\n<\/p>\n
State championships were won several weeks ago. Marist broke its glass ceiling with a trip to Champaign and a Class 4A title, while Marshall restored its past glory with a Class 1A state championship. Now it\u2019s on to 2026-27 and a look ahead to 15 of the area\u2019s top teams next season.<\/p>\n
Benet<\/b><\/p>\n
The program has churned out a high level of talent the last two years, including four Division I prospects, while winning 69 games and playing for two state titles. Ed Stasys is next. The 6-8 junior will be joined by 6-5 junior Perry Tchiegne and more talented young players in the pipeline.<\/p>\n
Bolingbrook<\/b><\/p>\n
When the starting point is Brady Pettigrew, one of the top prospects in the country in the Class of 2028, you\u2019re in pretty good shape.<\/p>\n
Evanston<\/b><\/p>\n
The Wildkits will be loaded with a return of four starters from a team that won 27 games, including Central Suburban League South Player of the Year Vito Rocca.<\/p>\n
Glenbard North<\/b><\/p>\n
The follow-up to a 24-win team that won conference and regional championships could be even better, thanks to the return of 6-4 Lamari Carpenter and 6-5 Oturo Redento.<\/p>\n
Homewood-Floss.<\/b><\/p>\n
Sophomore Darrius Hawkins Jr., one of the top point guards in the state, was the catalyst for a 29-win team. Another sophomore, 6-6 John Brown IV, and junior Danny Ruffin will take on bigger roles.<\/p>\n
Kenwood<\/b><\/p>\n
The Public League is there for the taking next season, so the returning combination of Osiris Bell and Damari Stephens give the Broncos an early edge.<\/p>\n
Leo<\/b><\/p>\n
Led by Brian Kizer, all five starters return from a team that finished fourth in Class 3A. Plus, promising 6-8 freshman Elon Henderson should make a considerable jump.<\/p>\n
Lockport<\/b><\/p>\n
The
Porters, who won 27 games and a regional championship, should be even better with the return of twins Nedas and Nojus Venckus.<\/p>\n
Lyons<\/b><\/p>\n
The Lions will be bolstered by the return of three key players with size and scoring in 6-6 sophomore Grant Smith and a pair of juniors, 6-5 Timmy Sloan and 6-5 Nate Woods.<\/p>\n
Mount Carmel<\/b><\/p>\n
The Caravan have a talented trio to build around: the freshman pair of DK Heard and Ronald Johnson, who both opened eyes last season, and versatile junior Logan Wessel.<\/p>\n
Neuqua Valley<\/b><\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t a better 1-2 punch in the state returning than 6-5 junior and Illinois commit Mason Martin and 6-6 sophomore star Cole Kelly, one of the top players nationally in the Class of 2028. With a more experienced supporting cast, might the Wildcats be the preseason No. 1?<\/p>\n
Oswego<\/b><\/p>\n
Sophomore Ethan Vahl is a dynamic scorer in the backcourt, while 6-10 sophomore Cole Jansons is a fast-improving big man. Stat-sheet-stuffing Graham Schwab also returns for a team that won 22 games.<\/p>\n
St. Ignatius<\/b><\/p>\n
The loss of Chris Bolte will be felt, but blossoming sophomore guards Amir Tucker and DJ Caldwell will keep the Wolfpack relevant.<\/p>\n
St. Laurence<\/b><\/p>\n
There is a surplus of young talent ready to take the Vikings to another level. Rugged guard Markese Peoples had a breakout junior year, while junior Reggie Stevens and sophomores Noah Corro, Jeremiah Toney and Logan Brown are all back.<\/p>\n
Warren<\/b><\/p>\n
The state\u2019s best player, junior guard Jaxson Davis, will keep the Blue Devils contending at a high level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n