Gabriel Sularski, top senior in Illinois for basketball, leaves Lemont for Utah power. ‘Can't wait to get started.'

Chicago Tribune

2 days ago

After just one season at Lemont, star guard Gabriel Sularski is leaving the state for his senior year.
Sularski, who had been ranked as the top player in Illinois for the 2026 class by Rivals, is transferring to Layton Christian Academy in Utah.
He confirmed the move in an interview with Rivals.
'I'm really excited to join Layton Christian,' Sularski told the website. 'I think it's a great place for me to grow both as a player and a person. The competitive schedule, the coaching staff and the environment will push me to reach the next level.
'I can't wait to get started and represent the program.'
Sularski played with Lemont over the weekend at the Romeoville Shootout, but Lemont coach Rick Runaas said he was informed Thursday of his standout player's intention to transfer again.
'We wish him luck and we thank him for the year he gave us,' Runaas said.
Sularski started his high school career at Benet before transferring to Lemont following his sophomore season. The Redwings then went on to win the Class 4A state title.
Layton Christian, meanwhile, has won seven state championships in basketball, including the 2023-24 title in 4A.
As a junior last winter, Sularski averaged 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists for Lemont. He was selected all-state and second team all-area and was named the South Suburban Blue's player of the year.
Sularski also has international experience, having played for Poland's U16 national team. All four of his grandparents were born in Poland.
Before his sophomore season even began, Sularski received scholarship offers from several major colleges, including Illinois and Michigan State. More recently, he picked up offers this summer from Toledo and Arkansas State.
Lemont ended up with a 26-8 record last season, losing 53-41 to eventual Class 3A state runner-up Brother Rice in a sectional final on the Crusaders' home court.
It was already going to be a different-looking Lemont team next season after the graduation of four key players.
Junior guard Zane Schneider, a three-sport standout, will likely be looked at to lead the way now.
'We're going to miss Gabe, but Lemont is still going to have a basketball team next season,' Runaas said. 'We're looking forward to another good year.'