Coaches and/or athletic directors, please email info on your team to mobrien@suntimes.com. Email is preferred, anything that arrives via Twitter DM will go out last. I’ll tweet out a preview on every team that sends in the information. You can follow along on Twitter (X) @michaelsobrien or read the previews here. All Illinois schools are eligible, not just schools in the Sun-Times’ coverage area. Please include the following:
School:
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Outlook for this season:
Top Returning Players (Position, Height, Year in school):
Top Newcomers (Position, Height, Year in school):
Top teams in your conference:
Players on your team and in the conference to consider for the list of the area’s best:
Interesting story idea about your team:
I’ll be updating this story nearly every day until the start of the season. Here’s everything that has been tweeted out so far:
The 2023-24 Twitter Previews
Ag. Science: Wants to win the White South. Guards Chris Taylor and Dillion Gray are exciting and 6-6 center Tim O’Brien returns. Watch newcomers Bryce Tillis, Glen Howell and Ken Lee.
Antioch: Four starters return including senior Carter Webb, 6-5 Colby Priller, Teddi Wetu and junior Marshall Gehrke, who is back from an injury. Starting five has 11 years of combined varsity experience. High expectations against a tough non-conference schedule.
Addison Trail: Looking to rebound from a tough year. Two-year starter Luke Smith, a junior, should eclipse the 1,000-point mark early in the season. He’s shooting 54%. Senior Cesar Alvarez made starts last season but it is a young roster with multiple juniors set to contribute.
Argo: Kassam Saleh is the only returning starter but there are two interesting new additions, soph Darron Greer Jr. from Iowa and junior Kenneth Martins from the Czech Republic. Shooting should be solid but size and rebounding is a concern.
Aurora Central: Josh Izzo takes over as coach. Solid core returns with two of the top three scorers back in Sam Carroll and Bernard Fellows. They are joined by 6-6 senior Ethan Lewis, an all-conference center.
Aurora Christian: Senior Cam Morel and sophs Marshawn Cocroft, Jacob Baumann return. Young team that will really heavily on sophs. Wil McCracken, Asa Johnson and Zach Zappia are the top new faces.
Bartlett: Solid summer. It’s a tall group that has received an infusion of talent from the baseball team. Nate Scearce, Dimitre Petrasiunas (6-6), Colin Taylor and Keegan Taylor are the top returners. Brendan Campbell (6-5), Robbie Stankus and John Bowler are key newcomers.
Batavia: Nate Nazos, Jacob Aseltine, CJ Valente (6-6) are back along with 6-7 junior Jax Abalos, who has picked up scholarship offers. Kyle Porter (6-5), Ben Feigel, Isaac Wit (6-5), Brandon Redmond, Josh Kahley, Luke Alwin and Gavin Englehart will make contributions.
Beecher: Four starters return from a 25-win team including four-year starter Adyn McGinley, who led in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Zack Johnson was second in all those categories. 6-4 junior Noah Berry and 6-5 junior Orlin Nesbitt add length. Could go 10 deep.
Belvidere North: All five starters are back, led by Adam Brown (16 ppg), Nathan Binkley (10 ppg) and Braeden Brown (15 ppg). Need to finish close games this season, could finish in the top half of the conference.
Bishop McNamara: Will continue up-tempo style of play and be competitive in newly-formed Chicagoland Christian conference. Need to be consistent defensively while figuring out ways to score. 6-4 Robert Hutson, 6-7 soph Callaghan O’Cnnor lead the way.
Bloom: Experienced leadership from Santana Flowers and Jaden Clark and junior guards Elijah Lovemore and Payton Edwards. The addition of Marcus Everhart, Vincent Kelly, and Amare Pryor provide great depth and balance.
Bowen: Class 1A team aiming for 20 wins and a sectional title. Rae’Qwon Rogers, Jeremiah Carter and Moses Cole return. Rashad Jackson, Unique Martin and Ayden Pippens are the top newcomers.
Brother Rice: Returns a strong core led by Lewis commit Cale Cosme and senior big man Zavier Fitch. Junior Marcos Gonzalez and senior transfer Tyler Wooten provide an offensive spark while junior Caden Workman adds physicality and toughness. Expectations are high for a big season.
Bulls Prep: Returns three strong players in guards Aaron Watson and Melvin Dower and forward Jalen James (6-6). Sam Garcia and soph Jermel Mullins are the top newcomers. Hoping to make a deep run in the Noble League playoffs.
