2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-State high school basketball team

A look at the 10 best players across the state in each of the four classes.

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St. Rita’s Morez Johnson (21) dunks against Mount Carmel.

St. Rita’s Morez Johnson (21) dunks against Mount Carmel.

Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

The season didn’t go according to plan for St. Rita. The Mustangs opened the season nationally ranked and were expected to be one of the star attractions in the state.

Coach Roshawn Russell’s squad made a good run in the Class 4A playoffs, losing to Brother Rice at home in a sectional semifinal, but finished the season 23-11.

There were, however, two major bright spots: St. Rita won the Catholic League Blue with a 12-1 record, and star junior Morez Johnson took another step forward. The 6-9 Illinois recruit averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

‘‘[Johnson] certainly separated himself from the pack,’’ Russell said. ‘‘He dominated on both ends of the floor and showcased his versatility by shooting the three. There is no doubt he’s the best prospect in the state.’’

Russell is correct. Johnson’s potential is unmatched. Sophomore guard Jeremiah Fears also has a tantalizingly high ceiling, but he’s a 6-foot guard.

Johnson was an easy selection for the Class 4A All-State first team. He was joined by four seniors: Joliet West’s Jeremy Fears Jr., the Sun-Times Player of the Year; Kenwood guard Darrin ‘‘Dai Dai’’ Ames; Rolling Meadows guard Cameron Christie; and Moline forward Owen Freeman.

Freeman, an Iowa recruit who averaged 17.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks, is the only member of the first team who has a chance to win the Class 4A title. Freeman transferred from Bradley-Bourbonnais last summer to team with fellow Iowa recruit Brock Harding, a second-team selection. Harding averaged 17.9 points, 5.7 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.4 rebounds for the Maroons (33-3).

Yorkville Christian guard David Douglas Jr., a Class 1A first-team selection, produced one of the most productive seasons in state history. The 6-5 senior averaged 33.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks.

The 33.8 points per game is tied for 10th-best in IHSA history. Douglas scored 1,083 points this season, good enough for seventh all-time.

The Mustangs, who won the Class 1A state title last season, finished 10-22 this season against a schedule heavy with Class 3A and Class 4A teams.

Douglas is uncommitted but has interest from Richmond, Wyoming, Tulane, Cornell and Army.

Chicago Sun-Times All-State Team

CLASS 4A

First Team
Player, School, Position, Height, Year

  • Darrin Ames, Kenwood, G, 6-2, Sr.
  • Cameron Christie, Rolling Meadows, G, 6-6, Sr.
  • Jeremy Fears Jr., Joliet West, G, 6-2, Sr.
  • Owen Freeman, Moline, C, 6-11, Sr.
  • Morez Johnson, St. Rita, F, 6-9, Jr.

Second Team

  • Jake Fiegen, New Trier, G, 6-3, Sr.
  • Brock Harding, Moline, G, 6-0, Sr.
  • Ahmad Henderson, Brother Rice, G, 5-10, Sr.
  • Mekhi Lowery, Oswego East, F, 6-7, Sr.
  • Ben Oosterbaan, Hinsdale Central, G, 6-6, Sr.

CLASS 3A

First Team

  • DeAndre Craig, Mount Carmel, G, 6-1, Sr.
  • Ethan Kizer, Metamora, G, 6-6, Sr.
  • Macaleab Rich, East St. Louis, G, 6-7, Sr.
  • Miles Rubin, Simeon, F, 6-10, Sr.
  • Drew Scharnowski, Burlington Central, F, 6-9, Sr.

Second Team

  • Darrion Baker, Hillcrest, C, 6-9, Sr.
  • Jalen Griffith, Simeon, G, 5-10, Sr.
  • Jake Hamilton, Sacred Heart-Griffin, G, 6-4, Sr.
  • Zack Hawkinson, Sacred Heart-Griffin, G, 6-5, Sr.
  • Cooper Koch, Peoria Notre Dame, F, 6-8, Jr.

CLASS 2A

First Team

  • Dylan Bazzell, Fairbury Prairie Central, G, 6-4, Sr.
  • Cole Certa, Bloomington Central Catholic, G, 6-4, Jr.
  • Ty Pence, St. Joseph-Ogden, F, 6-6, Sr.
  • Jaheim Savage, Phillips, G, 6-4, Sr.
  • Grady Thompson, Princeton, G, 6-4, Sr.

Second Team

  • Al Brooks Jr., Hansberry, G, 6-6, So.
  • Gianni Cobb, Perspectives-Leadership, G, 6-0, Jr.
  • Walt Hill Jr., Rockford Lutheran, G, 6-1, Sr.
  • Caleb Siemer, Teutopolis, F, 6-6, Sr.
  • Jase Whiteman, Rockridge, G, 6-1, Sr.

Class 1A

First Team

  • Jakson Baber, Cornerstone, F, 6-2, Sr.
  • David Douglas Jr., Yorkville Christian, G, 6-5, Sr.
  • Tyler Franklin, Cobden, F, 6-6, Sr.
  • Roderic Gatewood, Mounds Meridian, G, 5-9, Sr.
  • Danny Stephens, August Southeastern, C, 6-7, Sr.

Second Team

  • Ja’Juan Cozark, Marshall, F, 6-5, Sr.
  • Thomas Hereau, Scales Mound, G, 6-2, Jr.
  • Jordan Quinn, Tuscola, F, 6-3, Jr.
  • Ross Robertson, South Beloit, C, 6-8, So.
  • Wyatt Thompson, Dwight, C, 6-7, Sr.

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