Top 10
1. Libertyville (9-7-4)
Comment: Coach Kevin Thunholm said the Wildcats “took our lumps” two years ago, but seniors Andrew Phillips, Alek LaRoi, Jake Berlowski and Felix Amyot are hungry for a state run.
2. Stevenson (15-3-4)
Comment: Steven Nyc, Owen Zakrzewski and Nazar Mormul headline a talented team with big aspirations.
3. Grayslake Central (14-8-2)
Comment: State title or bust? The Rams are looking to make a repeat trip to state with Daniel Marynevych, Alan Alonso, Uriel Garcia Perez and Mitchell Fein all back.
4. Lake Forest (7-7-5)
Comment: Coach Rob Parry noted the Scouts’ strength is scoring, with Jack Rice (12 goals) leading the way.
5. Warren (13-5-4)
Comment: Expect the Blue Devils to be a different team, with scoring a main theme given the return of Miguel Garcia and a host of talented offensive players.
6. Lake Zurich (11-4-3)
Comment: The Bears bring back 10 players with starting experience, led by Ian Ferguson, Tyler Wits, Jack Cardwell and Matt Margiel.
7. Round Lake (11-3-3)
Comment: Lucky eight? Eight starters, including goalkeeper Jerry Perez, are back to make the Panthers one of the most experienced teams in Lake County.
8. Zion-Benton (9-9-3)
Comment: Lucky seven? The Zee-Bees have seven starters back. Denny Matute, the team MVP last season, moves from defender to forward.
9. Mundelein (11-8-3)
Comment: Coach Sebastian Falinski likes his diverse roster of experience and youth led by five seniors, including Omar Mangato and Cade McGlothlin.
10. Deerfield (9-7-3)
Comment: Five starters return, including standout Ryder Coleman. Sophomore Xander Yang takes over in goal.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
