Fifth annual and it's been fun and this year extra hard. So many deserving teams it was hard to cut it to 25. Lots of movement during the season will have teams in and out. Some will stay in the entire season. An ardous season upcoming on the Road to Champaign. With the rankings I will put what classification they are in (1A,2A,3A,4A). Here we go:
1) Depaul College Prep (Chicago) (3A): Defending Class 3A Champs will be going for a three peat and fourth straight trip to Champaign. They won in Class 2A the year before, and third place in that class the year before that. https://tim1coleman.wixsite.com/website/post/introducing-the-1-team-in-chicago-area-preseason-depaul-college-prep-chicago.
2) Benet Academy (Lisle) (4A): Lost top player junior Gabe Sularski to Lemont but still have plenty of talent in the program. Senior Southern Illinois Carbondale commit Daniel Pauluikonis (6'9" senior wing) is the top player. Senior Truman State commit Blake Fagbemi (5'11" point guard) is an attacking lefty to the rim and can hit a three. Senior Brendan Beaumont (6'6" forward) will help on the glass. Senior Marc Doyle (5'11" combo guard) is a scrappy knockdown shooter. Junior Colin Stack (7'0" center) will rim protect, score in the paint and on step out threes. Junior Jayden Wright (5'11" point guard) will run point and hit long range threes. Junior Ryan Walsh (6'3" wing) is a zone buster from three. Junior Grant Bergmann (6'3" shooting guard) is another sniper from three.
3) Rich Township (Richton Park) (4A): This team has two starting fives. Very deep and will have the advantage again of hosting the Sectional. They didn't get there last year losing in regional final. Senior Al Brooks Jr (6'7" forward) transferred from Hansberry College Prep (Chicago). He's a Top 10 player in the state. Senior bookends Nyshawn Turner (6'6" forward) and Matthew LeSure (6'6" forward) are monsters on the glass especially offensively. Senior Ikee Brooks (6'1" point guard) transferred in from Hansberry College Prep (Chicago).Senior Kobe Johnson (6'1" shooting guard) is a knockdown three point shooter. Junior class starts with Division One prospect Jamson Coulter Jr (6'2" combo guard) who in addition to attacking the rim has an improved outside shot. Jayden Williams (6'3" combo guard) is back after two years out from injuries. Big time three level scorer who'll take off this year. Zion Gipson( 6'2" guard) comes off the bench and gives energy and versatility. Von Ammons (6'3" wing) transferred from Thornwood (South Holland) gives them another athletic wing. Sophomores Jonathan Booker (5'11" combo guard), Jordan Johnson (6'1" shooting guard) and freshman Jonathan Weatherford (6'0" point guard) could contribute off the bench.
4) Bolingbrook (4A): They will go as far as senior Valparaiso commit JT Pettirgrew (6'7" forward) takes them. He rim protects, rebounds, can step out and hit threes, but will need help on the interior. Young team with lots of talent. Senior Caleb Harris (6'3" wing) is an athlete on the wing. Senior Vee Edwards (6'0" point guard) helps with depth in the backcourt. Junior class is led by Trey Brost (6'0" point guard) is the floor general and makes the offense go as well as hit threes. Jayden Madden (6'9" forward) will have to help in rim protecting and hitting the glass. Joey Aniceto (6'0" point guard) helps with guard depth. Bryce Perry (6'4" forward) is an athletic wing. Sophomore Davion Thompson (6'2" combo guard) us a stone cold scorer from all three levels, and is one of the top players in his class statewide and nationally. Isaiah Rogers (6'4" wing) is another athletic wing. Freshman Brady Pettigrew (6'3" combo guard and JT's brother) is uber talented and one of the best players in his class statewide and nationally. Do it all guard who can run both guard positions well and is a big time athlete off the bounce.
5) Warren Township (Gurnee) (4A): Have to start with sophomore Jaxson Davis (6'1" point guard). The best player in the state in his class and one of the top players nationally. He's a true floor general who can score at all three levels, and defend at a high level. Senior Javerion Banks (6'1" combo guard) is a big time athlete who can attack the rim and finish, as well as hit the three pointer. Seniors Jack Wolf (6'4" wing) is the football quarterback who can shoot from three and hit the glass. Zach Ashburn (6'8" center) is a star baseball pitcher who gives them an inside presence rebounding and rim protecting. Owen Squires (5'11" guard) gives them another shooter on the wing. Junior Braylon Walker (6'2" combo guard) has been Davis running mate for years. He's become more aggressive looking for his offense as a three level scorer. Juniors Avonn King (6'2" forward) and Alexander Asare (6'2" forward) are scrappy and will hit the glass.