Carmel: Trying to build on last year and make noise in the ESCC and have a deep playoff run. Seniors Bryce Smith, Kaleb Jackson, Noah LaMora, Jacob Chajet return with junior Ethan Henderson and sophs Ethan Matz and Preston Dahn. Senior Fabian Rudd has moved back from Virginia.
Cary-Grove: Deep with 12 players who could all see the floor. Senior Jake Hornok could crack 1,000 points this season. Senior PJ Brown, junior Spike Boyd the other top returners. Newcomers to watch are Ryan Elbert, Justice German, Jack Rocen, AJ Berndt and soph Adam Bauer (6-5).
Chicago Military-Bronzeville: New coach Michael Smith leads a young but competitive and disciplined team in the Blue South.
Christ The King: Class 2A state title contender lead by 6-7 Calvin Worsham, Darien Green and 6-6 Aaron McCure. Deep, talented and hungry.
Crane: New coach Mekiel Posey is hoping to turn things around and win the White West. Starters Demonte Pruitt, William Hill and Dontea King return. Junior Trevon Hoskins and sophomore Brad Blackman are expected to make major contributions.
Crystal Lake South: Gators return only one starter from last season’s 25-win team, dynamic point guard AJ Demirov (15 ppg 4apg 5rpg). Plenty of size with 6-6 James Carlson, 6-8 Christian Rohde and 6-6 CJ Regilio.
DeKalb: Returning starter Sean Reynolds Jr., Davon Grant and Eric Rosenow will lead the young but experienced Barbs who will only have two seniors in their rotation. Reynolds is nearing 1,000 points and Grant had an explosive freshman year.
De La Salle: Returns 10 of 13 from last year’s 22-win team. Challenging schedule will test the Meteors, playing 11 straight road games from Dec. 15 to Jan. 9. Will have five sophomores on the team that will get plenty of experience.
Deerfield: Moved to to the CSL South. A lot of talent back, but still a young core. Senior Charlie Robin and juniors Quinn Schimanski, Drew Rodgers (6-8), Zach Friedman and Aaron Pelts are the top returners. Keep an eye on 6-8 sophomore Jake Pollack.
Dyett: New to the Red South Central. 6-3 juniors Rickey Coleman and Jayden McKinnon both average double digits. Three transfers, Jerome Thornton (6-8), Aramis Brown and Devon Shelton should be ready to compete.
Eisenhower: Been looking to this year for awhile. Four seniors have been up since soph year, led by AJ Abrams (21 peg). Ayipey Salinas, Darrion Pippen, Zion Carr are vastly improved. Tinley Park transfer Cameron Ellis is a major addition. Will compete for conference title.
Elgin Academy: Senior-led team hoping to improve on 13 wins. Junior Chris Tacher and senior Tayten Wilder at the top returners. Seniors Ryan Zonts and Rahul Gowda provide invaluable leadership. Senior Camren Horton will make an immediate impact.
Elk Grove: All five starters graduated, but should be competitive in MSL East after a positive summer. Lucas Rogers, Amir Hussein, Devin Wildi and Nate Govert are the top returners. Junior Nick Jimenez is a newcomer to watch.
Englewood: Planning to surprise in the Red-South/Central. Loaded with seniors in Ryan Henry, Demarion Coleman, Marcus Owens, Martrell Britton and Vashawn Washington. Added 6-7 transfer Thomas Mantey Jr.
Evergreen Park: Interesting squad with potential. 3-year starter Nolan Sexton has more than 1,100 points. Transfer Tre Dowdell had a great summer and Ulises Cardens made 82 threes last year. Soph Lonnie Mosley is one to watch and junior transfer Keshaun Vaval is a major addition.
Fenton: Alejandro Diaz, Brandon Block, Damian Harnish and Angel Olea all return from a 24-8 group that went 15-3 in the Upstate Eight. Senior Xavior Gonazelz, sidelined with an injury last season, is also back.
Francis Parker: Hoping to improve on 16 wins. Junior Miles Johnson and senior Calan Scherer are the top returners. Seniors Connor Elligan, Sam Forst and Q Stauber provide valuable leadership. Juniors Malike Griffin and Ben Graines will make an immediate impact.
Glenbard East: Experienced seniors Aleks Jajic (6-5) and Ari Pearson lead a young group that can challenge in the Upstate Eight. Soph Mike Nee averaged 10 ppg last season and had a big summer. Soph Danny Snyder is poised for a solid year.
