Preseason Team Rankings: 25-21

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's time to unveil our next five teams in this season's preseason top 40. This list of teams features a program that's always competitive in the catholic league, a rising program in the north suburbs, and three teams that have recently made big runs in the state series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>25. Normal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ironmen are now two seasons removed from their 4A runner-up finish in 2024. This group features a top-10 2027 prospect in Jarrell brown - a three-level scorer with who plays with excellent athleticism and pace, as well as a top 10 2028 wing in [player_tooltip player_id='2542412' first='Chase' last='Kasten'] - an underrated athlete with outstanding shot-creating abilities. Kasten had a big day at the sophomore ID camp back in august. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24. Loyola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Tom Livatino is one of the areas best coaches and makes Loyola a threat to beat anyone in the catholic league with their gritty defense and physicality on both ends. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1552480' first='Trey' last='Williams'] headlines this group. He's a super athletic 6'2" guard with a big motor. I got a good glimpse of him this summer, and he made everybody better. [player_tooltip player_id='2442190' first='Nicholas' last='Konchan'] will play key role in the front court for this group. They'll also have [player_tooltip player_id='2442160' first='Samuel' last='Golden'], a top 100 senior who shoot efficiently and has underrated playmaking abilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>23. Kenwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos have been a big threat in Illinois in recent years, but have yet to make it downstate. 2027 F [player_tooltip player_id='2323622' first='Damari' last='Stephens'] headlines this group. He's a top-10 wing/forward in that class who can stuff the stat sheet. [player_tooltip player_id='2864914' first='Osiris' last='Bell'] is a nice name to complement him and has nice all-around game. Leadership will come in the front court with 2026 forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2376277' first='Prince' last='McCord'] and Jumir Aguda-Baite. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22. Libertyville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I knew this group would be scary after watching them this summer. 2026 C [player_tooltip player_id='1552460' first='Bryce' last='Wegrzyn'] has so much to offer down low with high-level rebounding and scoring capabilities. 2028 Combo Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2540198' first='Terrence' last='Davis'] flashed elite athleticism for someone his age, and has an opportunity to be one of the best floor generals in the state. Wegrzyn and Davis could be one of the most intriguing 1-2 punches in Illinois. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>21. Metamora</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redbirds are now three years removed from a State Championship back in 2023. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2751060' first='Brady' last='Jones'] saw action as a freshman last season and is one of the top forwards in his class. He impressed at the sophomore showcase this summer with his ability to shoot efficiently and play aggressively on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='2916010' first='Sam' last='Koch'], younger brother of Cooper, has lots of potential, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->