Preseason Team Rankings: 10-6

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've now cracked the top 10 of our state rankings. All these programs have potential to win state titles in 3A and 4A this season. Here's the ladder half of the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Rock Island</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Almost everyone returns from their 28-6 team last season. Two top 50 seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='2876529' first='Aris' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2823476' first='Lawson' last='Zulu'] lead this group. Morgan, a 6'7" big, shows tons of physicality down low. While Zulu is a dynamic two-way guard with a terrific ability to blow by defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall']'s a D1 kid ranked 11th in our 2027 class and makes an impact on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2823489' first='Avian' last='Thomas'] is a glue guy ranked inside the top 100 in 2026. This group is poised for a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Lincoln Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions were hands down the best CPS team I watched this summer. Very similar to Decatur MacArthur with their tenacity and teamwork on both ends of the floor. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2105399' first='Ahmad' last='Lee'] is a high-level wing/guard who impressed with his shooting abilities. [player_tooltip player_id='2436249' first='Ashton' last='Flowers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2734375' first='Jaylen' last='Dickerson'] round out an experienced backcourt duo. Senior Jalil Amos and Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2837979' first='Jayden' last='Townsend'] round out the front court. Top 15 2028 G [player_tooltip player_id='2542413' first='Alvin' last='Robinson'] has great potential at 6'3" and should contribute. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. East St. Louis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Flyers are always contenders from down south. This year is no different. Leading the charge is Penn State Commit [player_tooltip player_id='1873523' first='Jamison' last='White']. White's the #2 prospect in the 2026 class whose stock took a massive leap after the June live periods and Peach Jam. He's a 6'7" wing with a high motor and crazy athleticism that transferred in. Jahadi White and [player_tooltip player_id='2822953' first='Alex' last='Johnson'] will be big contributors as seniors, too. [player_tooltip player_id='2458184' first='Tyrik' last='Barnes'] brings size down low and is a top-50 player in 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. New Trier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trevians have made some big runs in the playoffs in recent years. Two experienced seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1554516' first='Christopher' last='Kirkpatrick'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] will lead the charge. Kirkpatrick really caught my eye as a sophomore where he lit up the super-sectional vs Glenbard North. While Houlihan has slowly seen his role increase throughout his time with the Trevians, and is poised to be one of the top shooting guards in the state this year. Both are D1 guards. Look out for freshman big man [player_tooltip player_id='2405910' first='Denym' last='Wallace'] to play a role this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Bolingbrook</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders are a perennial power and will look to make another big run downstate. Rising Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] is a bonafide high-major player who was outstanding over the summer. They also bolster an elite front court with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2244002' first='Jayden' last='Madden'], [player_tooltip player_id='2424631' first='Jeremy' last='McCullum'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2875676' first='Elijah' last='Anderson'] leading the way. Glenbard West transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1552408' first='TJ' last='Williams'] was a tremendous pick-up over the summer and will be joined by Pettigrew and fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1874876' first='Trey' last='Brost']. It was so difficult keeping this team outside the top 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->