Evan Nagler Dominates, Leading Deerfield to 68-33 Victory

UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill, Evan Nagler has announced his return to the court, leading Deerfield High School to a resounding 68-33 victory over Antioch in the first round of the Mundelein Thanksgiving Tournament on November 24, 2025. The senior guard scored an impressive 24 points, hitting all five of his three-point attempts during the first half, igniting excitement for the season ahead.

Nagler’s exceptional performance included a remarkable 16 points in the second quarter alone, outscoring the entire Antioch team during that period. “It wasn’t something that just clicked today,” he stated. “It comes from months and months of preparation, hard work, always in the gym, always shooting.”

Deerfield coach Dan McKendrick praised Nagler’s readiness and impact on the game. “Credit to him, when the shots were there, he was ready to take them,” McKendrick said. The team’s synergy was evident as they consistently set Nagler up for shots, recognizing his hot streak.

But Nagler’s influence extended beyond shooting. He contributed three assists in the first half, two of which led to spectacular dunks by Jake Pollack, a senior forward and Dartmouth commit. “He’s the best shooter in the state, and he hit a few,” Pollack remarked about his teammate’s performance.

In addition to his scoring, Nagler’s defensive skills were on full display. He kept plays alive on the boards and even executed a soaring dunk over an Antioch defender, showcasing his athleticism. “Sometimes I feel he doesn’t get the credit for the athlete he is,” McKendrick added.

This season is particularly significant for Deerfield, who faced a tough loss to the eventual Class 3A state champion last year. The team’s dynamic, with Pollack drawing attention from opponents, allows Nagler to shine. “Once teams hone in on Jake, it opens up everyone else,” Nagler explained.

Nagler’s focus on teamwork and game impact is evident in his approach. He highlighted the importance of what he calls “95% points,” a system that tracks contributions beyond scoring, such as boxing out and creating opportunities for teammates. “All of those little things add up,” he noted, emphasizing the team’s commitment to winning.

With his college commitment to Case Western Reserve behind him, Nagler is laser-focused on the team’s goal this season: to win the 3A state championship. “Our goal this year is to win the 3A state championship, and if I was thinking about recruiting before that, it would have been tough,” he said.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Nagler and the Deerfield Warriors as they strive for success. This performance has set a high standard, and fans are eager to see what’s next for this promising season.