WAY TOO EARLY 30 Teams to Watch Next Season

This WILL CHANGE!  There will be transfers.  A lot of transfers.  These rosters will not look like how they do today.  Despite that we wanted to take a look ahead at some squads for next season that could be ones to watch for the 2025-2026 season from the state in our 30 WAY TOO EARLY Look Ahead!   Defending Champs   This group is simple.  They have the trophy….come get it!   Benet   The defending 4A state champs return a ton of talent including D1 duo starting combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] and big man [player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'].  Those two will be the stars providing shooting and defense.  [player_tooltip player_id='1552419' first='Ryan' last='Walsh'], [player_tooltip player_id='2442146' first='Mac' last='Doyle'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2323620' first='Edward' last='Stasys'] all return as role players who will fit what Benet does and have futures at the next level.  Perry Tchienge is a top 20 sophomore that didn't even play varsity who could have a breakout summer!   DePaul Prep   They will be going for the 4-Peat next season moving up to 4A.  Their best two players down the stretch of this season were juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'].  Porter is one of the premier bigs in the class of 2026 as he showed at state.  Woo is a magician with the ball and an impact defender.  Both project as legit D1 players.  [player_tooltip player_id='2323334' first='AJ' last='Chambers'] is the unheralded guard that just makes winning plays.  They will need to gain depth, but with this program that never is a question.     All You Have to Do Is STAY   Our next three teams have one goal for the offseason.  Keep the FRANCHISE PLAYER!  The Big 3 from 2027 are all on transfer watch and Illinois hoops fans hope they stay put!   Warren   Warren got it rolling late in the season after they got healthy coming up one possession short of the state title in 4A.  [player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'] is the ultimate leader and star at the point guard spot.  Scores, passes, defends, and wins!  [player_tooltip player_id='2437519' first='Braylon' last='Walker'] will be his primary option on the wing.   Bolingbrook   If Bolingbrook gets [player_tooltip player_id='2323624' first='Davion' last='Thompson'] back they will be among the truly elite teams in the state.  Thompson is an absolutely lethal guard that can score from anywhere at anytime.  Reigning Prep Hoops Player of the Year!  Brady Pettigrew is one of the best 2028s in the state who impacted as a freshman.  [player_tooltip player_id='2244002' first='Jayden' last='Madden'], [player_tooltip player_id='1874876' first='Trey' last='Brost'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2424631' first='Jeremy' last='McCullum'] all return as contributors from last season.   Kenwood   Devin Cleveland is the #1 overall prospect in the state regardless of class.  He is an ultra smooth combo guard who makes shots and has a stellar three level scoring repertoire.  They will lose a lot, but [player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2376277' first='Prince' last='McCord'] are slated to return at the forward spots.     This is the Year with Depth of 2026 Prospects   Marist   Marist was a year ahead of schedule with a strong campaign this past year.  With highly ranked juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1845350' first='Stephen' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552436' first='Karson' last='Thomas'], Adoni Vasilakis, and [player_tooltip player_id='2341349' first='Rokas' last='Zilys'] they have a state title ceiling.  [player_tooltip player_id='2125658' first='Kendall' last='Meyers'] should see a bigger role as a versatile front court piece.   Rich Township   Rich Township has an emerging star in [player_tooltip player_id='2734366' first='Jayden' last='Williams'].  The rangy wing is primed to jump up the prospect rankings and will be a prime D1 target this spring and summer.  The key will be getting top 10 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1845352' first='Jamson' last='Coulter'] playing like he is capable.  One of the best junior scorers in the state had an inconsistent season.   New Trier   New Trier has a dynamic 2026 duo in [player_tooltip player_id='1554516' first='Christopher' last='Kirkpatrick'] running the show at the point along with elite shot maker [player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] on the wing.   Simeon   Simeon will look to add more pieces, but their core will be built around juniors.  [player_tooltip player_id='1552394' first='Andre' last='Tyler'] has a chance to be one of the best players in the CPL next season.  [player_tooltip player_id='2323264' first='Kassidy' last='Nelson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323288' first='Isaiah' last='Coleman'] are fine role players while [player_tooltip player_id='2436956' first='Kamari' last='Hamlin'] is a glue guy.   