The state of Illinois has long been a breeding ground for exceptional high school basketball talent, and the 2023-24 season was no exception.
With another thrilling campaign behind us, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA), in collaboration with the Chicago Tribune, honored the standout performers with the prestigious Mr. and Ms. Basketball awards.
Illinois Mr. Basketball title was awarded to Morez Johnson Jr., who has committed to play as a freshman for the University of Illinois. The Fighting Illini signee averaged 20 points a game for Wildcats of Thornton High School in Harvey.
Meanwhile, Kloe Froebe was crowned 2024 Ms. Basketball Illinois for leading Lincoln’s Railsplitters to 38-0 record and state championship. She will be playing women’s varsity basketball for Colorado State Rams.
These accolades recognize the state’s premier male and female basketball players, who have not only excelled on the court but also showcased sportsmanship, dedication, and academics throughout the season. Winners were chosen through a voting process involving media representatives and coaches from across Illinois.
What we cover
Mr. Basketball: Morez Johnson Jr., Thornton High School (Harvey, IL)
Emerging as the epitome of dominance, Morez Johnson Jr. who played for Wildcats at Thornton High School, claimed the coveted Mr. Basketball title for the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot-9 forward, bound for the University of Illinois, made history as the first Thornton player to ever be named Mr. Basketball for his stellar performance.
Johnson’s stat line speaks volumes about his impact on the court for the Wildcats in Harvey. The Fighting Illini signee averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three steals per game.
His versatility and skill set propelled Thornton High School to a 25-9 record. The Wildcats ended the season with a Class 3A supersectional appearance.
The Illinois signee’s exceptional talent did not go unnoticed. He was recognized as a first-team all-stater by both the coaches and the media reps from across Illinois.
Johnson’s path to the prestigious Mr. Basketball award was undeniable, either. The 6-foot-9 forward received an overwhelming 130 first-place votes and appeared on an impressive 89.1 percent of the 229 ballots cast.
Johnson will certainly be a big part of head coach Brad Underwood’s plans at State Farm Center. That’s especially true with Coleman Hawkins, who is in the middle of the NBA drafting process, expected to be snapped up by Louisville Cardinals, Kansas State, Carolina Tar Heels, or Arkansas Razorbacks, according to Sports Illustrated.
Ms. Basketball: Kloe Froebe, Lincoln
As for Illinois Ms. Basketball title, Kloe Froebe of Lincoln Community High School was crowned the winner. The 5-foot-9 guard, bound for Colorado State University, orchestrated a massive season for Lincoln varsity basketball, leading Railsplitters to the Class 3A state title and an undefeated 38-0 record.
Froebe’s remarkable stat line of 29.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 5.2 steals per game painted a vivid picture of her impact on the hardwood. As a senior guard, she joined a select group of ten players who have scored over 3,000 points in Illinois high school basketball history.
The Colorado State commit’s talent and exceptional performance in the 2023-24 season did not go unnoticed. The bench of media reps and coaches named her a first-team all-stater.
Froebe’s crowning as Ms. Basketball was undisputed. She received a staggering 161 first-place votes and appeared on an incredible 93.3 percent of the 208 ballots cast.
Runners-Up and Notable Performances
The 2023-24 season saw a lineup of highly talented players shortlisted for the Illinois Mr. and Ms. Basketball awards. Johnson and Froebe faced strong challengers.
In the boys’ category, Lathan Sommerville of Richwoods emerged as the runner-up for the Mr. Basketball award. The Rutgers commit averaged an impressive 24.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 blocks per game, leading Richwoods to a third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Metamora’s Cooper Koch, an Iowa recruit, rounded out the top five in the voting.
On the girls’ side, Aaliyah Guyton of Peoria High claimed the runner-up position for the Ms. Basketball award. Despite a season-ending injury, the Iowa State signee’s impact was undeniable, averaging 27.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 steals before her untimely departure.
Grace Nelson of Altamont, Alayna Kraus of Okawville, and Wilmette Loyola’s Aubrey Galvin completed the top five in the voting.
Voting Process and Awards
The Illinois Mr. and Ms. Basketball awards are presented annually by the Chicago Tribune in conjunction with the IBCA. The event has become a celebrated tradition in Illinois high school basketball.
The voting process involves coaches and media members from across the state. This year’s winners, Johnson and Froebe, were honored at the IBCA Coach of the Year Luncheon on May 4 at CEFCU Arena on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.
Beyond the raw statistics and accolades, the Mr. and Ms. Basketball recipients exemplify the virtues that transcend the game itself. Their unwavering commitment to their craft, combined with an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, has inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes, who are regularly priced by top Illinois sports betting platforms.
Wrapping Up
The 2023-24 high school basketball season in Illinois has once again showcased the state’s rich talent pool and its ability to produce exceptional athletes. While Morez Johnson and Kloe Froebe have etched their names in history as the recipients of the coveted Mr. and Ms. Basketball awards, their accomplishments serve as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that define the spirit of Illinois high school basketball.
As the curtain falls on another unforgettable season, the torch is passed to the next generation of talented players, who will undoubtedly strive to emulate the excellence and sportsmanship displayed by Johnson, Froebe, and their esteemed peers. The future of Illinois high school basketball continues to shine brightly, fueled by the remarkable performances of these remarkable student-athletes.