6) St Laurence (Burbank) (3A): Loaded with talent and should challenge DePaul College Prep (Chicago) in Class 3A. Senior Purdue Fort Wayne commit EJ Mosley (5'11"combo guard) transfer from Romeoville will run point but his best quality is scoring. Seniors Jacob Rice (6'4" combo guard) transfer from Western Reserve (OH) is a three level scorer who can put up big numbers. Zerrick Johnson (6'2" combo guard) can attack the rim and score as well as defend multiple positions. Caleb Lindsey (6'5" wing) can attack off the dribble and hit the glass. These guys have played together parts of four years. This is their time to put it all together. Jeremiah Lesure (6'5" forward) is a South (Plainfield) transfer who's athletic and can hit the glass. Bradley Stratton (6'0" shooting guard) can knock down threes at a high rate off the catch and the bounce. Sophomores Reggie Stevens (6'3" combo guard) can run a team and hit threes at a high rate. Markese Peoples (6'2" combo guard) can get to the basket, post up and finish at the rim. Finds people with great passes out of the post, or off penetration. Sean Rice (6'4" forward, Jacob's brother) is a football star who will help on the glass. Freshmen Noah Corro (6'0" point guard) can shoot the three from deep and get to the rim. Jeremiah Toney (6'0" combo guard) could help with shooting and attacking the rim. Logan Brown (6'4" wing) is a lefty knockdown three point shooter.
7) Homewood Flossmoor (4A): Defending Class 4A champs lost a lot of contributors but reloaded in the transfer portal. Senior Jayden (JD) Tyler (5'11" point guard) is a Wofford commit who can fill it up from three. Returnee from championship team. Seniors Kyle Polk (6'6" forward) is rugged and will be big on the glass and rim protecting. Brent Taylor (6'3" combo guard) transferred from Lincoln Way East (Frankfort) and is an explosive athletic scorer from all three levels. Arden Eaves (6'4" combo guard) is a transfer from Thornwood (South Holland) and Lewis commit. He's an athletic explosive scorer off the bounce or can hit the three. Aiden DeRose (6'4" guard) is a wing who can hit threes and attack the rim. Ryan Clemens (6'3" forward) is another athletic wing that gives depth. Sophomore Myles Ellis (5'9" point guard) is a football star who gives quickness, speed, and quick hands to the guard line. Freshman Darrius Hawkins (5'10" point guard) is a floor general who's very good on ball defense with quick hands. Lefty can get to the mid range and score as well as the three.
8) Rolling Meadows (4A): Experienced team that brings everyone back and a lot of size. Lots of seniors. Start with Ian Militec (6'8" forward) is a Marquette commit who's a Top 5 player in the class. Lefty hits threes at a high rate, attacks the rim off the bounce and hits the glass. Jack Duffer (6'1" point guard) can fill it up from three and run the offense. Lazarus Lazarevic (6'6" forward) is another knockdown three point shooter who can hit the glass. Patrick Coen (6'8" center) mans the middle, hits the glass, and rim protects. Ryan Meyer (6'0" guard) is a kncokdown three point shooter. Gavin Escobedo is a knockdown three point shooter. See a theme here? Size, shooting, and experience.
9) Kanakaee (3A): Start with the best junior in the state Lincoln Williams (6'6" combo guard) who's a two level scorer who's explosive off the bounce. He's also a big time defender who can guard any position in high school. Senior Eli Stipp (6'6" forward) is a three year varsity performer who can score on block, rebound, and rim ptotect. Byron Willis(5'11"guard), Keshawn Wade (6'3" combo guard) are football players who will help with guard depth. Jordan Davis (6'2" combo guard) is a transfer from St Anne who can attack the rim. Jae'Land McCoy (6'5" center) will help in the interior and rim protecting. James Stampley (5'9" guard) give more depth in backcourt. Juniors are Kenaz Jackson (6'3" guard) is a talented athletic wing who can shoot. Myair Thompson (6'0" point guard) is an athletic talented floor general who can get to the rim as well as hit threes. Cedric Terrell (5'9" point guard) is a football player who will help at the point guard position.
