Preseason Team Rankings: 40-36

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're only 10 days from opening night of the boys high school season. This is one of my favorite times of the year. And with that, we unveil a new set of rankings of teams you all should go watch this year. In this article, I'll preview the teams our PH scouts ranked 40-36 this preseason. I'll share the next five teams every day going forward until the season starts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>40. Peoria Richwoods</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richwoods took a minor step back last season after finishing 4th in 3A in 2023. Nonetheless, they've reloaded with a strong group led by top 2028 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley']. ASM is one of our top prospects in Illinois regardless of class. A dynamic 3-level scorer who made tons of noiswe with the [program_tooltip program_id='2452456' first='Mac' last='Irvin Fire'] this summer on the EYBL circuit. This group also has 2028 F [player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'], a top 50 player in that class. As well as leadership in the front court with 6'6" F [player_tooltip player_id='2962313' first='Darion' last='McClendon']. This could be the lowest we'll rank this group over the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>39. Neuqua Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2028 superstar, [player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] leads the way. He's the #2 player in that class and the top small forward. He shows an outstanding lefty shooting stroke and is the kind of guy that makes everyone around him better. Most of the group around Kelley returns, too. Including 2027 6'5" SG [player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'], who already has D1 offers and was very impressive over the summer. This group has the potential to be scary this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>38. Barrington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos are becoming a group that generally reloads with talent and are threats in the mid-suburban league on a regular basis. This year, they return 6'6" SG [player_tooltip player_id='1845354' first='Oliver' last='Gray'], who's a top-20 prospect in his class. He crushed the UAA circuit in July and helped [program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] go 13-1 while averaging double-figures. They also bring back 2026 G Evan Schectman. Several new 2027 players should have a role on this team, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>37. Crystal Lake South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gators graduate one of the top scorers in the state last year in AD Demirov. But almost everyone around him returns. That includes a loaded front court led by 2028 forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2369867' first='Ryan' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2369943' first='John' last='Morgan']. Both are top-40 prospects in the class at 6'7" and played big roles as freshman last season. 6'7" 2027 F [player_tooltip player_id='2915369' first='Noah' last='Cook'] is a forward that's recently seen his stock rise in that class with his length and versatility. They'll also have David McFadden and [player_tooltip player_id='2750020' first='Carson' last='Trivellini'] as part of the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>36. Stevenson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Backcourt really stands out with this group. 6'0" SG [player_tooltip player_id='1964163' first='Donovan' last='Williams'] has been a name I've really enjoyed covering over the past few years. He's a great facilitator and does an excellent job of converting tough buckets when needed. [player_tooltip player_id='1552481' first='Rocco' last='Pagliocca'] is another piece to that backcourt with outstanding ball-skills and a high IQ. Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2965795' first='Aidan' last='Albrecht'] and 2027 F [player_tooltip player_id='2403165' first='Quinton' last='Frakes'] round out this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->