City/Suburban Hoops Report: No. 26-80

26. PROVIDENCE ST. MEL: There is talented depth for sure, but there is also a cohesiveness with a group that is familiar playing with one another. The pieces fit together, starting with the smart and heady Tyriel Nelson and 6-4 Jason Mason, a pair of versatile perimeter players on the wing. Nelson has a feel and I.Q while Mason is an Tim Ervin is a valued point guard, 6-10 Taeyon Neal offers size and Eric Jordan can flat-out shoot the basketball. And 6-3 wing Deion Jackson just may be the team’s best all-around basketball player.

27. GENEVA: The favorite in the newly formed DuKane Conference has averaged a whopping 26 wins a year over the past six seasons. And more wins are coming. The 1-2 punch of heady point guard Jack McDonald (14.6 ppg) and 6-4 wing Mitch Mascari (13.6 ppg), one of the better shooters in the Chicago area, will be the cornerstone for the Vikings. McDonald is calm and cool while Mascari shot 44 percent from beyond the arc. That’s an impressive combination who play well together and feed off one another. Kross Garth, a blue-collared 6-4 forward and valuable role player last season, is back for his senior year as well. Junior Josh Preston is set to take on a bigger role after chipping in 3.6 points a game as a sophomore.

28. CARMEL: There is a ton of production returning, starting with sophomore point guard Kimahri Wilson (11 ppg, 4 apg) and veteran senior Johnny Roeser (11.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg). This is a better team than the one that won 19 games and a Class 3A regional a year ago. Damone Williams-Gray (12 ppg) is another key returner on a team that will have a ton of depth. Coach Zach Ryan has a team that will put a scare into the top East Suburban Catholic Conference teams.

29. DOWNERS GROVE NORTH: There is experience and some star quality in the backcourt with senior guards Sema’j Henderson (17.9 ppg) and Trey Boston (10.6 ppg), an electric athlete and creative scorer. These two could be one of the highest scoring duos in the Chicago area. Add shooter Connor Ilyavi and Plainfield East transfer Collin Reed, along with some interior size, and the Trojans will have a team that will be a threat to Oak Park in the West Suburban Silver. Now can DGN get over the hump and win its first regional since 2002?

30. NORTH LAWNDALE: An emotional season ahead for the Phoenix with the tragic and sudden passing of coach Lewis Thorpe last month. A load of talent returns from a team that reached a 3A super-sectional, including high-scoring guard Demetrius Douglas, guard Jalen Thorpe, Daquan Tucker, Javantae Brackens, Daveon Rogers and 6-8 Zion Washington.

31. FARRAGUT: The loss of talented junior Reggie Strong, who transferred to St. Joseph, puts a dent in a team that has been building towards this season. But savvy, productive veteran Aaron Strong returns from a team that had its ups and downs last year in going 17-11. Edmund Forrest can score and big man Demetrius Schaffer is a factor running the floor and on the glass. K0ep an eye on freshmen Mikwon and Mikell Jones.

32. KANKAKEE: This is a 21-win team from a year ago that returns the heart and soul of its team, point guard Jaquan Binion (12.4 ppg, 3.4 apg), a mighty mite at 5-7 who is fun to watch and puts relentless pressure on opposing teams. T.J. Wicks, a 6-9 senior, is a presence defensively (2.1 blocks) on the glass (8.4 rpg) and is adding to his offensive game. Senior Darion Binion and junior Deylon Johnson are two other scoring weapons.

33. RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD: Senior point guard Zach Vaia, the returning conference player of the year, and 6-6 Andrew Veon, an all-conference performer, are a terrific starting point for the Bulldogs. But second-year coach Mike Reingruber also welcomes back 6-1 veteran shooter Patrick Hanley (9.1 ppg), 6-4 wing Reggie Loury and versatile 6-4 Charles Terry. R-B has a chance to get back to the 20-plus win plateau it achieved for eight straight seasons from 2009 to 2016.

