As editor/publisher of the City/Suburban Hoops Report, a longtime recruiting service for college basketball programs across the country and a high school basketball publication that began in 1996, there has been an annual 10-player all-state first-team and a 10-player all-state second team for the past 30 years. This is an all-state team that consists of all players and in all classes across the state.
First Team
Marquis Clark, 6-1, Sr., Young
The Tennessee recruit and top five prospect in the senior class put the Dolphins on his shoulders and carried them to 22 wins on the year. Dynamic in the open floor and beating defenders off the dribble, Clark put up significant numbers and big-time individual performances, averaging over 30 points a game.
“Marquis is not just a phenomenal player — as evidenced by the way he’s played the game and his commitment to Tennessee — but he’s a refreshing student-athlete that finished where he started,” Young coach Tyrone Slaughter said.
Jaxson Davis, 6-1, Jr., Warren
The state’s top player and prospect, Davis is both the Sun-Times and City/Suburban Hoops Report Player of the Year. The Blue Devils won 30 games as Davis put up 25 points and five assists a game. Already a three-time all-state choice, the polished point guard has surpassed 2,000 career points with a season to play. He will be a coveted recruiting target over the next six months.
“Jaxson’s shooting percentages increased from all spots on the court from last year. I think that’s a credit to him working on his shooting. He’s gotten better every year, stronger every year, and his efficiency increased a lot from last year. I think he’s also pretty self-aware and knows there’s always areas to get better,” Warren coach Zack Ryan said,
Cole Kelly, 6-6, So., Neuqua Valley
The multi-dimensional Kelly was a monster all season. There wasn’t much Kelly didn’t do for a team that finished 32-2 and reached the sectional semifinals. He scored, distributed and rebounded his way to 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists a game. Kelly, who knocked down 70 three-pointers, is a high-major recruit who has cemented himself as a top 100 player in the country.
“Cole is the most complete player in Illinois. He does everything well. Cole handles his success with grace and humility. He is on a legendary trajectory. I hope the public gets to see what I see every day in practice. I have never seen anything like Cole. Never,” Neuqua Valley coach Todd Sutton said.
Brady Pettigrew, 6-3, So., Bolingbrook
With his role and opportunities expanding this season, Pettigrew responded in a big way and led the Raiders to a sectional title game appearance and 25 wins. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 21 points, five rebounds and three assists a game. Pettigrew, a top 50 prospect in the country, also looked the part of the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2028 in Bolingbrook’s most important games.
“His game is becoming more mature and expanding by the day. He is the definition of a gym rat. His skill set, coupled with his athleticism, make him one of the top players in the country. Big things are ahead for Brady,” Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said.
Rashaun Porter, 6-7, Sr., DePaul Prep
Porter’s career is rare, even in the long, tradition-rich history of basketball in this state. His four years were all about winning — and at an extremely high level. A generational defensive talent at the high school level, Porter also averaged over 16 points and nearly seven rebounds a game as a senior. Headed to Toledo next season.
“Come back better at two things. That’s what we ask of our players in the offseason. No one I’ve coached has done a better job of that than Rashaun. From conditioning, finishing, guarding perimeter players and leadership. He’s an all-time great at DePaul,” DePaul Prep coach Tom Kleinschmidt said.
Amarion Smith-Holley, 5-11, So., Peoria Richwoods
The eye-opening point guard dazzled all season, to the tune of 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals a game. But he put an exclamation point on his sophomore campaign with an incredible postseason run. The Knights won a sectional championship, thanks to the clutch heroics and production of Smith-Holley. He’s one of the top three prospects in the sophomore class.
“He plays beyond his years. He has a gift of pace, tenacity, maturity, high IQ and a sheer will to win. He is a competitor every day and a kid who strives to get better every day. He is a special talent and only getting better. He was the driving force of our success,” Peoria Richwoods coach William Smith said.
Jamison White, 6-8, Sr., East St. Louis
The impact White made in one season is quite impressive. The St. Louis transplant took over the top spot in the Class of 2026 rankings while leading the Flyers to a Class 3A state championship. Even at his size, the Penn State recruit showcased strength, athleticism and skill that led to him averaging 20 points and 12.6 rebounds a game.
“Jamison is very versatile. He played all five positions for us. And he bought into rebounding and defending at a high level as well. He’s coachable and a great teammate. The most underrated part of his game is his work ethic. He’s in the gym working extra every day. Proud of him for buying in,” East St. Louis coach Mark Chambers said.
Lincoln Williams, 6-6, Sr., Kankakee
He leaves Kankakee as arguably the best player in school history, finishing his record-breaking career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,853 points. He also broke the single-season record for points with 704 and single-game record with 44. As a senior, Williams fueled a team that won 29 games and reached the sectional championship. Williams, who put up over 26 points a game, remains the best uncommitted prospect in the senior class.
“Lincoln’s development and production is a direct result of him being dedicated to the program, the school and the town. He wanted to show people that you have to leave to develop and be challenged. He’ll go down as the most celebrated Kankakee player to date and one of the best players in Illinois over the past two years,” Kankakee coach Chris Pickett said.
Rykan Woo, 6-1, Sr., DePaul Prep
All he’s done in his two seasons at DePaul is win 66 games and be a part of a 2025 Class 3A state championship and third-place finisher in 2026. Woo improved and made big strides every year in high school, culminating with a senior season in which he averaged 16.7 points and over four assists a game. The highly-efficient guard, who shot 47 percent from the three-point line, is headed to the Ivy League next year to play at Brown.
“Rykan is very in-depth and extremely detailed about his game. From his conditioning to his practice habits, watching film, dissecting the opponent and then implementing that to the opponent is next level. It’s rare to see in high school,” DePaul Prep coach Tom Kleinschmidt said.
Jayden Wright, 5-10, Sr., Benet
A headline player for a program that over the past two years won a state title, finished second in the state and won 69 games. Known for his shooting range and marksmanship, Wright evolved into a true lead guard. The East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year led the Redwings in scoring (13.5 ppg) and assists (5.5 apg) while making 54 three-pointers. Wright is headed to Eastern Illinois.
“Jayden had a major impact on both ends of the floor. Whether scoring, handling pressure, creating for his teammates, or defending other top perimeter players, his contributions were an important part of our success,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said.
Second-Team
Charles Barnes, 6-6, Sr., Marist
Chris Bolte, 6-6, Sr., St. Ignatius
Amir Danforth, 6-1, Sr., Rockford Boylan
Darrius Hawkins Jr., 6-0, So., Homewood-Flossmoor
Quentin Kitt, 6-6, Jr., East Peoria
Mason Lockett, 6-6, Sr., Oswego East
Michael Nee, 6-2, Sr., Glenbard East
Justin Oliver, 6-0, Sr., Curie
Jake Pollack, 6-8, Sr., Deerfield
Colin Stack, 7-1, Sr., Benet
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