Chicago high school basketball rankings

There are suburban teams in the top three spots for the first time in recent memory.

By Michael O’Brien

Evanston’s Elijah Bull (10) controls the ball as the Wildkits play Orr.

Blake Peters, fresh off leading Evanston to a win against Orr, stated it clearly: “Orr and all the CPS teams, we aren’t afraid of them. Today was pretty fun.”

And why would the Wildkits fear any team? They’ve advanced to Peoria the last two seasons and there isn’t an EJ Liddell-led Belleville West looming anywhere this season.

This was definitely the toughest set of rankings so far this season. Evanston is undefeated and I just loved the way they played against the Spartans on Sunday at Mount Carmel. The Wildkits whipped the ball around to the open man without hesitation and played fun, up-tempo basketball.

But rankings are about more than that. The Wildkits beat Orr, who Lincoln Park beat earlier this week (in Orr’s gym). They also have an impressive win against Notre Dame and solid wins against Prospect and St. Viator.

Bloom holds on to the top spot because it has the area’s strongest resume, despite the loss at Thornton. The Blazing Trojans have beaten Hillcrest, Marian Catholic (on the road), Kankakee and Pace, Ga. in the Chicago Elite Classic. Donovan Newby missed the Thornton game with an injury and that is a small factor as well. Word is he is just about ready to play.

New additions

York (7-1): The Dukes are always underrated. Maybe we won’t let that happen this season. They knocked off Benet this past week and have solid wins against Cary-Grove and Glenbard West as well. The only loss is to Stevenson.

North Lawndale (8-1): Carlos Toliver has a load of talented players at his disposal and they have beaten Carmel, Lane, Marshall and Farragut. The only loss was a close one to Mundelein.

Dropping out

Hillcrest (5-3): Things got a bit ugly on Saturday against Curie. That 23-point loss is tough, but the real issue is the Hawks don’t have a big win yet (although the Oak Lawn one is close). Hillcrest will be back in the rankings, the team is very talented.

Benet (5-2): Colin Crothers is expected to be back in time for Pontiac from what I hear and that will be a big boost. The Redwings lost to York this week, but remain dangerous.

With record and last week’s ranking

1. Bloom (8-1) 1
Still strongest resume

2. Evanston (8-0) 4
Looked great vs. Orr

3. Notre Dame (8-2) 11
Took down Bogan

4. Bogan (9-1) 2
Antione Bloxton is a force

5. Morgan Park (4-2) 3
Lost to Collinsville

6. Young (4-2) 5
Impressive vs. Lincoln Park

7. Curie (5-0) 8
Dominated Hillcrest

8. Marian Catholic (5-2) 7
Lost at Notre Dame

9. Lincoln Park (8-2) 10
Won at Orr

10. Simeon (2-2) 9
Heavy loss to Bogan

11. Thornton (7-0) 14
Knocked off Bloom