34. LINCOLN PARK: Even with the loss of star Terrence Shannon to graduation and Chris Roberts to Morgan Park, coach Pat Gordon has a dangerous team. The Lions boast some quality young talent in 6-9 junior Romelle Howard, who has made some very positive strides, and sophomore guards Ismail Habib and Julio Montes. Senior Tahir Thompson is a big guard who will provide a steady influence.

35. FREMD: The always disciplined Vikings get the edge in an up-for-grabs Mid-Suburban League West and will be in search of a fourth straight regional championship. Senior Bryce Hopkins took a big step forward last year before an injury shut him down in the second half of season. Look for the ultra-versatile Hopkins (13.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg), 2.7 apg) to be even better this season. Returning guards Dean Ganas and John Smyros are a pair of seasoned seniors, while 6-5 junior Kayman Hopkins should provide a boost.

36. BROTHER RICE: There is a go-to player in Loyola recruit Marquise Kennedy (17 ppg). The 6-1 point guard is the lone returning starter for coach Bobby Frasor, but he’s a difference-maker with the ball in his hands. Deandre Hagan, a wing with size and versatility, showed flashes last year and is set to blossom as a junior.937. NILES NORTH: Coach Glenn Olson’s team was hit hard by graduation. But after winning 26 games last season –– and an average of 22 wins a season since the 2010-2011 team won a sectional title –– you come to expect the Vikings to keep it rolling. This program is now a winning program and will impact the tough Central Suburban League South in some fashion. There will be bigger opportunities and roles for promising young talents like junior guard Aquan Smart and 6-5 sophomore Jalen Butler.

38. WEST AURORA: Fresh off a 25-5 season that included regional and sectional championships, the Blackhawks will need to retool. There is speed and quickness but a lack of size and experience. With returning senior guard Treavon Brown (10.4 ppg, 4 apg, 45 three-pointers made) and senior guard Marquise Walker, a transfer from Curie who is at his third school in three years, West will remain the favorite in the Upstate Eight. With four seniors having graduated, along with the addition of Walker, developing chemistry will be a key.

39. YORK: With strong perimeter play and shooting, offensive efficiency and a pesky defensive philosophy, the Dukes are primed for a sneaky good season. Senior guard Nick Kosich (12.3 ppg, 69 three-pointers) is healthy after an injury-plagued offseason. He’s productive and very under-appreciated, while fellow senior guard Erik Cohn is coming off a solid offseason. Junior guard Nate Shockey is a sleeper and set to make an impact with his vast offensive tools. Sam Walsh, an experienced 6-5 senior, provides the lone size.

40. PROVISO EAST: The Pirates were able to scratch out 20 wins last season, finishing an uncharacteristic third in the West Suburban Gold. The experienced trio of 5-10 senior Devin Spencer (10 ppg), 6-1 junior Michael Osborne (8 ppg) and 6-4 senior Aaron Sykes (7 ppg, 5 rpg) will try to lead coach Donnie Boyce’s team back to 20 wins.

41. VOCATIONAL: Coach Donnie Kirksey’s team took its lumps in the rugged Red-South/Central last year but battled the heavyweights. Virtually everyone returns, including Naashar Banks-Carter (19 ppg), a high-scoring senior guard who dropped 30 points on Morgan Park in an OT loss last season. Seniors Seth Williams, a super athlete who starred in football this past fall, Malik Tiffith and 6-6 Kevin Newson are all back. Keep an eye on the development of Omarion Osborne, a 5-11 sophomore guard.

42. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL: A couple of talented juniors, 6-6 Cameron Dougherty (7 ppg) and 6-8 Chris Conway, will boost the fortunes of the Redhawks. Conway is a budding prospect in the Class of 2020 and is a future Division I player. Both got their feet wet at the varsity level last season and will help the Redhawks contend in the DuPage Valley Conference. Senior Patrick Zeng, 6-2 senior Payton Thorne and sophomore Sam Jackson will provide perimeter scoring.

43. DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH: There are weapons on the perimeter for coach Kris Olson, and it starts with senior Justin Eagins, who averaged 17.4 points a game last season. Eagins is a 6-3 sniper with range who hit 83 three-pointers a year ago. Athletic 6-3 Wes Hooker (11.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and three-point shooter Charlie Furman could help the Mustangs climb into West Suburban Gold challenger status.

44. WILLOWBROOK: The loss of four starters, including Ethan Schuemer, an all-stater who graduated after helping the Warriors to 26 wins, will be felt. But Matas Masys is back. The four-year varsity guard is on pace to score over 1,000 career points after averaging 12.3 points a game and making 67 three-pointers last year. Junior Everett Stubblefield, an explosive guard with speed, is set to take the next step with a breakout season.

45. MAINE SOUTH: Coach Tony Lavorato has built a consistent winner in Park Ridge, regularly winning 20-plus games. The Hawks have averaged 22 wins a season over the past decade, so it’s a program that reloads and plays its unique style. There are a pair of veteran double-figure scorers to help push the Hawks to 20 wins –– senior guard Essam Hamwi (14.8 ppg, 2.9 apg) and 6-4 wing Fil Bulatovic (10.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), who is set to have a big senior season.

46. ST. CHARLES EAST: There isn’t a big name for the Saints, but there is a nice collection of pieces for coach Pat Woods. That starts with senior guard Nate Ortiz (11.3 ppg, 43 percent from three-point line), who brings versatility and toughness to the backcourt. Look for a much-improved 6-7 Cody Mitchell (4.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg), who has emerged as an inside-outside threat, and 6-5 shooter Mark Musial (4.9 ppg) to make big jumps.

47. WHEATON NORTH: The Falcons move from the DuPage Valley Conference to the DuKane Conference and hope to make a push towards the top of the league. Deng Reng (11.5 ppg), a 6-7 three-year varsity performer, heads the list of returning players and is set for a breakout season. Senior Matthew Brend is under-appreciated at the point guard position and is healthy, and last year’s sixth man, Jacob Schauer, is a perimeter shooting threat.

48. GLENBROOK SOUTH: Don’t sleep on the Titans. Coach Phil Ralston begins year two in Glenview and has a team that should be one of the most improved in the Chicago area. Senior Will King, a 6-4 point guard with savvy and vision, had a terrific offseason and is vastly improved. There is a surplus of returning players, including 6-2 Jimmy McMahon (7.6 ppg), 6-1 Gavin Morse, 6-2 shooter Mac Hubbard (7.7 ppg) and versatile 6-4 junior Dom Martinelli (9.3 ppg).

49. THORNWOOD: If a talented perimeter can take care of the basketball and provide some pressure defensively with its speed and quickness, coach Paul Slavich will have the best team in the Southwest Suburban Red. Returning senior guards Zachary Carr and 6-1 Christian Simmons are exciting players who form one of the better backcourts in the south suburbs. Jeremiah Tarver is a space eater inside who boasts both size and skill. A pair of sophomores, 5-11 guard Sean Burress and 6-4 Donald Coats, will provide a boost.

50. RICHARDS: The Bulldogs are coming. The defending South Suburban Red champs have four returning starters. Last year’s freshman team went 24-1 and the sophomore team an impressive 21-3 with its best player on varsity. Thus, there are bigger aspirations this winter. The trio of 6-3 senior Albert Jones, 6-3 Trevon Jones and 6-4 junior Paul Zilinskas are all capable of being double-figure scorers.

51. STEVENSON: If the pieces come together and everything falls just right, the Patriots could be back atop the North Suburban Conference –– again. This team will go as junior Matt Ambrose, a legit scoring threat on the perimeter, and senior point guard Luke Cheing go.

