The start of the high school basketball season brings an early look at the teams that could shape the upcoming championship picture. East St. Louis enters the conversation as a strong contender to repeat as Class 3A state champions, bolstered by the return of point guard Phillip Jones and the emergence of super sophomore Emaurion Jackson.
Early Rankings Set the Stage
Tier 1 of the preseason top‑10 features Benet, Evanston, Neuqua Valley, St. Ignatius and St. Laurence, each bringing a mix of experience and rising talent. Neuqua Valley’s dynamic duo of Cole Kelly and Mason Martin is highlighted as a potent 1‑2 punch, while Benet’s Ed Stasys is emerging as a star on both ends of the floor.
St. Ignatius and St. Laurence are noted for their depth, balance and versatility, giving them a competitive edge early in the season. Evanston’s experienced roster includes Ben Ojala, Vito Rocca, Dion Lane and Tate Schroeder, all of whom are expected to contribute significantly.
Tier 2 teams such as Bolingbrook, DePaul Prep, Homewood‑Flossmoor, Kenwood, Leo, Lockport and Mount Carmel are also eyeing a spot in the top‑10. Brady Pettigrew provides a dynamic force for Bolingbrook, while Lockport and Leo return all of their players, with twins Nojus and Nedas Venckus showing noticeable improvement.
The next wave of contenders includes programs that reached the Class 4A championship game, with Kendall Meyers poised to take the reins. Glenbrook North offers an entertaining style of play built on cohesiveness and backcourt scoring. Bloom, a young and fun squad, fields a guard trio of Larry Ellis, Keiwon Gulley and Kaden McClellan.
Young impressed observers throughout the summer, playing hard and competing in every game. Buffalo Grove’s big man Alex Sirbu was one of June’s main attractions, and Geneva has been bolstered by the arrival of brothers David and Jonny Udiowod along with returning point guard Cody Rader.