10) Lincoln Park (Chicago) (4A): This is the year for this senior class. Some were brought in by the previous coaching staff, and now this one has a chance to take it home. Chicago Public League title? State title? Start with the seniors. Chayse Turner (6'4" wing) is an athletic finisher at the rim, plus defender, and shot blocker off the ball. Keyshawn Barfield (6'8" center) is a strong big man who takes up space and can score on the block. Hits the glass and rim protects. Junior Ahmad Lee (6'3" point guard) is one of the best floor generals in the state. He can score at every level of the court, defends on or off the ball, hits the glass, and throws some nice dimes (passes). Other juniors are Larry Harris (6'4" forward) who's a jumping jack and great from the dunkers spot. Quick jumper hits the offensive glass very well. Kaydin Williams (6'2" combo guard) transfer from Linblom Math and Science Academy (Chicago) is a talented floor general who can hit threes. Jaylen Dickerson (6'1" combo guard) is a football star who's a talented scorer and will be a huge contributor. Sire Beckham (6'0" guard) can shoot the three and will be a reserve. Talanted freshman Alvin Robinson III (6'4" combo guard) can attack off the dribble, good passer, and hits threes. Will likley split between varsity and junior varsity.
11) Hinsdale Central (4A): Hinsdale Central Preview….
Hinsdale Central will return six of its seven top scorers from last season and will have 62% of their offense from last year back for the 2024-25 campaign.
Vincas Buzelis, is a returning All-West Suburban Conference selection. Buzelis, who has committed to the University of South Dakota, led the Red Devils in rebounding in 27 of their 31 games last year. Vincas is the younger brother of Chicago Bulls first-round draft choice, and Hinsdale Central alumnus, Matas Buzelis.
Six-foot, eight-inch Tyler Thick returns for his third season on the varsity. Dillon Dell established the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic single game three-point shooting record last year, going six-for-six from outside the arc against Schaumburg. Seniors Eric Kozys, Michael Howell and Dillon Orozco all received starting assignments from last year’s varsity club. The Red Devils should also excel in team depth, as the Hinsdale Central sophomore teams have won the West Suburban Conference Silver title the last three seasons.
12) Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) (4A): Nice mix of seniors and juniors that have varsity experience. Senior Julien Doyle (6'5" wing) is back from an injury sustained last season. Top 50 player in the state can fill it up from three and take you off the bounce. Lorenzo Shields Jr (6'2" combo guard) is a gifted three level scorer who can go off at anytime in a game. Tamajay Taylor (6'4" forward) is a jack of all trades that is a versatile player on both ends. Junior class is very talented. Andre Tyler (6'5" wing) is a ubertalented athletic finisher who will dunk on anyone. He can get his shot of the dribble whether mid range of the three. Top 50 player in class. Kassidy Nelson (6'5" combo guard) is versatile on both offense and defense. Likely to run point is a sneaky athlete who can finish high at the rim. Nice mid range jump shot and defends any position. Top 20 player in the class and top sleeper. https://tim1coleman.wixsite.com/website/post/biggest-sleeper-in-class-of-2026-kyree-kassidy-nelson-of-simeon-career-academy-chicago. Kamari Hamlin (6'1" shooting guard) can fill it up from three off the catch or bounce. Can get to the basket and create for himself and others. Isaiah Coleman (6'5" forward) can fill it up from three and get to the basket off the bounce. Defends wings on the ball at a high level.
13) West (Joliet) (4A): Lot of talent on this roster. Senior Zion Gross (6'6" combo guard) is very underrated as he can get anywhere he wants off the bounce. Hits threes as well. Tristan Saunders (6'2" wing) can fill it up from the perimeter off the bounce or catch. Juniors have some bounce and athleticism. Corey "CJ" Nobles (5'9" senior point guard) will likely be the starting point guard. Ethan Hillsman (6’7” wing) transferred from Tennessee is a rim protector that can bring the ball down the court and hit threes.,Hits the glass on both ends. Mickeis Johnson (6'3" wing) is a transfer from Romeoville that can attack the rim with a purpose. Hits a three off the catch. Aamir Shannon (6'3" wing) will dunk on you at a moments notice and has an improving outside shot from three. Luke Grevengoed (6'1" guard) can fill it up from three point range. Kendall Bosby (6'3" point guard) will be one of the floor generals.
14) New Trier (Winnetka) (4A): Looking for third straight trip to Champaign trying to finish the job this time with a title. Colby Smith (6'3" combo guard) is a Wash U St Louis commit. Can score from three and on mid range jumpers in the lane putting pressure on defenses. Ben Ziezula (6'5" guard) is a tall wing that can fill it up from perimeter. Grant Lyons (5'11" combo guard) will help with guard depth. Luke Solomon (6'2" guard) is a football star who'll help with depth as will Jake Hollack (6'2" guard). Junior Christopher Kirkpatrick (6'3" point guard) is the star. He can score on all three levels and defend on the ball and off the ball. Top 10 player in his class. Danny Houlihan (6'3" combo guard) who to me is the top catch and shoot three point shooter in the state. I call layup when he shoots from three off the catch. Maks DePalo (6'8" forward) is a rim protector and good passer out of the post. Can score on the block.