Glenbard North: Shold be improved with a lot of experience back. Three-year starter JJ Hernandez (6-5) returns along with Jack Schager, Josh Abushanab (6-5) and Maharri Thatch. Transfer Jalen Crues (6-6) will join the starting lineup.
Glenbard West: Hilltoppers won 19 games last season. Young squad led by senior guards Bennett Schwanke and Danny Monahan. Good length and physicality with juniors Dominic Seaney, Mike O’Connell and Logan Glover. Look for sophomore TJ Williams to impact with athleticism.
Grayslake Central: Jayden Hall and Cayden Woods will lead a group of hungry seniors. Xavi Granville, Eric Brum and a host of talented juniors look to make an immediate impact. Really good overall group with a lot of potential.
Grayslake North: Junior Jayden Hunt is in his third year as starting poing guard and has a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio. He’s joined by sophomore Uros Mitrovic and 6-5 junior Tyler Morgan. Young team, but attitude and effort over the offseason has been outstanding.
Hansberry: Four returning starters, all juniors. Top prospect Al Brooks and his twin Ikee Brooks both averaged double-doubles. Zaire Tobar is a shooter, Jamarion Massey rebounds, protects the rim. Oak Forest transfer Jaylen Harris shot 55% from three.
Hersey: Senior Jared Ryg and 6-7 junior Jackson Hupp return with Brody Variano and Ricky Divito. Hupp could eventually break the school scoring record. Top newcomers include Nick Ahlquist, 6-8 junior Joey Brown and sophs Kyle Irwin and Charlie Pomis.
Heyworth: Won 20 games last year and only lost one regular. Expectation is to contend for conference and regional titles. Nick Feather (6-8) and Alex Maas are three-year starters. Tyler Bartels, Lucas Garber, Nick Rapson, Chase Ruppert and Maddox Klawitter all return as well.
Highland Park: Returns senior Gabe Shamberg, juniors Simon Moschin (leading scorer), Asher Diamond and Alex Kriser. Seniors Nicholas Blumer, Ryder Palmer and Griffin Killeen will add leadership to a close knit group that will compete in the CSL North.
Hinsdale Central: Deep but lacking experience after heavy losses from last year’s 31-win team (school record). Daniel Orozco and Will Kusak should anchor the backcourt. 6-7 Tyler Thick and 6-4 Vincas Buzelis will be major contributors. Went 23-6 this summer, unbeaten at R-B.
Hoffman Estates: Young, guard-heavy group that returns 2 starters in junior Nate Cleveland and senior Trendell Whiting. Junior Daiquan Daniels is a high-motor guard who will be a key contributor. Selfless group with multi-sport athletes who will improve with experience.
Horizon Southwest: Looking to make a legitimate push for the Class 1A state title. Senior Kaivon Payton is the No. 2 scorer in school history. Major additions include 6-10 senior Jalen Lloyd, 6-7 senior Ahmet Burak and point guard Frederick Boyd.
Huntley: New coach Collin Kalamatas has an experienced group. Three returning starters in seniors Ethan Blackmore, Lucas Crosby, Omare Segarra. Other returning seniors include Bryce Walker, Ryan Sweeney and Jacob Pociecha. Junior Christian Wilson (6-2) took big steps this summer.
IC Catholic: Joining the Catholic League. Four key players return from last season’s 23-9 squad, led by Jake Gallagher and Andrew Hill. Expect bigger roles from Matthew Karsten and Aidan Johnson as well as newcomer Danny Fromelt.
Jacobs: Junior guard Ben Jurzak is the only returning starter but a lot of experience is back. Senior Treval Howard continues to improve, junior point guard Emaan Thomas was up as a soph and senior Max Fessler will be a big contributor. Should compete in wide open Fox Valley.
Joliet Catholic: Starters James Pilapil, Drew Wills and Owen Wiers return from last season’s Class 2A sectional finalist. Scrappy group of high IQ players looking to compete in tough ESCC. Soph Jayden Armstrong is the top newcomer.
Jones: Inexperienced, will need younger guys to step up. Trey Lay will be asked to do a lot on both ends. Juniors Stone Cull and Paul Murphy will provide perimeter shooting and 6-5 soph Aaron Laroche-Dobe is ready to contribute immediately.
