Young’s DJ Steward, the state’s top-ranked senior prospect who’s headed to Duke, and three other players in the Class of 2020 in Illinois have committed to high-major programs.
Marian Catholic’s Ahron Ulis and Morgan Park’s Marcus Watson will sign with Iowa and Wake Forest, respectively, in November. Bloom’s Martice Mitchell chose Minnesota on Monday. Morgan Park’s Adam Miller eventually will commit to a high-major program.
There are 20 players in the senior class who have given oral commitments to Division I programs.
The total number of projected Division I players in the Class of 2020 is once again down substantially in comparison to the Illinois norm. But those aren’t the only players being heavily recruited.
There are plenty of recruiting battles going on in the small-college ranks. Some players will sign with Division II programs, and others are hot commodities among higher-level Division III programs.
Cary-Grove’s Beau Frericks, a sweet-shooting guard who put together an outstanding junior season and offseason, was a coveted Division II prospect. After helping Cary-Grove to its first 20-win season since 2001 by averaging 19.4 points, Frericks committed to Lewis University this past weekend.
Here are a few other prized small-college recruits.
Matthew Ambrose, Stevenson
One of the most heavily pursued small-college prospects on the board, Ambrose has remaining upside to go with his natural basketball smarts, scoring acumen and knockdown shooting ability. The 6-3 scoring guard has a wide range of interest, with Division II programs Indianapolis, Lewis, Winona State and Hillsdale front and center.
Colin Crothers, Benet
The productive Crothers brings size, a soft shooting touch, strong big-man instincts and outstanding academics. Last season, his third at the varsity level, the 6-7 Crothers averaged 13.2 points and 8.2 rebounds and shot 60 percent from the field.
This fall, he has become a high priority on the recruiting trail for small-college programs.
In addition to a Division II offer from UI-Springfield, Crothers has heavy interest from MIT, Hope College, Swarthmore, the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins, where he will visit this weekend.
Ryan Sroka, Huntley
The unheralded Sroka is one of the best-kept secrets and is poised for a big senior year after averaging 13.5 points last season. A multifaceted 6-4 perimeter threat, Sroka came on strong last season, including a regional performance in which he scored 23 points, including five three-pointers, to knock off St. Charles East.
Lewis, McKendree and Quincy have extended offers at the Division II level, while Indianapolis also is involved. Sroka has visited Division III heavyweights Augustana, Illinois Wesleyan and Wisconsin Oshkosh, and UAB would like him to be a preferred walk-on.
Connor McCance, Oswego
Although the numbers last year (8 ppg, 4 rpg) were modest, McCance continues to show steady improvement. With a lack of true big men out there at all levels, McCance, who’s 6-8 with strength, a physical presence and a high motor, is a commodity.
McCance has picked up Division II offers from Northern Michigan and Wisconsin-Parkside. Purdue Northwest also is involved.
Dom Martinelli, Glenbrook South
The ultraproductive Martinelli offers strong academics, versatility and a stat-sheet-stuffing game. Last season, he put up some staggering numbers — 24.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 65 percent from the field.
After a big junior season, Martinelli received an offer from Division II Gannon University in Pennsylvania this past summer.
Martinelli plans to visit St. Thomas in Minnesota later this month. Division II programs Saginaw Valley State and St. Edwards in Texas and Division III programs Augustana and the University of Chicago remain involved.
Billy Durkin, Hinsdale South
The shooting ability and endless energy Durkin plays with caught the eye of small-college coaches this past summer. He recently picked up an offer from Lewis University and has a trio of Division III heavyweights — Washington University in St. Louis, Augustana and defending Division III national champion Wisconsin Oshkosh — in heavy pursuit.
