Preseason Team Rankings: 30-26

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've now hit the top 30 of our preseason rankings. This list features teams who always reload with talent and rebuilding up for big season with tons of key returners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>30. Lyons Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a program that always reloads and will be competitive again in the west suburban conference. I'm a big fan of the upside in a pair of 2028's that will surely make an impact. 6'5" G [player_tooltip player_id='2839879' first='Timmy' last='Sloan'] is one of them. Another is Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2538631' first='Grant' last='Smith'], ranked inside the top 15 in that class. 2027 F [player_tooltip player_id='2415542' first='Nathan' last='Woods'] brings length to the wing. Leading the way in the backcourt will be senior PG [player_tooltip player_id='2399391' first='Owen' last='Carroll'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>29. Rockford Auburn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburn has been one of my favorite teams to watch over the past few years. And this is a season they've been building for. Headlining this group is NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1845353' first='Amir' last='Danforth']. He's an athletic do-it-all guard that's been Auburn's go-to guy since his sophomore year. But I was also very impressed with 2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2105407' first='Champ' last='Parker'] over the summer. He showed tons of promise and took a big leap in our rankings. This Auburn group will be favorites in the NIC 10 after finishing 2nd last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>28. Kaneland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is another group poised to make a big leap this season after falling in the 3A super-sectionals last year. 2027 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2391672' first='Jeffrey' last='Hassan'] is one of the states top prospects in his class with a massive frame for a 6'8" wing. Complementing him will be [player_tooltip player_id='1552428' first='Marshawn' last='Cocroft'], a top 100 prospect in 2026, with tons of athleticism and a quick burst up and down the floor. As well as seniors Isaish Gipson and [player_tooltip player_id='2393974' first='Evan' last='Frieders'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>27. Oswego East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DePaul signee [player_tooltip player_id='1552438' first='Mason' last='Lockett IV'] is poised for a monster senior season with a Wolfpack quad who continues to produce high-level talent. The length and versatility for a 6'5" shooting guard cannot be stopped. And he's a guy that can take over a game at any moment. Also look out for junior [player_tooltip player_id='2125619' first='Dshaun' last='Bolden'], who's a top-15 player in that class. This team is capable of beating anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>26. East Peoria</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 20-win team from last season. But this group currently features the #2 junior in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt']. He's a do-it-all wing that can take over at any moment. They also have 2027 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2323592' first='Cole' last='DuBois'] who also holds a couple D1 offers at the moment. 2028 F [player_tooltip player_id='2632017' first='Kaylen' last='Hardy'] could be a breakout player in that class. They'll only get better this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->