Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College men's basketball team will add six new players to its roster for the 2025-26 season, according to an announcement from Head Coach Steve Schweer.

"We are really excited about this group of newcomers. We feel like we were able to address areas of need, but more than anything, we feel like all of these guys are a great fit for our program and for Illinois College," Schweer said. "While they all bring unique talents to our program, the thing they share is their competitive nature and their willingness to work at their craft.

"We search for guys who are relentless workers and who are not afraid of competition, and we believe that we have found that in all six of our newcomers. They have blended well with our returning group already, and we are excited to see what lies ahead for each of them," Schweer added.

Among the additions is Carson Doran, a 6-foot-3 wing from Williamsville High School. Doran averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game as a senior. He received All-Tournament honors at both the Williamsville Holiday Tournament and Sangamon County Tournament and was named Small School Player of the Year by the State Journal Register as well as 1450 AM Area Player of the Year. His coach Nick Beard described him as follows: "Carson is a three-level scorer and a great playmaker who does anything for his team to be successful. He is also an elite defender who can guard four positions and is just starting to scratch the surface of his talent level. Clearly, his best basketball is still in front of him."

Jayden McCoo joins from Mascoutah High School as a 6-foot-2 combo guard. McCoo scored over 1,000 career points and earned first-team All-Mississippi Valley Conference recognition twice while being named conference player of the year as a junior. He was also special mention Class 3A all-state by the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association. Coach Cole Schomaker said: "Jayden is a game changer. He really impacts both ends of the floor. In my opinion, he was one of the best defenders in the Metro East area and possesses a super high basketball IQ. There is no question that Jayden is the quickest player that I have had the luxury of coaching. He's not only a great player but an even better human!"

Chandler Mueller arrives from Wesclin High School as a 6-foot-3 shooting guard with 1,212 career points and holds his school's record for most three-point field goals made at 266. He helped lead his team to multiple tournament honors and a regional championship in 2024. Brent Brede, his coach, commented: "Chandler is a tireless worker, an incredible shooter, and a fantastic young man. He has developed his God-given talents through hard work and self-motivation. His ability to shoot 3's off the move, off the dribble, and from distance is high level."

Dylan Murphy transfers from St. Leo University after playing prep basketball at Columbia High School where he averaged 18.6 points per game on strong shooting percentages during his senior year and was recognized as MVP at Columbia-Freeburg Holiday Tournament along with other accolades including IBCA All-State first team selection. His coach Mark Sandstrom stated: "Dylan really left his mark on the Columbia basketball program. He was super competitive and led our young squad to 51 wins during his junior and senior years. He was always hungry to improve his game while being a gym rat. He set an example for all of our younger players, which has continued to carry over to today."

Blake Shoufler joins as a point guard from Williamsville High School after averaging nearly 14 points per game as a senior despite coming back from injury in his junior year; he earned several tournament honors along with third-team IBCA All-State recognition according to coach Nick Beard: "Blake overcame a season-ending injury his junior season to have a great senior season. He is one of the biggest competitors I have ever coached. Blake is a floor general who makes everyone on the court better. He's a proven winner at every level."

Trey Youngs comes from Clarksville High School in Tennessee where he received multiple district honors in basketball while also excelling in football as captain and quarterback leading Clarksville’s only two undefeated seasons in school history spanning over one century; Schweer remarked: "I have known Trey and his family for nearly 10 years, and we are excited to add him to the program. Trey is a gym rat who shoots the ball at a very high level and has the competitive edge that we are always hoping to find."

Illinois College will begin its season by hosting its annual Bill Merris Invitational at Sherman Gymnasium on November 7-8.