There are always seniors ready to take the step in becoming more of a focal point of their teams. Maybe it’s a leap in scoring, more consistent production or taking on a bigger role for a high-profile team.
These are 10 players who are already proven at the varsity level but are poised to now become go-to stars as seniors.
Dalton Scantlebury, Lane
The talented big man started his junior year off slowly, battling back from an injury and then working his way back into a productive piece over the second half of the season.
He also played second fiddle last year to veteran senior Shaheed Solebo, who is now at Youngstown State.
Now the 6-9 Scantlebury, who is headed to Penn after being courted by mid-major programs, is set to show he’s one of the best big men in the state after an outstanding offseason. He’s a front court player who an offense can run through due to his underrated skill and feel.
Grant Best, Mount Carmel
The king of intangibles is set to emerge as more of a go-to player for the Caravan after playing in a valuable support role to star Angelo Ciaravino last season. The Air Force recruit will continue to do all the little things, providing key defensive and hustle moments, but with some added offensive punch.
Moses Wilson, Waubonsie Valley
A no-namer when last season began, Wilson injected life into the Warriors and helped them to a 27-win season and regional championship. Now, along with Tyreek Coleman, he’s the focal point of a ranked team and one of the better uncommitted prospects in the state. He beams with potential.
Those who watched him this summer are bullish on the extremely active and bouncy 6-4 Wilson, who provides instant electricity with his play and whose numbers will balloon as a senior.
Vince Buzelis, Hinsdale Central
Last year he was a productive but under-the-radar junior with 13 points and eight rebounds a game. Even with those solid numbers, look for Buzelis to increase his production across the board while defending the opposing team’s best player.
He’s a Division I recruit, signing with South Dakota, who has expanded his game and is primed for a big senior season for a very good team.
Brent Taylor, Homewood-Flossmoor
After a solid season at Lincoln-Way East, the 6-2 scoring guard is set to make an impact for a defending state champ looking to reload after losing key pieces. With a mid-range pull-up game and athleticism to get to the rim, Taylor is wired to score the basketball and will have the opportunity to do so for the Vikings.
Hudson Scroggins, Lake Forest
The unknown Scroggins, even after putting up 14 points and six rebounds a game, is poised for an even bigger impact — and will now be a known senior.
With a blue-collar approach and defensive presence, Scroggins, who is now pushing close to 6-8, does a little of everything for the Scouts. That now includes a more advanced offensive game which should enhance his recruiting over the course of the season.
Daniel Pauliukonis, Benet
The improvement and strides the 6-9 Pauliukonis has made since last season ended have been well documented. After modest numbers as a junior, the door is open to have a major impact as the skilled 4-man became a coveted Division I prospect and Southern Illinois recruit in the offseason.
The size, shooting ability and added confidence will be a boon for a ranked Benet team. And the production could all double from his junior to senior year.
Jack Weigus, Brother Rice
The opportunity is there for the transfer from Hinsdale South as he teams up with returning guard Marcos Gonzales. He’s been a constant scorer and sharpshooter from the three-point line for the past two seasons. The 6-2 guard pumped in 20 points a game last season, including 44 in a single game.
Weigus should seamlessly fit right in for a program that offers a bigger platform and could use the offensive infusion he provides.
Aidan Bardic, Stevenson
Bardic’s knowledge of the point guard position is easy to see, and the setting up of teammates is some of the best you’ll find from any point guard. But his overall offense — he led the Patriots in scoring as a junior — can’t be lost in all that he impacts.
Bardic has committed to Division II Winona State and is an unsung player in the senior class.
Jax Abalos, Batavia
After putting up 11 points and 5.5 rebounds a game last season, this becomes Abalos’ team as the only returning starter.
He returns for his senior year bigger (the versatile Abalos is now pushing close to 6-8), more versatile and as a Division I recruit (he’s headed to Cornell). He can put the ball on the floor and his size allows him to shoot over most defenders, and he’ll have the green light to do so.