2026 Herald-News Boys Basketball All-Area Team

Featuring the top players from across the area, we are proud to present the 2026 Herald-News All-Area Boys Basketball Team.

FIRST TEAM

Brady Pettigrew, Bolingbrook, so.

The Herald-News Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Pettigrew was an easy choice for the first team. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 20 points, four rebounds and three assists a game. He’s a consensus top-15 player in the nation and has more than 20 D-1 scholarship offers. He was a first-team Class 4A all-state selection.

Trey Brost, Bolingbrook, sr.

A third-team all-state selection, Brost’s impact went beyond the stat sheet, although 11 points, three rebounds and five assists per game were still impressive. His defense, leadership and basketball IQ set him apart. Shot more than 40% from beyond the arc.

Nedas Venckus of Lockport. (Courtesy of Lockport )

Nedas Venckus, Lockport, jr.

Shot 44% from beyond the arc and averaged 20 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. An all-state selection, he helped lead Lockport to a 27-6 record and a regional title.

Nojus Venckus, Lockport, jr.

The 6-foot-3 guard shot 47% from deep while averaging 16 points, six rebounds and four assists per game. An IBCA All-State selection, he paired with Nedas to lead Lockport to a regional title.

Plainfield East's KJ Miller (Plainfield East High School)

KJ Miller, Plainfield East, jr.

A 6-foot-7 guard, Miller was the Southwest Prairie Conference East MVP. He led the Bengals to their first 20-win season in 15 years. He broke the school’s single-season records for scoring, 3-point field goals made and assists. He’s the Bengals’ all-time leader in assists. Miller averaged 19.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game and was an all-state honorable mention.