15) Mount Carmel (Chicago) (3A): Finished runners-up last year to DePaul College Prep (Chicago). Looking for finish one step higher this year. Senior Grant Best (6'3" combo guard) is an Air Force commit who does a little bit if everything. Can shoot from three, score in the mid range and at the rim. Hits the glass on both ends of the court. Carmeon Thomas (6'3" combo guard) is another three level scorer who can finish strong at the rim. Dylan Fulbright (6'1" point guard) can run a team or score from three. Ed Ryan (6'1" guard) is a scrappy wing that can shoot. Juniors Noah Mister (6'2" point guard) has improved as a floor general to go with his big time long range three point shooting. Luke Segroves (6'5" forward) can score from three and help on the defensive glass.
16) Evanston Township (4A): Looking to get back to where they made two straight trips to Champaign (2018,2019). Senior Theo Rocca (6'5" combo guard) is a Wash U St Louis commit who's a three level scorer that can get to any spot on the court with the dribble. Kaidan Chatham (6'3" point guard) is a Niles North (Skokie) transfer and a floor general who's a two end monster. Can get to his spots on the court. Ian Peters (5'10" point guard) can run a team and shoot the three. George Richardson (6'7" forward) can hit the three, rebound and rim protect. Ben Crabbe (6'4" shooting guard) is a knockdown shooter from the wing. Juniors Timi Ogunsanya (6'2" combo guard) is a slasher who can hit threes and defend. Monte Dillard Jr (6'6" forward) gives energy in the psot and hits the glass. Sophomores Vito Rocca (6'5" forward and Theo's brother) is a do everything wing, Dion Lane Jr (5'11" point guard) is a speed merchant and plays baseball. Tate Schroeder (6'3" guard) is another knockdown three point shooter. Freshman Ben Ojala will get a lot of playing time. Knockdown three point shooter, defends, and can get anywhere off the bounce.
17) St Patrick (Chicago) (3A): An overtime loss from first trip to Champaign last season. Will be looking for their first trip. Experienced team. Seniors EJ Breland (6'0" point guard) is a Pittsburg State commit who can light it up from three. Neveah Hawkins (6'6" forward) is an inside/out force who can rim protect and rebound. Anthony Anderson (6'1" forward) can knock down three point shots. Anthony Favia (6'0" guard) can kncok it down from three. Cooper Kavanaugh (6'2" guard) can fill it up from deep. Nathan Nano (5'10" point guard) gives them depth in the backcourt. Junior RJ McPartlin will be an inside force and hits the glass.
18) Marist (Chicago) (4A): Set a school record for wins last season. Experienced team that picked up a transfer. Senior Marquis Vance (6'5" wing) is a big time player on the glass and rebounding machine. Achilles Anderson (6'5" center) is out for the year with a torn ACL from football. Harvard football commit. Junior class is loaded. Adoni Vassilakis (6'1" combo guard) is a lefty that can fill it up from three and run a team. TJ Tate (5'9" point guard) will be the floor general. Stephen Brown (6'8" wing) broke his collarbone playing football, should be back soon. Top 10 player in his class. Karson Thomas (6'3" combo guard) is a transfer from Lincoln Way East (Frankfort) who can jump out of the gym. He can also fill it up from three point range.
19) Waubonsie Valley (Aurora) (4A): One of the last undefeated teams Senior Tyreek Coleman (6'2" point guard) is a Illinois State commit that is a floor general that can hit threes. Moses Wilson (6'5" wing) underrated player that can score from three and attack the rim for a dunk. Big time passer with great vision. Donoavan Neal (5'10" guard) can run a team and shoot. Cade Valek (6'6" forward) will help on the glass and rim protecting. Miles Wesely (6'3" wing) is a knockdown three point shooter. Josh Tinney (6'0" guard) is a football player who can play either guard position. Junior Evan Harris (6'5" forward) provides size and shooting. Tate Bartzen (6'0" wing) is a baseball player who can guard either guard position. Sophomroe Kris Mporokoso (6'3" combo guard) is a gifted lefty scorer on the wing.
20) Lane Tech College Prep (Chicago) (4A): Team has experience, great size, shooting, and rebounding. Senior Dalton Scantlebury (6'9"center) is a Penn commit who's a double/double machine. He's a big time scorer in the paint. Luka Pinto (6'6" combo guard) is a Grinnell College commit who can fill it up from three. Zach Mazanowski (6'7" wing) is a nice three point shooter and can slash to the rim. Nick Laslo (6'6" center) rim protects and hits the glass. Drew Bartolai (6'4" wing) is a knockdown three point shooter as is Dylan Pepper (6'4" wing). Mike Remotigue (5'11" point guard) will be the floor general. Junior Matt Szafoni (6'7" wing) is another long lanky three point shooter.
