They to me are the overwhelming favorite because they have an abundance of very good guards. They've won two consecutive state titles. Won in Class 2A in 2023 then moved up and won Class 3A in 2024. Western Illinois commit seniors Makai Kvamme, Robert Walls II, and juniors AJ Chambers, and Rykan Woo. Only Woo doesn't have championship experience but he's added to their lineup. The only pause is they really have only one big man junior Rashaun Porter. These are some of the teams that could dethrone them:
Peoria:
Senior Miami (OH) commit Leshawn Stowers has had an outstanding season. Are they too young though? They play four freshman including Orlando Edawards Jr and Nigel Moore. Also do they have the size to exploit DePaul Prep in the interior?
St Laurence (Burbank):
They have experienced players in seniors Purdue Fort Wayne commit EJ Mosley, Jacob Rice, Zerrick Johnson, Bradley Stratton, and Caleb Lindsey. They have two young guns in sophomores Reggie Stevens and Markes Peoples. Senior transfer Jeremiah Lesure has not been ruled eligible yet. If he gets into the mix he could help hurt DePaul Prep in the paint.
Kaneland:
They have the talent and size but are they too young and inexperienced? Only senior that plays alot is Fredrick Hassan (6'7"). Younger brother sophmore Jeffrey Hassan (6'9") gives them the size to hurt DePaul Prep. Junior Marshawn Cocroft (who has experience getting to state finals in Class 1A last year with Christian (Aurora)) is very good in the backcourt. Junior wing Evan Frieders gives them an athleitc wing player who can hit the glass. I'm told they are getting another piece who transferred in real soon (not giving out the name..yet). He will help in the backcourt and is experienced himself getting to the state finals.
Kankakee:
Junior Lincoln Williams is the best player in the state in his class. Senior Eli Stitt could hurt DePaul Prep in the paint. They also have juniors Kenaz Jackson and Myair Thompson in the backcourt. Senior transfer Jordan Davis (St Anne) has played well. They may run into Peoria in sectional play.
Mount Carmel (Chicago):
May be the biggest threat. Catholic League Blue rival, they played for the 3A title last season. Of course DePaul Prep won. Senior Air Force commit Grant Best, Cameron Thomas along with junior Noah Mister have state finals experience and are hungry. Senior Keith Jenkins (6'6") and junior Claude Mpouma (6'8") who'll be eligible soon could really hurt DePaul Prep in the paint.
St Patrick (Chicago):
School has never been to the state finals. They got close last year losing in overtime to Mount Carmel in Supersectional. Pittsubrg State commit senior EJ Breland is a 4 year varsity starter. Other guards are senior Anthony Favia, and Cooper Kavanaugh. They have a couple of bigs who could make it hurt too in senior Nevaeh Hawkins (6'7") and junior RJ McPartlin (6'6").
Fenwick (Oak Park):
They have lots of varsity experience and guards. Seniors Ty Macaiola, Dominick Ducree, and Deonte Meeks. Michigan football commit Nate Marshall is an inside/out force.
And finally:
Brother Rice (Chicago):
Don't have a lot of size but have some good guards. Senior Citadel commit Marcos Gonzales could put pressure with his attacking and touching the paint. Senior sharpshooter Jack Weigus (transfer from Hinsdale South (Darien)) and senior wing Caden Workman who does a little bit of everything.
Brother Rice (Chicago) is hosting their own sectional. They would likely run into Kankakee, Peoria, or Metamora from the Washington Sectional in Pontiac Supersectional.
St Patrick (Chicago) could face Fenwick (Oak Park) in Little Village (Chicago)Sectional. They would match up with St Laurence (Burbank) vs Mount Carmel (Chicago) in a monster Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn) Sectional Final. They would meet in UIC Supersectional.
DePaul College Prep (Chicago) really has no challenger in the Antioch Sectional. Maybe Lake Forest since they do have some size inside in senior Hudson Scroggins (6'7") and Grant Mordini (6'11"). Kaneland is the overwhelming favorite in the Rochelle Sectional. Could be a DePaul College Prep (Chicago) vs Kaneland in the Hoffman Estates (NOW Center) Supersectional. Could be a doozy as Kaneland has the talent but not the experience.
Mount Zion will be favorite in the Eisenhower (Decatur) Sectional. They are looking for a repeat trip to Champaign. None of the teams in the Marion Sectional are ranked but Centralia looks like a possible favorite. Mt Zion would be favorite in the Springfield (Bank of Springfield Center) Supersectional.
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