The 2025-2026 boys basketball season tips off this week. Here are five players to watch around the Sauk Valley coverage area.

Kendall Erdmann, Forreston , sr., G

Erdmann averaged 19.5 points per game last season and was a second-team all-NUIC North selection. He also eclipsed 1,000 career points as a junior and has a chance to become the school’s all-time leading scorer. He is one of four returning starters for the Cardinals, who look to take another step forward this season under first-year head coach Robert DeVries.

Asher Ernst, Newman , sr., F

The 6-foot-4 Ernst averaged 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks with Morrison last season as an all-NUIC South second-team pick. He looks to be a strong addition alongside an already talented and athletic core of Garret Matzni

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