High school boys basketball preview: 5 to watch this season
Check out our five players to watch this winter with the high school boys basketball season underway this week.
Uchenna Egekeze, Huntley, sr., G – Egekeze turned in a strong junior season, averaging 16 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Red Raiders (18-5). The 6-foot-1 guard usually guarded the opponents’ best guard. He shot 72.5% on free throws and hit 23 3s. He was selected to the Northwest Herald All-Area second team and has not committed to a college yet.
Beau Frericks, Cary-Grove, sr., G – Frericks finished third on the area scoring list at 19.4 points a game, putting him at 860 for his high school career. The 6-foot-1 guard shot 84.4 percent on free throws and hit 67 3-pointers for the 21-8 Trojans. He signed with NCAA Division II Lewis and was a Northwest Herald All-Area first-team selection.
Frank Jakubicek, Cary-Grove, sr., F – Jakubicek was a Northwest Herald All-Area first-team pick after averaging 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds for the 21-8 Trojans. The 6-foot-8 forward shot 45.6% on 3-pointers (26 of 57) and 55.6% on all field goals. Jakubicek signed with D-I Belmont. Jakubicek has 651 points in two varsity seasons.
Tyler Miller, Crystal Lake South, sr., G – Miller is the area’s leading returning 3-point shooter after hitting 83 last season, which was fifth among local players. The 6-foot-2 guard shot 46.6% on 3s and averaged 13.4 points a game for the Gators, who tied for the Fox Valley Conference championship with Crystal Lake Central. He was an All-Area second-team selection and will play at D-III Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Collin Woods, Hampshire, sr., G – Woods averaged 14.0 points a game for the 15-16 Whip-Purs, who tied for fourth in the FVC. The 6-foot-5 guard also is a tough defender, who led the team with 52 steals and was second in rebounding. He hit 40 3s and averaged 2.3 assists. He was an All-Area second-team pick.