Wheaton, Ill. - Wheaton College head men's basketball coach
Mike Schauer has announced his team's recruiting class for the 2025-26 season. The 10 students, hailing from six different states, have submitted a deposit to attend Wheaton College in the fall with plans of playing for the Thunder men's basketball team. Schauer says of the group, "We really like this group. This class has size and depth. More importantly these young men fit Wheaton. We are excited about the future of Wheaton Basketball."
EDITOR'S NOTE: If additional newcomers for the program submit a deposit to attend Wheaton in the coming months they will be added to this story.
The 10 freshmen with plans to join the Thunder in 2025-26 are:
Luca Carbonaro is a 6'3" guard from Wheaton-Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Illinois. Carbonaro led his team to a 26-8 record and a Regional Championship this past season. Luca was named to the IBCA Class 4A Third Team All-State unit, the First Team All-Area squad and the Player of the Year in the Dukane Conference. On his way to scoring his 1,000
th career point, Carbonaro averaged 18.4 points per game (PPG), 4.8 rebounds per game (RPG), 4.2 assists per game (APG) and 1.0 steals per game (SPG).
Kenny Donnelly is a 6'6" wing from Millbury, Massachusetts who prepped at Pomfret School in Connecticut this past season. During his four years at Millbury, Donnelly led his team to back-to-back MIAA Final Fours while scoring more than 1,400 career points. Following his senior season in 2024, Kenny was named MBCA All-State and Worcester Telegram and Gazette Super Team. At Pomfret, Donnelly averaged 12 PPG, 5 RPG and 1.3 blocks per game (BPG) while shooting 40% from three-point range in the highly competitive NEPSAC.
Nathan Esau is a 6'4" guard from Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, Colorado. Esau led his team to a Great 8 appearance in the CHSAA 5A playoffs following the Eagles' third-straight regular season Class 5A Jeffco Conference Title. Nathan was named CHSAA 5A All-State honorable mention and he earned First Team 5A All-Jeffco Conference honors. Nathan averaged 15 PPG, 6 RPG, and 4 APG during his senior season.
Eli Finley is a 6'2" guard from Calloway County High School in Murray, Kentucky. Finley led his team to the 2A State Championship, Region 1 Championship, and the 2025 Kentucky Sweet 16, held at Rupp Arena in Lexington. Finley earned 2A All-State honors, selection to the All-Purchase County Team and All-District recognition. Finley graduates as Calloway County's all-time leading scorer, amassing more than 2,000 career points, and he is third all-time in assists. Eli averaged 21 PPG, 5 APG and 4 RPG during his senior season.
Carson Grier is a 6'8" guard from Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Arizona. Carson and his twin brother, Kyle, led their team to four-consecutive state championships, including winning the first ever 1A-3A Copper State Championship this past season. Carson was named to the 12-member All-Arizona Team (all classes) and nominated for the State Player of the Year award. Additionally, he was named the Class 3A Player of the Year and Class 3A Central Region Player of the Year. Carson averaged 15.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, and 2.9 SPG during his senior season. He surpassed the 1,000-point-scoring mark and became Valley Christian's all-time leader in career rebounds.
Kyle Grier is a 6'4" forward from Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Arizona. Kyle and his twin brother, Carson, led their team to four-consecutive state championships, including winning the first-ever 1A-3A Copper State Championship this past season. Kyle was named All-Arizona honorable mention (all classes), Class 3A First Team All-Conference, and First Team All-Central Region. Kyle averaged 16.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.4 APG during his senior year. He also surpassed the 1,000-point career mark during his senior season.
Evan Montandon is a 6'3" guard from Westminster Christian Academy near St. Louis, Missouri. Montandon led his team to a 25-7 record and a third-place finish in the Missouri Class 5 State Tournament. Evan was named Metro League honorable mention while averaging 7.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.34 APG, 1.44 SPG, and shot 39.1% from three-point range.
Jace Olson is a 6'5" guard from Gilbert Christian School in Gilbert, Arizona. Jace led his team to back-to-back Arizona State Tournament runner-up finishes, most recently in the first-ever 1A-3A Copper State Championship Game. Jace was named All-Arizona (all classes) honorable mention, Class 3A Metro Region Player of the Year, and Class 3A First Team All-Conference. Jace averaged 21.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.6 APG and 1.1 SPG during his senior campaign. Jace eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone during this past season.
Reid Olson is a 6'0" guard from Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois. Olson led Niles North to a 27-7 record on the way to both a Conference and Regional Championship this past season. Reid was named IBCA Class 4A Third Team All-State. He is a two-time CSL North Conference Player of the Year, a three-time All-Conference performer and was recently named Niles North's Male Athlete of the Year. Olson graduates fourth All-Time in career three-pointers made in IHSA history. His 1,695 career points ranks first all-time in Niles North's record books, and he leaves as the school's all-time assists leader. Reid averaged 16.1 PPG, 5.3 APG and buried 113 three-pointers during the 2024-2025 season.
Brady Wynja is a 6'6" forward from Valor Christian School in Lone Tree, Colorado. Brady led his team to back-to-back Colorado Class 6A State Championship games, winning the state title in 2024. Brady was named CHSAA 6A All-State honorable mention for the second-consecutive season this winter, and he earned First Team Class 6A All-Jeffco All-Conference accolades. Brady averaged 14.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG and 3.1 APG while shooting 63% from the field.
