who is a do-it-all at the high school level with impressive junior numbers: 13 points, five rebounds and four assists a game. The 6-2 guard has a penchant for scoring off the dribble but can attack in the open floor and shoot it off the catch.
AJ Demirov, Crystal Lake South
For two seasons, Demirov has been among the area’s most consistent, dynamic scorers but without the recognition that typically comes with it. Last season he averaged 20 points and four assists while burying 91 three-pointers. He’s on pace to become the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Derek Bishop, Mundelein
He quietly has put up numbers since his freshman season to the tune of 1,500 career points after a whopper of a junior season (23 points per game). Bishop is a burly 6-1 guard who makes big shots and plays with fearlessness.