52. SCHAUMBURG: All the attention is on promising 6-8 sophomore Chris Hodges, one of the top five prospects in Illinois in the Class of 2021. But Heze Trotter is a four-year varsity veteran who fills a stat sheet and defends. Last year he averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists a game. Add three-year starter Michael Hodges and the Saxons will have a shot to knock off Fremd in the MSL West after finishing 11-18 a year ago.

53. DE KALB: Coach Al Biancalana has developed a culture and an expectation as he enters his fifth season at DeKalb. The Barbs boast a nice combination of experience, depth and talent with the return of three starters, including combo guard Blake Williams (5.3 ppg, 4.1 apg), junior guard Isaiah Youngquist (10.3 ppg) and versatile 6-5 wing Jordan Williams. Throw in the upside of 6-6 junior Louquon Henderson, junior shooter Zach Russell and veteran Mike Newman and the Barbs could surprise beyond their final year in the Northern Illinois Big 12 East.

54. AURORA CHRISTIAN: With Will Wolfe, a talented 6-5 junior who averaged 14.7 points a game last season, and junior point guard Taaj Davis (10.7 ppg) returning, the Eagles could be as dangerous as a year ago when they won 25 games and reached a Class 1A sectional final. Keep an eye on the development of promising 6-2 sophomore Jaehshon Thomas as the Eagles search for their fifth straight 20-win season.

55. OSWEGO: Yes, the Panthers won a grand total of four games last season. But this will be one of the most improved teams in the area and one that could surprise. The bulk of this team is back, led by 6-4 senior Dylan Engler (10 ppg) and junior shooter Jack Kahoun (10 ppg). There is a lot to like with Engler and Kahoun spacing the floor with their shooting, size up front in 6-8 junior Connor McCance and 6-5 senior Marco Wilson, along with experience at point guard position in Cal Hezja.

56. ROMEOVILLE: While the Spartans suffered key losses from a year ago, 6-5 junior Destin Whitaker and four-year varsity point guard Michael Salter are ready to step up. Keep an eye on the rise of 6-4 junior Zach Gibson and Benet transfer Noah Ferrell, a 6-7 post player who had a nice summer for Benet before transferring to Romeoville.

57. NORTH CHICAGO: A team that went to state semifinals last year in Class 3A returns a couple of key pieces, including 6-8 Achan Clinton (8 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 bpg) and 6-6 Raeshaun Samoa (15 ppg). Add 6-7 junior Ricky Irby to the mix and there is a ton of size and length for coach Gerald Coleman.

58. HERSEY: The program’s 50th anniversary should be a good one. First-year coach Austin Scott has the team to beat in the Mid-Suburban League East. Point guard Matt Hanushewsky is back, wing Rocco Ronzio is set to take off as a senior and David Belford brings some athleticism.

59. FENWICK: It’s a whole new look for the Friars. Coach Rick Malnati stepped down and valued assistant coach Staunton Peck takes over. Star D.J. Steward and Damari Nixon have transferred out. But sophomore Bryce Hopkins is ready to make a name for himself, while senior Lucas Kolovitz provides toughness and 6-2 Solomon Oraegbu (5 ppg, 3 rpg) is the top returning player and is fresh off a solid summer.

60. ZION-BENTON: The uncharacteristic season of a year ago, which included a 10-17 record and a last-place finish in the North Suburban Conference, should be quickly forgotten with the return of junior Damontae Taylor and sophomore Amar Aguillard, who was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last season. Aguillard put up a whopping 18.5 points, six rebounds and three assists a game last year.

61. T.F. SOUTH: Coach Townsend Orr’s team turned it up in the second half of the season and will build off that success. Senior DeKwan Turner sets the tone. He’s a nifty playmaker at point guard who can shoot the three and averaged 10 points and five assists a game last season. London Denman is an intriguing 6-8, 260-pound big who has a basketball IQ, can pass and finish at the rim. A couple of big wings –– 6-3 James Drummond and 6-5 Elijah Watson –– along with newcomers Andrew and Elijah Steward, a pair of transfers from Kenwood, make this a dangerous team in the south suburbs.