Julian: The most talented roster in awhile. A mixture of experienced players and young guys. Led by three-year starter Cyrus Jones, Bernard Robinson and soph Ian Flowers. Newcomers Jaysen Wesley (6-5) and Devin Ticer will be key contributors to a deep team.
Kaneland: Will be in the mix for the Interstate 8 title. Senior guard Troyer Carlson and forward Parker Violett are back along with 6-6 junior forward Freddy Hassan, who will be one of the most improved players in the area.
Kankakee: Intriguing team with a mix of experience and youth. Four starters return in Larenz Walters (18 ppg), junior Eli Stipp (6-6), Damontae May and promising sophomore Lincoln Williams (6-5). Keep an eye on sophs Kenaz Jackson, Myair Thompson and Cedric Terrell.
Lake Park: A regular 20+ winner that is ready to take another step forward. Cam Cerese is a star and Tommy Rochford, Freddy Battaglia, Dennasio LaGioia and Pavle Magazin also return.
Lake Zurich: Starters Anton Strelnikov, Nick Popovic and Ryan Carroll return. Junior Connor Strauss contributed late last season and should take another step. Sophomores Kain Kretschmar and Evan Peterson will also play crucial roles.
Lakes: Reloading after 21 wins and a conference co-championship. Jimmy Kania is the lone returning starter, he’s 3-year varsity player. JJ Jackson, Thomas Mercure and Prodive Matumona saw valuable minutes last year and will have increased roles.
Lane: Four starters return. Experienced group will face the toughest schedule in Nick LoGalbo’s tenure. Shaheed Solebo, 6-8 junior Dalton Scantlebury, Parker Williams, Jackson Labkon and Drew Bartolai are joined by newcomers Zach Mazanowski (6-7) and Luka Pinto (6-5).
Lemont: No starters back, but should be competitive due to returning vets that played key minutes. Senior guards Ryan Runaas and Klaidas Pauskauskas share scoring and ball handling duties. Juniors Alanas Castillo and Matas Gaidukevicius emerged over the summer.
Leyden: Senior heavy, led by Drelyn Jones, a 6-3 guard poised for a big season. Mike Medious and Israel Rodriguez will play significant roles. Will defend well and can improve on last season if they find some scoring.
Lincoln Park: New coach Joshua Anderson’s group is young and inexperienced but athletic and hungry. Chayse Turner, Keyshawn Barfield, Ahmad Lee and Damian Pearson all return.
Lincoln-Way East: Sophomore BJ Powell, the first freshman to make varsity in Rich Kolimas’ 23 years as coach, is surrounded by a solid group including Brent Taylor, Karson Thomas and Brenden Sanders. Lack experience and size and face a tough early schedule.
Lindblom: Large expectations with 95% of the scoring back and six seniors returning. Jeshawn Stevenson Jr. and Quentin McCoy lead the way, joined by Kolby Capers, Rayshaun Colvin, 6-5 Agsan Branch, 6-4 Hasan Johnson and Omari Kamal.
Lisle: Senior Drew Nigro is the only starter back from an 18-15 squad. Expecting big contributions from seniors Ty Russell (6-7), Nate Harer (6-5) and Matt Kane. Clay Hicks, Nico Bundschuh and James Saxman will have expanded roles.
Lombard Prep: Playing 29 games this season, a major step up for the Class 1A school. Senior heavy, led by Bolingbrook transfer Ibrahim Elagha, Hamzah Shouman and Hasan Hasan. Lost in the conference title game the past two years
Loyola: Four starters return from a 23-win team. Miles Boland will be a 1,000-point scorer. Jimmy Tarjan, Andrew Hollerich, Brendan Loftus are all two-year starters. Ohio transfer Nick Patton (NIU offer) can play.
Maine East: Scrappy shooters looking to build off a 15-15 season against an upgraded schedule. Starters Tristan Walton and JJ Alphonse both return. Solid newcomers with transfer Tre Himes, a scorer, 6-3 soph guard Brandon Schreiber and senior guard Jalen Moraga.
Maine South: Returns 3 starters in soph guard Panayiotis Sotos, junior Tyler Sierra, senior Ethan De La Navarre. A host of other returners will contribute as Hawks look to continue to build in positive direction in gauntlet of the CSL South under 2nd year coach, Colin Wehman.
Manley: Class 1A state title or bust. Transfer Jonathan Calmese and 6-6 soph Jaali Love will lead the way. Senior Jahlil Love and junior Keyontae Mays are shooters and 6-5 senior Isaiah Gardner can control the glass. Strong supporting cast with 6-5 Dewayne Redmond and more.
