Marist brings back a ton of talent, but Homewood-Flossmoor and St. Laurence are right there.
Top 10 Teams
1. Marist (31-3)
The RedHawks have their sights set on the program’s first state title with a deep, experienced team. Senior guards Adoni Vassilakis and TJ Tate, senior guard/forward Karson Thomas and senior forward Stephen Brown lead the way. Senior forward Charles Barnes, a transfer from De La Salle, is a big addition.
2. Homewood-Flossmoor (30-4)
Sophomore guard Darrius Hawkins Jr. may already be the area’s best player. He’s surrounded by many fresh faces, including new coach Brandin Brown. Sophomore forward John Brown IV and senior forward Marvin Douglas add size and toughness. Watch for senior guard Ethan Jackson, a transfer from Leo.
3. St. Laurence (29-6)
Junior guards Markese Peoples and Reggie Stevens flashed scoring abilities last season and will now be looked at to lead the way. Senior forward Jacob Johnson transferred in after helping Dyett win the Class 2A title last season. Freshmen guards Evan Lemons and Lawrence Burnett could make an immediate impact.
4. Hillcrest (21-11)
Senior forward Maximilian Carmicle, a Purdue football recruit, is a force inside who averaged 10 points and eight rebounds while often drawing double teams last season. Senior guards Jamir Ratliff, Jamari Thomas and Anthony Bradley add outside scoring threats.
5. Lockport (19-10)
The Porters had success with a very young team last season and return four starters looking to take the next step. Twins Nedas and Nojus Venckus, who are both junior guards, can shoot and get to the basket. Junior guard Nathan Munson and junior forward Trace Schaaf can also score.
6. Bloom (21-9)
Junior forward Xavier Martin and senior forward Troy Garner — a transfer from Rich Township — provide size and athleticism. With freshmen guards Kaden McClellan and Keiwon Gulley expected to contribute immediately, the Blazing Trojans should improve as the season goes on.
7. Oak Lawn (24-9)
Star Donte Montgomery graduated, but the Spartans return three starters. Sharp-shooting senior guard Jack Dempsey and senior forward Marc Harvey each averaged 13 points last season, while senior forward Omar Saleh adds experience. Depth is the biggest question mark.
8. Rich Township (25-10)
After finishing fourth in Class 4A, the Raptors will have a new look. Senior guard Kavon Ammons steps into a bigger role. Senior guard Jahmir Brown, a transfer from Dyett, will provide a scoring punch. Senior forward Mason Moore, a transfer from Andrew, is a top shot blocker and rebounder.
9. Lincoln-Way East (18-12)
Former Illinois-Chicago coach Luke Yaklich takes over and has a group of seniors ready to lead the way, including guard Jaymon Hornsby and forward Jonathan Aluyi. Keep an eye on junior guard Kaijay Brown, a transfer from Simeon, and Braden Esterkamp, a sharp-shooting sophomore guard.
10. Crete-Monee (19-13)
Senior guard Zyheir Gardner is a lockdown defender who averaged 11 points last season. Senior guard Uriel Chapman is a track standout who is expected to play a bigger role. Senior guard Markell Slaughter-Harris and senior forward Joe Jones both transferred from Bloom and should contribute.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Charles Barnes, Marist, senior, forward.
- Jeremy Blanco-Rios, Thornton, junior, guard.
- Stephen Brown, Marist, senior, forward.
- Maximilian Carmicle, Hillcrest, senior, forward.
- Jack Dempsey, Oak Lawn, senior, guard.
- Ryan Dinnon, Andrew, junior, forward.
- Zyheir Gardner, Crete-Monee, senior, guard.
- Travon Gourdine, Richards, senior, guard.
- Darron Greer Jr., Argo, senior, forward.
- Darrius Hawkins Jr., Homewood-Flossmoor, sophomore, guard.
- Jaymon Hornsby, Lincoln-Way East, senior, guard.
- Will Johnson, Sandburg, senior, guard.
- Xavier Martin, Bloom, junior, forward.
- Eze Nwagwu, St. Rita, sophomore, guard.
- Markese Peoples, St. Laurence, junior, guard.
- Nasir Rankin, Morgan Park, senior, guard.
- Kevinas Salkauskas, Brother Rice, junior, forward.
- Zane Schneider, Lemont, junior, guard.
- Luke Segroves, Mount Carmel, senior, forward.
- Reggie Stevens, St. Laurence, junior, guard.
- Roosevelt Thomas, De La Salle, sophomore, guard.
- Adoni Vassilakis, Marist, senior, guard.
- Nedas Venckus, Lockport, junior, guard.
- Nojus Venckus, Lockport, junior, guard.
- Amari Williams, Shepard, sophomore, forward.