62. GLENBROOK NORTH: This is a group that offers size and experience for coach David Weber. The Spartans are the team to beat in the Central Suburban League North with four returning senior starters in 6-5 Brian Johnson, 6-5 Frank Siegien, 6-4 Alex Press and guard Evan Myers.

63. DEERFIELD: There is endless size that could prove to be difference-making in the Central Suburban League North. Brandon Lieb, a 6-10 junior who put up modest numbers (4.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.5 bpg) a year ago, continues to make strides. Also back are 6-9 Jackson Kenyon (5.5 ppg) and 6-5 Dimitri Bousis. But there is a wild card, and that’s the arrival of out-of-state transfer Walter Mattingly, a skilled 6-6 wing who will make a significant impact.

64. LANE TECH: There is an abundance of experience at coach Nick LoGalbo’s disposal with three players who will have four years of varsity experience. Those three –– 6-6 Vuk Djuric, a double-double machine, steady point guard Michael Molloy and athletic 6-2 Johnny Colombo –– were part of an Indians team that won 21 games and a White-North title. Shooter Jimmy Mulvaney is also back. But it’s a big step up this season in the Red North/West.

65. DE LA SALLE: The Meteors struggled a year ago, finishing just 10-15 on the season. But the forward tandem of 6-4 Alex Raiford and 6-5 Clyde Benton have been around the block and, along with Abnar Muhammad, are among three returning starters. Coach Tom White will get a big offensive lift from junior guard Josh Holmes, a talented transfer from Jones who can really score the basketball. How much will the Meteors get out of a highly-touted freshman class?

66. WAUBONSIE VALLEY: The Warriors will be a much-improved team and a sleeper in the DuPage Valley Conference. Led by senior Eric Cannon (14.3 ppg, 80 three-pointers), a returning all-conference guard, and senior Derrien Porter, coach Jason Mead has some experience in the backcourt. But keep an eye on up-and-coming 6-5 junior Marcus Skeete, who averaged 10.6 points and 5.6 rebounds a game as a sophomore.

67. ST. CHARLES NORTH: There are a lot of unknowns surrounding this team after graduating all five starters. Plus, the overall personnel will take a hit in the early going with some players a part of the state semifinal football team. But junior guard Luke Scheffers, who gained experience last season off the bench, is set to take the reins. Connor Linke, an improved 6-8 big man, has made a nice jump.

68. ST. JOSEPH: The arrival of Farragut transfer Reggie Strong, a gifted 6-0 junior guard, is a blessing when you consider legendary coach Gene Pingatore lost all five starters from an 18-10 team. It will be up to Strong and last year’s sixth man, 6-4 Maliq Anderson, to carry much of the load.

69. CARY-GROVE: There hasn’t been a 20-win season in nearly 20 years, but there is experience returning with three starters back. But the Trojans will go as far as the junior tandem of Frank Jakubicek and Beau Frericks takes them. Jakubicek is a much-improved 6-8 big man with Division I interest and the 6-1 Frericks is a smooth scorer in the backcourt. When you add Addison West, a true physical presence at 6-4, 280 pounds, coach Adam McCloud’s team could be the one to end Jacobs’ domination in the Fox Valley Conference.

70. PLAINFIELD NORTH: After hovering around the .500 mark a year ago, coach Bob Krahulik’s team has a chance to push towards 20 wins this season. There is a ton of experience and size, starting with Carter Thurman, a 6-5 senior forward who averaged 11 points a game last season, and continuing with 6-7 senior Billy Connors and 6-6 junior Colin O’Rourke. The veteran guard play of top-notch defender Matt O’Boye and point guard Adonis Cubas-Hughes will be the key.

71. PLAINFIELD EAST: The shooting of seniors Yamani Shareef and Noah Woulard, along with the athleticism of 6-4 junior Christian Shumate, will make the Bengals a threat in the Suburban Prairie Conference.