Marian Catholic: New coach Rick Romeli has a young group led by 6-7 senior James Bullock Jr., senior Jonah Weathers and junior Zack Sharkey. Keep an eye on 6-4 freshman Landon Mays.
Marist: A very talented group of very young players returns in 6-8 soph Stephen Brown, soph Adoni Vassilakis, 6-4 junior Marquis Vance, 6-4 junior Achilles Anderson and soph guard TJ Tate. Darshawn Thomas, a 6-6 senior, joined from Fenwick and will provide some experience.
Marmion: All the starters from last season’s sectional championship team graduated. Sixth man Evan Stumm returns and will lead the team. Caden Anderson and Logan Hubble (6-7) will make an immediate impact. Soph Braden Harms could have a really big season.
Mather: Returning 5 core players led by senior guards, Ezekiel Irving, Caleb Jackson, and Yann Kwizera, along with forwards Keith Davis-Grove and Jeremiah Chalwe. Looking to improve on last season’s 10 wins and challenge for the White North title.
Metamora: Could be even better than last year’s Class 3A title winners. Redbirds have won 32 straight. Luke Hopp, Matthew Zobrist, Tyler Mason and Ashton Grieves are all back and Iowa recruit Cooper Koch (Iowa) has transferred in.
Metea Valley: Nice mix of length and athleticism. Key returners are 6-6 Will Ashford, point guard James Parker and forward Dominic Smith. 6-8 Jake Nosek is back after missing last season with an injury, he’s getting looks from some D1 schools.
Minooka: New coach Brett Hespell is rebuilding after a 4-win season. Should be much improved, shooting for a winning record behind feisty guard Jahmai McCoy, 6-5 junior DJ Hampton, 6-4 soph Zane Caves and juniors Wes Owens and Jaden Boe.
Morton: Seniors Twon Jones, Michael Barnes and Tyler Nichols return. Will be young and scrappy with the additions of sophomore guard Joshua Arce and junior guard Donovan Johnson.
Naperville North: Starters Luke Williams, Cole Arl, Bryce Welch and Grant Montanari all return from a 20-win team. Seniors Jack Kallstrand, Ben Victor and soph Max Steele are the top newcomers. Defense and rebounding will be key against a tough schedule.
New Trier: 75-10 over the past three seasons. Lost a lot from last year’s third in state group, but Logan Feller, Ian Brown (6-5) and Colby Smith return. Top newcomers include Will Leemaster (6-5), sophs Christopher Kirkpatrick and Danny Houlihan.
Niles North: Young, but three all-conference players return in sophomores Reid Olson, Hunter Gawron and Yaris Irby. Need to improve defensively and on the boards, but should be pretty good. Kaidan Chatham and Jaiden Medina are also back.
Niles West: Had first winning record in 10 years last season. Everyone back except one starter, moving to CSL North. Top returners are Davee Flowers, Joey Pantazis, Aidin Custovic and Jason Fowler. Flowers and Pantazis are picking up recruiting attention after strong summers.
Northridge: Javi Christoffel and TJ Gorman are seasoned veterans. Evan Kataoka and Bo Arnold were crucial contributors last year and are poised to assume more significant roles. Several juniors are eager to step up and assume roles in the rotation.
Oak Lawn: Starting point guard Corey Lee and 6-6 Henry Martinez are back. Young guards Donte Montgomery and Jack Dempsey can play and enough experience returns around them to compete for conference title. Knocking on regional title door aftter losing there the past 3 seasons.
Oak Park: Senior guard Max Johnson will run the show at the point. Juniors Alex Gossett (6-5), Alex Vincent (6-9) and Justin Bowen (6-5) return. Senior Joe Halper will make an immediate impact. Keep an eye out for juniors Andrew Zhou, Dom Hale and Andre Stanton (6-10).
Oswego East: Lost a lot, but the Wolves owned the Southwest Prairie recently. Wyoming recruit Jehvion Starwood leads the way. Others to watch include seniors Andrew Wiggins and Noah Mason. Junior Mason Locket will contribute as well.
Palatine: Lost a lot of leadership but 6-7 Connor May and guard Tommy Elter return. Looking to get the newcomers, led by Carter Monroe and Tony Balanganayi, acclimated as quickly as possible.