Curie   [player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] emerged as a star for Curie this past season.  The junior guard took over games scoring and passing.  Mike Oliver Jr is a sharp shooter and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2540149' first='Tobyus' last='Banks'] has a high ceiling as a bucket getter on the wing.   Waukegan   Waukegan had some nice moments this past season and will only lose one key senior.  A core of [player_tooltip player_id='1845356' first='Jaali' last='Love'] up front along with [player_tooltip player_id='1845351' first='Simereon' last='Carter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552444' first='Carter' last='Newsome'] on the perimeter will make this 2026 group dangerous in the north suburbs.   Joliet West   Joliet West will lose Gross, but return three quality 2026 prospects.  [player_tooltip player_id='2045857' first='Ethan' last='Hillsman'] is primed to breakout this summer.  We saw glimpses of it during this season after a slow start, but he is a legit D1 talent.  [player_tooltip player_id='1552462' first='Mickeis' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323265' first='Aamir' last='Shannon'] on the wing provide shot making and athleticism.   De La Salle   The Meteors have a ton of depth and have been building toward next year with their 2026 class.  Charles Barnes and [player_tooltip player_id='1845364' first='Morgan' last='Travis'] are the leaders.  Barnes is a versatile forward while Travis runs the show along with scoring it.  Fellow junior wings [player_tooltip player_id='2323307' first='Lucas' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323332' first='Caleb' last='Henry'] along with big men [player_tooltip player_id='1552397' first='Remi' last='Edwards'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323326' first='Jordan' last='Shaw'] give this team a veteran feel.  The up and coming prospects are led by 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2532031' first='Roosevelt' last='Thomas'] who had a strong freshman campaign.  Look out for [player_tooltip player_id='2429933' first='Jonathan' last='Costello'] and Chasen Harvey as 2027 wings.   Lincoln Park   Lincoln Park had flashes this year and then kind of fell off toward the end of the season.  They return a strong core of juniors with potential go to scorers Ahamad [player_tooltip player_id='2403249' first='Lee' last=''] and [player_tooltip player_id='2298580' first='Kaydin' last='Williams'].  Jayden Dickerson is the x-factor while [player_tooltip player_id='2400893' first='Larry' last='Harris'] is consistently producing undersized big.  Their ceiling comes with how big an impact 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2542413' first='Alvin' last='Robinson'] will make.     Have Elite Senior to Be   These three squads are led by the clear top 3 in the 2026 class.   Kankakee   Kankakee has the top ranked senior to be in the state [player_tooltip player_id='2105360' first='Lincoln' last='Williams'].  He established himself with a strong junior year and will continue to get better this summer.  [player_tooltip player_id='1874852' first='Myair' last='Thompson'] and Kenaz Jackson are a pair of 2026s that will both play at the next level and are top 100 ranked prospects.   Whitney Young   The Dolphins have the #2 overall prospect in 2026 and top guard in [player_tooltip player_id='1552475' first='Marquis' last='Clark']. He had a strong close to his junior campaign with his smooth scoring, passing, and is playing with a lot of confidence. [player_tooltip player_id='2323330' first='John' last='Spellers'], [player_tooltip player_id='2532358' first='Zaire' last='Green'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2125591' first='Caden' last='Crudup'] are all role players that will need to step up.   Lemont   Lemont got a big season from star transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1552393' first='Gabriel' last='Sularski'] this past season.  The skilled and athletic small forward had a massive second half to the season with momentum going into the spring.  They will need to continue to find more scorers as they lost two very quality seniors.   Young Guns   These teams are built around younger prospects that are primed to emerge.   Centralia   The Orphans were really good this year.  They will lose a big piece in Collins inside, but everyone else returns.  [player_tooltip player_id='2422531' first='Devin' last='Meier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2751229' first='Michael' last='Organ'] care lights out shooters.  [player_tooltip player_id='2125643' first='Jaxson' last='Hancock'] runs the show.  2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2751256' first='Archie' last='Goewey'] is their most complete player while [player_tooltip player_id='2826261' first='Kenny' last='Bratton'] brings upside in transition and defensively.   