21) DeLaSalle Institute (Chicago) (3A): A young and experienced team. Senior Dylan Clark (6'0" guard) is a knockdown three point shooter. Avery Trice (6'7" forward) is a football player who rebounds and rim protects. Junior class is talented. Charles Barnes Jr (6'5" wing) is a lefty who can hit threes off the bounce and catch. Morgan Travis (5'11" point guard) is the floor general who can get to the rim and finish. Remi Edwards (6'3" forward) is a wing that can shoot as is Caleb Henry (6'4" wing), and Lucas Johnson (6'3" wing). Freshman Roosevelt "Duke" Thomas (6'3" combo guard) can get to the rim, finish and distribute. Stephen Dixon Jr (5'9" point guard) will help run point and is a good defender.
22) Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn) (4A): Best team since their state title team in 2021-2022. Experienced senior and junior class. Senior Mike O'Connell (6'8" center) is a Northwestern football commit who hits the glass, rim protects and can hit the occasional three. Dominic Seaney (6'5" forward) is a football player who can knock down threes. Julian Yeh (6'2" guard) is another football player who'll contribute in the backcourt. Teyvion Oriental (6'0" point guard) will help run the team. Logan Glover (6'5" forward) hits the glass and rim protects. Bryce Huff (6'4" guard) can hit wing threes. Drew Gacek (6'5" guard) is another wing shooter. Josh Abushanab (6'5" guard) is a transfer from Glenbard North (Carol Stream) who's a versatile wing on both ends of the court. Thaddeaus "TJ" Williams (6'3" point guard) is an athletic floor general who can score on all three levels. Ashton Flowers (5'10" point guard) is a transfer from DePaul College Prep (Chicago) will contribute in the backcourt.
23) Whitney Young (Chicago) (4A): Lost 6 transfers but still have a lot of talent in the building. Seniors Anthony Munoz (6'7" forward) is a 4 year varsity performer who can jump out of the gym. Rim protects and can attack off the dribble. Top 10 player in the class and division one prospect. Damarjay Richardson (5'9" point guard) will be one of the floor generals on the court. Gabriel Argon (5'11" guard) will provide depth. Juniors Marquise Clark (6'2" point guard) will be the other floor general. Division one prospect can get to the basket and finish as well as set up teammates. Alijah Little (6'3" combo guard) transferred from East (Plainfield) is a three level scorer. Sophomores Caden Crudup (6'4" guard) is a wing who can hit threes. Zaire Green (6'1" combo guard) can jump out of the gym and knock down threes. London Rome (5'11" point guard) is another guard that can run a team.
24) Stevenson (Lincolnshire) (4A): This team has experienced guard depth and size. Aidan Bardic (6'3" combo guard) is a Winona State commit. He'll run some point and play off the ball. Lefty is a knockdown thre poin shooter and mid range king. Atticus Richmond (6'8"forward) can slash off the dribble, hit threes, and crash the glass. Liam Curtin (6'5" forward) is another wing that can shoot from deep. Spencer Flynn (6'1" guard) and Charlie Rich (6'0") will provide depth in the backcourt. Juniors Rocca Pagliocca (6'1" combo guard) is a three year varsity performer who can run a team and hit threes. Donovan Williams (5'11" combo guard) is an explosive scorer off the dribble and can hit threes. Quick on Quick.
25) Kenwood Academy (Chicago) (4A): New Coach and new program. Will be helped by a couple of transfers. Seniors Aleks Alston (6'10" wing) is a long lefty wing who can hit threes. One of the best prospects in the state. Amari Edwards (5'11" combo guard) is a transfer from Class 2A State Champ Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago). A scorer that can hit threes and mid range jumpers. Just had talented TJ Seals (6'5" combo guard) transfer in from Johnson College Prep (Chicago). Will likely run point as his vision on the floor is next level. Junior Prince McCord (6'7" forward) is a versatile wing that is a knockdown shooter and scores in the paint. Sophomores Devin Cleveland (6'2" combo guard) is Top 15 nationally in his class and can score on every level of the court. Damari Stevens (6'4" wing) is a big bodied guard who can get to the rim and finish through contact. Can set up others as well.Osiris Bell (6'1" point guard) will help run the team.
Next 5 teams:
Niles North (Skokie) (4A)
Waukegan (4A)
DeKalb (4A)
Kaneland (3A)
Lemont (3A)
Big Tim Mason Lockett IV just a Junior wanted to share great job as always with what you do