Perspectives-Leadership: Three-year varsity guard Tim Handy is the lone returning starter from last season’s CPS Final Four squad. Moving up to 3A this year and reloading with soph Kendall Holliday, 6-8 Kenric Mosby, 6-7 James Amison and junior guard Dillon Fountain.
Perspectives-MSA: Goal is to return to the Red. Guard Tomajae Wills has D2 offers and will carry the team. Wings Courtney Scott, Jordan Daly and Javion Thompson add toughness. Rugged schedule including the Pekin Holiday Tournament.
Plainfield East: Expecting a big season from Ehi Ogbomo, on pace to crack 1,000 points. Kobe Jordan and Kevin Tchoffa will be major scorers as well. DeSean Miller and soph Alijah Little will be relied on to stretch the floor. Joined Hinsdale Central Holiday Tournament.
Plainfield North: Top scorers Jeffrey Fleming and Evan Czarnik (6-6) are back. Point guard Josh Holmes and junior Quintin Wiencek can stretch the floor. Will play an up-tempo style.
Prospect: Returns three starters from a sectional finalist. Ben Schneider leads the way with Drew Terpins and Cole Chapman also back from a team that won 14 of their last 18.
Providence: Returns 3 starters from last year. Will be led by junior guard Seth Cheney and senior center Kyle Lipke. Last year’s sixth man Junior Cooper Eggert looking to add to the mix in the starting rotation. Several seniors hoping to add contributions as well.
Richards: All-conference guards Camren King and soph Marcus Jennings return. Newcomer Travon Gourdine will make an immediate impact and senior Isaiah Johnson is a difference-maker on defense.
Riverside-Brookfield: 6-11 senior Stefan Cicic (17 points, 10 rebounds) has multiple D1 offers. Senior Steven Brown had a tremendous summer, can score in a variety of ways. Sam Shelven and Mehki Austin will contribute and soph Cameron Mercer is one to watch.
St. Edward: Two all-conference players return from a 20-win team. Four-year starter Kaden Dawson is a 6-7 senior that averaged 12 ppg. Matthew Morrice, a 6-3 junior, shot 40% from three. Seniors Josh Pottorff and 6-5 Josh Fowle played meaningful minutes last year.
St. Francis: Starters Aaron Cook (6-5), Dylan Ston, Niko Quaranta and Gavin Mueller (6-6) all return. Bartlett transfer Kelton McKewn is a major addition. Senior Patrick Spahn and junior Anthony Quaranta will have expanded roles. Moving back into the CCL.
St. Ignatius: Averaged 24 wins the last four years and advanced to state twice. Expectations have been raised. Reggie Ray, Phoenix Gill, Justin Scott and Sam Horenkamp all return. Soph Chris Bolte will make an immediate impact. Up in Class 4A this season.
St. Laurence: A lot of comings and goings but still very talented. Josh Pickett, Bradley Stratton, Gabe Mobley and Jet Jones have arrived. Zerrick Johnson, Khalil Jones, Caleb Lindsey and Ryan Seddon return. Freshmen Reggie Stevens and Markese Peoples provide instant depth.
St. Patrick: Four starters return from a 19-win team. Junior EJ Breland, senior AJ Hawkins and senior Harper Krolak are joined by 6-7 Nevaeh Hawkins and Cooper Kavanaugh. It’s Mike Bailey’s 30th season as coach.
St. Viator: Mitch Humphrey is one of the best shooters in the area. He’s joined by Dayvion Ellis, Joey Hernandez, Ryan Jackson, Henry Marshall, and Brandyn Michaels, who all played big minutes last year as sophs. Keep an eye on freshman Dawson Charles.
Sandburg: Will be competitive in conference with leading scorers David Vargas and Paulius Mizeras returning. Senior Ryan Tomczak is also back and joined by newcomers Connor Gleason, Malachi Perkins and Carlos Cueva.
Schaumburg: Looking to flip last season’s 10-20 record. Returns 85% of scoring, should be in the mix for MSL West title. Juniors Jordan Tunis, Javonte McCoy, seniors Tyler March (6-7) and Clark Easley (6-7) top returners. Fenwick transfer Zion Young (6-7) is a major addition.
Schurz: Youngest team in years with no seniors and four freshmen on varsity. Dijon Young, Delonte Cook, and Tarez Terrell are the top returners. Keep an eye on 6-3 freshman Kamarion Fagairo.
