Preseason Team Rankings: 15-11

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've officially cracked the top 15 of our countdown. This part of the rankings features two squads from down-state as well as two perennial CPS powers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15. Whitney Young</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dolphins had one of their rougher seasons last year. Albeit, having one of the toughest schedules in the state (and possibly the entire country). But the upside in this group is promising. Marquis clark, the states #3 player in the class and Tennessee Commit, brings tons of varsity experience. A trio of Juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='2125591' first='Caden' last='Crudup'], [player_tooltip player_id='2532358' first='Zaire' last='Green'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2323596' first='Noah' last='Emmanuel'] surround him. All three players are ranked top 50 in 2027. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2886496' first='Travis' last='Jamison'] will make.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14. Waukeagan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group has been building for this season and will be a threat to take the North Suburban Conference. Forward [player_tooltip player_id='1845356' first='Jaali' last='Love'] has all the physical tools to be an impact player at a LM/D2 school. Point Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1552444' first='Carter' last='Newsome'] always impresses when I watch him. Constantly changing the game with his decision making and pace. [player_tooltip player_id='1845351' first='Simereon' last='Carter'] is another high-IQ guard ranked top 60 in his class. All three are seniors that have played together for a while.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13. Alton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is another group that has built for this season. Headlining this roster is top-10 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2376270' first='Semaj' last='Stampley']. A 6'2" shooting guard who recently committed to South Dakota State. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='2955393' first='Jamarion' last='Green'], another senior, makes a difference with his post play on both ends, and [player_tooltip player_id='2540188' first='Ryan' last='Howard'], a top 20 junior, has excellent potential as a 3-and-d prospect. 2026 G [player_tooltip player_id='2962299' first='O'Bryant' last='Brown'] is their glue guy who plays with tons of tenacity on both ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12. Curie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Condors have been arguably the most consistent CPS team over the past decade or so. Always contending in a league full of superstars. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2734369' first='Justin' last='Oliver'] had a breakout campaign last year and can score the ball at an extremely high rate. [player_tooltip player_id='1845358' first='Michael' last='Oliver'] Jr, [player_tooltip player_id='2823632' first='Kendall' last='Holliday'], and Hyde Park transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2734439' first='Keith' last='Collins'] round out the senior class. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2877501' first='Malik' last='Horton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2844456' first='Amir' last='Green'] are up-and-coming prospects to know. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11. Decatur MacArthur</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group was one of my favorites to watch over the summer live period. They ran right over numerous high-profile teams around the state with great teamwork, gritty defense, and tremendous passion. Five different players rank inside the top 100 over three classes. Leading this group are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2323268' first='Tishawn' last='Clemmons'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2105414' first='Sean' last='Lee']. [player_tooltip player_id='2455400' first='Damonte' last='Phillips'], a top 60 2027 kid, plays with great tempo. But the sophomores on this team might be the most exciting with [player_tooltip player_id='2369863' first='KT' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='2822181' first='Gabriel' last='Frazier'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2381555' first='Kendall' last='Howell']. All playing a key role in their summer success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->