One junior in Illinois that has continued to see his recruitment rise consistently over the past several months has been Danny Stephens. He is a 6’7” wing who attends Augusta Southeastern High School.

While playing with a very talented 2023 Mid Pro Academy team this spring and summer plenty of college coaches took notice. Alongside Ty Pence, Owen Freeman, Brock Harding, and others they were able to capture The Grassroots Basketball Association Championship at the 16U level back in July. 

The success from the summer has continued into the high school so far for him. He is currently averaging a remarkable 28.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game to have his team out to a 4-0 record. As well, he was able to win MVP of the Beardstown Tournament to start the season. 

Right now, the junior holds a trio of scholarship offers. Eastern Illinois, Southeast Missouri State, and Western Illinois have offered so far. The schools Stephens has visited include Bradley, Southeast Missouri State, Western Illinois, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As well to those schools, the schools he said that he talks to the most are Drake, Loyola, and South Dakota State. 

While no schools stand out at this point, there are some things the forward wants in his future college. “I really like the schools where the team and coaches have a good family atmosphere and I like coaches who expect a lot out of their players and want the best for them.”

If Stephens continues this incredible pace during his junior season, expect the college interest to continue to grow.