The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) has officially unveiled its all-state teams for the 2025-26 boys' basketball season. These highly anticipated honors were announced between March 12-13, coinciding with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state finals held in Champaign. The selections highlight exceptional talent across four distinct enrollment classifications, with players being recognized on first, second, and third teams, as well as receiving special mention for their outstanding performance.
IBCA Recognizes Top Talent Across Illinois Boys Basketball Classes
In a significant announcement for the Illinois high school sports community, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association released its comprehensive all-state teams for the 2025-26 boys' basketball season. This annual recognition celebrates the pinnacle of achievement for student-athletes across the state's four enrollment classes: 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. The selection process culminated with the release of the teams during the IHSA state finals, a fitting backdrop for honoring the sport's brightest stars. Each class features a First Team, Second Team, Third Team, and a Special Mention category, acknowledging a broad spectrum of talent.
For Class 1A, the First Team included standout seniors like Bryson Mossman from Jacksonville Routt Catholic and Nathaniel Marlow from Webber Township High School, alongside rising sophomore star Darren Laye Jr. from Chicago Marshall. The Second Team saw Logan Kurtz of Tuscola and Jerry Hahn from Deer Creek-Mackinaw earn their spots, while the Third Team featured talents such as Zion Braimah from Pecatonica and Miller Reynolds from Tremont. A lengthy list of players, including George Jungerman and Cameron Roedl, received special mention, underscoring the depth of talent in the smallest school division.
Moving to Class 2A, the First Team was dominated by seniors, with Cooper Knowles of West Hancock and Jace Allensworth from Quincy Notre Dame leading the charge. Manual's Josh Humbles also made the elite list. The Second Team celebrated Keison Peoples of Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin and Latrell Kelly from Chicago Farragut, among others. Notable mentions on the Third Team included Reggie Postlewaite of Peoria Manual and Coleton Langendorf from Tolono Unity, both of whom featured prominently in the state semifinals. The extensive special mention list for Class 2A highlighted players like Brody Landgraf from Columbia and Jaquan Brown, also from Peoria Manual.
The Class 3A First Team showcased senior talents such as Jackson Bohm from Mahomet-Seymour and Tishawn Clemmons from MacArthur, alongside junior Quinton Kitt from East Peoria. The Second Team saw players like Kymir Carson from MacArthur and Jeffrey Hassan from Kaneland recognized for their strong seasons. The Third Team included Lucas Johnson of De La Salle and Isaiah Feuerbach from Sycamore. Special mention honorees in Class 3A were numerous, featuring names like Dave Barnes of Mt. Vernon and Nasir Fields from Westinghouse.
Finally, in Class 4A, the largest school division, the First Team was an assembly of top-tier athletes, including Charles Barnes from Marist, Marquis Clark of Whitney Young, and sophomore sensation Brady Pettigrew from Bolingbrook. The Second Team recognized Chris Bolte from St. Ignatius and Amir Danforth of Auburn. Third Team distinctions went to players like Tony Balanganayi from Palatine and Chase Kasten from Normal Community. The Class 4A special mention list was equally impressive, with Josh Abushanad of Glenbard West and Kendall Holliday from Curie among the many deserving players.
This comprehensive recognition by the IBCA not only celebrates individual athletic prowess but also underscores the vibrant and competitive landscape of high school basketball across Illinois. It serves as a testament to the hard work, skill, and dedication of these young athletes, as well as the guidance of their coaches.
The annual release of the IBCA All-State teams provides a crucial snapshot of the talent pipeline in Illinois high school basketball. For aspiring collegiate athletes, this recognition can significantly boost their profiles, opening doors to higher education and further athletic development. For the wider basketball community, it offers an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and skill demonstrated by these young players. The inclusion of special mentions alongside the three main teams ensures that a broad array of deserving athletes receive recognition, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging continued excellence in the sport. This event reaffirms the strong tradition of basketball in Illinois and inspires future generations of players to strive for similar achievements.