South Elgin: Graduated a lot from first conference winner. Juniors Shailen Shukti and Caden School will make immediate contributions. Seniors Derek Clark, Luis Vergara and Ethan Zagore are poised to take big steps. Soph transfer Ryan Brown should earn minutes.
Stevenson: Will Benson takes over a team with a nice combo of size and athleticism. Jack Dabbs (6-6), Aidan Bardic, Rocco Pagliocca and Armand Burris are the top returners. Transfer Atticus Richmond is skilled and is a significant addition.
Streator: Big expectations for a senior-laden team returning every starter and 97% of its scoring. Seeking a third consecutive conference title and deep postseason run. Point guard Christian Benning, Landon Muntz, Logan Aukland, Nolan Lukach and Matt Williamson lead the way.
Thornton: Reloaded with four transfers to become a likely top five team. Illini recruit Morez Johnson, Meyoh Swansey, Chase Abraham and Isaiah Green have all arrived. Goal is to finish the season in Champaign.
Tinley Park: Guard heavy with returners Indion Aurel, Bernard McHerron, Nolan Maciejewski and Dashawn Allen. Top newcomers are juniors DJ Jervier, Jamal Williams and Keoni George.
Vernon Hills: Seniors Dylan Chung, Deen Hatibovic and junior Anthony Morgan are expected to step up and replace Milan Raval’s scoring. Chung is an excellent point guard and leader. Senior guard Anthony Martorano is a top defender, he’s working back from a football injury.
Warren: Three starters return along with six others that played major minutes. Senior Alex Daniels, soph Braylon Walker are joined by Josh Stewart, Immanuel Brown, Javerion Banks and Jack Wolf. Freshman Jaxson Davis will make an immediate impact.
Waubonsie Valley: Athletic group that should be fun to watch. Senior Treshawn Blissett (6-5) and junior point guard Tyreek Coleman lead the way. Senior Matthew Sesson returns and keep an eye on newcomers Moses Wilson and Josh Tinney.
Wauconda: Mercer recruit Braeden Carlson broke the school single-season scoring record last season. He’s joined by four-year varsity player Cayden Mudd, three-year varsity player Tyler Tylka, senior Zach Miller and senior Colton McLennan. Should compete for conference title.
West Aurora: Looking to improve on an 18-win season. Three key starters return in CJ Savage, Jordan Brooks and Terrence Smith. Senior heavy with 6-6 Billy Sam, Evan Hackney and Michael Evans also major contributors.
Westinghouse: Veteran group loaded with guards and wings that can score. seniors DJ Bolden, Askia Bullie and Treyvon Ali all return along with Emmanuel Fuller and Joseph Johnson. Hoping to challenge for the Red North West title.
Wheaton Academy: Led by returning starters Wandy Munoz (14 points, 4 assists) and Tyler Smith. Freshman Hayden Schroeder (6-5) will make an immediate impact scoring and protecting the rim. Will play fast and look to compete for the title of the newly formed Chicagoland Christian.
Wheeling: Young team will turn to junior wing Brent Collar for leadership. Soph guards Zach Neukirch (saw varsity action last season) and Peter Kulig will make an immediate impact. Returning seniors Pawel Rakoczy and Zach Zangara provide shooting from the perimeter.
Wilmington: Four starters, 80% of scoring returns. Should compete for conference crown behind Reid Juster and Joey Cortese. Senior Cade McCubbin is poised for a breakout. Bigger roles for juniors Kyle Farrell, Ryan Nelson and Lucas Rink.
Woodstock: Expectations are high. Should be able to compete for the conference title. 6-6 senior Spencer Cullum led in scoring, rebounding, assists and blocks last season. Keaton Perkins, 6-5 Trent Butler and Sam Chapman also return. Keep an eye on freshman Max Beard.
York: Seven seniors return, including AJ Levine (Penn), 6-6 Kyle Waltz, three-year starter Braden Richardson and Brenden Molis. The schedule is tough. Newcomers Max Burnison (6-6) and Ryan Pechous will contribute.
Yorkville: Big year ahead for the Foxes. Illinois recruit Jason Jakstys, a 6-10 senior, provides a special dimension. Starters Jory Boley and Bryce Salek also return from last season’s 26-6 squad.
Yorkville Christian: Juniors Brady Sovern and Zach Marini have unlimited range. Soph Jayden Riley will push the uptempo attack and get to the rim. Freshman trio of Jordan Purvis, Tray Alford and Graham Razum will contribute. No seniors, but hoping to be a Class 1A threat.
