Jaxson Davis and Trinity Jones have etched their names into the record books of Illinois high school athletics, claiming the state’s most prestigious individual honors. The 2026 Mr. And Ms. Basketball of Illinois awards, determined by a vote of high school coaches and media, recognize the most dominant players across the state’s rich basketball landscape.
Davis, a 6-foot-1 junior guard from Warren, has achieved a feat nearly unparalleled in the history of the award. By winning for the second consecutive year, he becomes only the third player to be named Mr. Basketball of Illinois twice. Because he is still a junior, Davis now holds the opportunity to become the first three-time winner in the award’s history, which dates back to 1981.
Trinity Jones, a 6-foot-2 senior guard from Naperville Central, secures her legacy as the state’s top female player. A powerhouse on both ends of the floor, Jones is the second player from Naperville Central to earn the honor, joining the ranks of a legendary predecessor whose influence on the game continues to be felt globally.
The awards are presented by the Chicago Tribune in coordination with the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA). The voting system utilizes a weighted point scale, where first-place votes earn five points, second-place votes earn three, and third-place votes earn one.
Jaxson Davis: A Historic Run at Warren
Davis’ ascent has been rapid and dominant. Last year, he made history as the first underclassman to ever win Mr. Basketball. His repeat victory in 2026 was a runaway, as he amassed 361 points and earned 53 first-place votes. He appeared on 89 of the 129 ballots cast, comfortably distancing himself from the rest of the field.
On the court, Davis provided a masterclass in versatility for the Blue Devils, who finished the season with a 30-4 record. He averaged 23.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. While Warren reached the state championship game in 2025, the team fell in the Class 4A sectional semifinals this season.
The national spotlight has followed his high school success. According to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Davis is currently the top-ranked player in Illinois, the No. 12 point guard in the nation, and the No. 51 overall player in the Class of 2027. He currently holds multiple offers from major Division I programs.
Davis joins an elite group of repeat winners. Only Jabari Parker (Simeon, 2012-13) and EJ Liddell (Belleville West, 2018-19) have won the award twice. However, both Parker and Liddell did so during their junior and senior years; Davis’ trajectory suggests a potential three-peat if he maintains his form next season.
Trinity Jones and the Naperville Central Legacy
For Trinity Jones, the 2026 Ms. Basketball honor is the culmination of a stellar senior campaign. The 6-foot-2 guard led the Redhawks to a 26-7 record and a 4A regional championship, averaging 27 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 steals. Her scoring prowess was highlighted by a program-record 44 points in a single game.
The race for Ms. Basketball was considerably tighter than the boys’ side. Jones finished with 219 points, edging out Avery Tibbs of downstate Washington (192) and Danyella Mporokoso of Waubonsie Valley (183). While Tibbs actually earned more first-place votes (29 to Jones’ 23), Jones’ broader appeal across the electorate—appearing on 71 of 107 ballots—secured her the victory.
Jones’ achievement links her to Candace Parker, the only other Naperville Central player to win the award. Parker’s legendary “three-peat” from 2002-04 remains the gold standard for the program. The timing of Jones’ win coincides with a historic moment for Parker, who was recently named to the 2026 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Having signed with Clemson in November, Jones departs Illinois as a McDonald’s All-American—the first to do so from Naperville Central since Parker. She is currently ranked as the top player in the state and the No. 7 overall player in the nation by the 247 Sports composite.
Award Breakdown and Final Standings
The 2026 voting reflected a clear consensus for Davis, while the girls’ race highlighted a competitive battle between the state’s top guards and forwards.
| Award | Winner | Points | Runner-Up | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Basketball | Jaxson Davis | 361 | Marquis Clark | 176 |
| Ms. Basketball | Trinity Jones | 219 | Avery Tibbs | 192 |
For Mr. Basketball, Young’s Marquis Clark took second place with 22 first-place votes, while Kankakee’s Lincoln Williams finished third with 135 points. In the Ms. Basketball race, Danyella Mporokoso rounded out the top three with 183 points, including 22 first-place votes.
The prestige of these awards is rooted in their longevity and the caliber of past winners. Since its inception in 1981, Mr. Basketball has honored legends like Kevin Garnett and Derrick Rose. Ms. Basketball, established in 1986, has seen the likes of Brea Beal and Candace Parker dominate the state’s hardwood.
Jaxson Davis and Trinity Jones will be officially honored at the IBCA luncheon on May 2 at Illinois State University in Normal. This event marks the final official checkpoint for the 2025-26 high school basketball season’s individual accolades.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on this year’s winners and the historic trajectory of Jaxson Davis in the comments below.
