Cole Kelly is already turning heads across Illinois - and beyond. The 6-foot-6 sophomore forward from Neuqua Valley has quickly established himself as one of the top basketball prospects in the state, with high-major offers already on the table from programs like Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. But here’s the thing: Kelly isn’t doing it alone.
Enter Mason Martin, Neuqua Valley’s junior guard and Kelly’s running mate. Together, they might just be the most dynamic duo in Illinois high school hoops right now.
Martin, a 6-foot-5 wing with a smooth shooting stroke and serious range, has been lighting it up this season. Just last week, he poured in 27 points in a win over Yorkville.
And if that wasn’t enough to make you take notice, rewind a few weeks to his 41-point explosion against West Aurora - a performance that included 11 made threes. That’s not just hot shooting; that’s the kind of heater that gets college coaches dialing up game film the next morning.
Recruiters have taken notice, and so have evaluators. Martin has climbed the ranks and was recently listed among the top five Class of 2027 prospects in Illinois, according to City/Suburban Hoops Report. That puts him in elite company alongside nationally ranked names like Devin Cleveland, Davion Thompson, Jaxson Davis, and Quinton Kitt - the latter already committed to Illinois.
What makes this Neuqua Valley tandem so compelling isn’t just their individual talent - which is undeniable - but how they complement each other on the floor. Kelly brings size, versatility, and a high motor in the paint, while Martin stretches defenses with his deep shooting and ability to score in bunches. It's a classic inside-out combo with modern versatility, and it's giving opposing coaches headaches.
As the season rolls on, expect the spotlight to stay firmly fixed on Neuqua Valley. With Kelly and Martin leading the charge, this is more than just a strong high school team - it’s a program with two players who could be making noise at the next level for years to come.