72. LINCOLN-WAY EAST: Senior guard Julian Barr, a proven scorer and shooter on the wing, was instrumental in helping the Griffins to a 23-6 record last season. A lot will depend on the improvement of the younger players, including promising 6-8 junior Nate Seputis and sophomore point guard Jhei-r Jones. Coach Rich Kolimas has some serious size, starting with Seputis and continuing with 6-4 Tyler Vaundry, 6-4 banger Alex Witkowski, 6-7 junior Sean McLaughlin and 6-5 Lemone Lampley, a transfer from St. Rita.

73. ST. LAURENCE: Coach Jimmy Sexton’s team has proved one thing in his short time in charge: The Vikings will score points. Sexton believes his team will again put up points in a dizzying fashion with his up-tempo style, which will be fueled by the return of 6-3 junior guard Jeremiah Williams (11 ppg), 6-2 senior guard Lance Jackson (10 ppg) and shooter Billy Rappold, who missed a lot of last season with an injury.

74. ST. PATRICK: There are no big names on this team, but you get the feeling coach Mike Bailey’s Shamrocks are going to be this pesky team in the East Suburban Catholic Conference this season. Plenty returns from a 15-13 team, including junior guard Dominic Galati and senior guards Jakob Medina, Justin Walker and Austin Freeman.

75. ST. IGNATIUS: Senior guard Christian Davis is one of the more overlooked in the class. Davis and junior Daniel Florey will provide coach Matt Monroe with the needed backcourt to be competitive in the Catholic League.

76. JOLIET WEST: Young, dangerous and likely a year away, just how good the Tigers will be is a bit of an unknown. But there is talent coming as 6-2 Trent Howland and 6-2 Jaiden Lee are part of a very promising sophomore class that will make an impact at the varsity level. Jamere Hill, a 6-1 junior point guard, returns after being brought up last year.

77. NAPERVILLE NORTH: Former Marist coach Gene Nolan takes over a North program that has won a ton of games over the past two seasons. Despite a big departure in both talent and overall depth, the return of Loyola recruit Tom Welch, one of the top 10 prospects in the Class of 2019, is a great starting point. But the lack of depth and returning guards will be a big obstacle.

78. CRYSTAL LAKE CENTRAL: Big man Alex Timmerman is the first Division I recruit from Crystal Lake Central since McDonald’s All-American Bill Heppner. The 6-8, 245-pound 80cknell recruit averaged 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds a game last season and is one of seven key players returning from a 17-win team.

79. JOLIET CENTRAL: Simply put, coach Larry Thompson’s teams have grown accustomed to winning. Forget that five starters have graduated. Last year’s team came out of nowhere to win 23 games and a conference championship. There is no question the Steelmen will take a step back this season, but Thompson will have them competitive with junior floor general Dakoda Joachim, 6-3 senior Kendrick Williams and 6-1 senior D.J. Hill-Holmes.

80. THORNTON: The Wildcats scuffled last season, finishing 16-12 overall and looking up at Thornwood and Andrew in the Southwest Suburban Red standings. And it feels a little funny ranking any Thornton team this low. But there are a lot of unknowns surrounding the Wildcats, who will rely on Keeshawn Chambers, Ari Brown and DJ Williams.

Oh, there’s room for two more …

81. PROSPECT: It’s been quite a two-year run for coach John Camardella’s program with a combined 45 wins and last year’s MSL championship. Expect a big year from returning starter Jon Kreidler, a 6-4 wing who can

82. ROLLING MEADOWS: It’s impossible to leave a team with Max Christie, the 6-5 superstar sophomore, unranked –– even if it is at No. 81. Coach Kevin Katovich’s team is really a year away from being way higher in this ranking. Seven of the top 10 players are underclassmen, but the presence of Christie should make this season interesting and fun. And if the supporting cast that includes 6-1 junior Sean Nolan and senior guard Javonte Warrenner rises to the occasion, the Mustangs could surprise.