Richwoods   I really enjoyed watching Richwoods this year.  [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] could be the best point guard in the 2028 class.  He produced as a freshman and will be even better next year.  [player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'] is a strong bodied wing that was good as a freshman coming off the bench.   Glenbard North   [player_tooltip player_id='2455373' first='Oturo' last='Redento'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2125660' first='Lamari' last='Carpenter'] are a pair of 2027s that intrigue with their range and ability to impact on both ends of the floor.   TF North   The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2698739' first='Dereon' last='Smothers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2323613' first='Demarco' last='King'] are two of my favorites as breakout candidates in the 2027 class.  Long combo guards with size, athleticism, and skill.   Metamora   Metamora loses three star seniors in Zobrist, Funk, and Grieves.  They have to reload, but this program has up and coming talent in the 2028 class.  [player_tooltip player_id='2751060' first='Brady' last='Jones'] played key minutes this year while [player_tooltip player_id='2474926' first='Kayden' last='Turner'] has a ton of upside as a combo guard.   East Peoria   East Peoria had a really nice season this year.  They have two go to players in top 10 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] along with rock solid point guard Cole Dubois.     Best of Southern and Central Illinois   These are teams to watch in southern and central Illinois next year.   Alton   [player_tooltip player_id='2376270' first='Semaj' last='Stampley'] will be the best player in the metro east.  The top 5 2026 guard is a lethal scorer that keeps getting better.  [player_tooltip player_id='2540188' first='Ryan' last='Howard'] is a three and D wing we are very high on in 2027.  [player_tooltip player_id='2540086' first='Jamarion' last='Green'] brings size.   Waltonville   Looking for a 1A dominant team next season?  Waltonville will have stars in [player_tooltip player_id='1552409' first='Gage' last='Peterson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2334406' first='Kyle' last='Cooper'] who can score it in bunches.  Mobile post [player_tooltip player_id='2383402' first='Jagger' last='Mayville'] impacts on both ends.   Sacred Heart Griffin   This is a very intriguing team that could make a big jump next season.  Zion [player_tooltip player_id='2403249' first='Lee' last=''] is a versatile guard that will be the senior leader.  [player_tooltip player_id='2446278' first='Tereik' last='Hurd'], [player_tooltip player_id='2455399' first='Myles' last='Montgomery'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2532352' first='Terrion' last='Wallace'] are all 2027s that have experience and are top 100 in their class.   Rock Island   Rock Island is our pick for the best team in central Illinois next season.  They lose a couple pieces, but 2027 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall'] has D1 upside.  [player_tooltip player_id='2823476' first='Lawson' last='Zulu'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2823489' first='Avian' last='Thomas'] are coming off outstanding seasons as juniors.  Zulu could be an emerging star in the central part of the state.   Moline   Moline loses two of the winningest players in program history, but will reload with three guards.  [player_tooltip player_id='2105429' first='Wood' last='Cary'], [player_tooltip player_id='2455383' first='Brady' last='Welch'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2455389' first='Arthur' last='Abbey'] are three quality guards that have two years of experience.   Arrived Early for Party   Both of these programs advanced to super sectional games this past year.  Maybe a year ahead of schedule so the best is yet to come.   Kaneland   Coming into the playoffs Kaneland only lost one game all year.  They lose a key senior, but 2/3 of their trio from this past season return.  [player_tooltip player_id='1552428' first='Marshawn' last='Cocroft'] is a slick scoring guard that can fill it up.  [player_tooltip player_id='2391672' first='Jeffrey' last='Hassan'] is a top 10 2027 prospect that is a force defensively and as a finisher.   Glenbard West   Glenbard West will return their two most talented players in wings [player_tooltip player_id='1552441' first='Josh' last='Abushanab'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552408' first='TJ' last='Williams'].  Abushanab is a three and D wing with size while Williams is a smooth scoring two guard.

This WILL CHANGE! There will be transfers. A lot of transfers. These rosters will not look like how they do today. Despite that we wanted to take a look ahead at some squads for next season that could be ones to watch for the 2025-2026 season from the state in our 30 WAY TOO EARLY Look Ahead!