City rules, but others capable of run, too
Young ( Class 4A), Morgan Park ( 3A) and Orr ( 2A) won state championships last season, and each will be among the favorites again this season.
Simeon is arguably the most talented team in the state, and Curie — the Class 4A champion in 2016 — has added Maurice Commander and is ready to make another run of its own.
It’s very likely these five city powers will be the preseason top five when the season tips off in a little more than a month. Yes, Public League dominance is as pronounced as ever. But here are several teams capable of making a run at the superstar- heavy squads in the city.
Bolingbrook
The guard trio of Joseph Yesufu, Tyler Cochran and Kaleb Thornton is about as good as it gets. Yes, Nana Akenten ( now at Nebraska) is a huge loss, but coach Rob Brost’s dynamic guards were instrumental in helping the Raiders to 30 victories and a third- place finish in Class 4A last season. Bolingbrook certainly can get back to Peoria for the third time in four seasons.
Fenwick
While the two leaders of the Class 3A runner- up last season — Jacob Keller and Jamal Nixon — have graduated, the Friars have a host of returning players, led by super sophomore D. J. Steward and junior guard Damari Nixon. Fenwick will move up to Class 4A this season.
Niles North
Coach Glenn Olson has churned out several outstanding seasons in the last seven years, but this should be the best. The Vikings won 21 games last season and will be the class of the Central Suburban League. Virtually everyone returns, including 6- 3 Damaria Franklin ( 17.5 points, 8.2 rebounds), 6- 4 Jamal Stephenson ( 13.2 points) and guard Dravon Clayborn ( 15.2 points, 3.8 assists).
Waukegan
After two productive seasons at the varsity level, watch for Bryant Brown to emerge as one of the best players in the state. The 6- 4 junior averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds as a sophomore. Juniors Ja’Dyn Brown ( 10 points) and Jordan Brown ( eight points) also return.
And then there are the contenders from Downstate:
Belleville West
The Maroons are a legitimate Class 4A title contender. Junior E. J. Liddell ( 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks) is one of three returning starters. Plus, 6- 4 senior Malachi Smith, a talented Division I prospect, has transferred in from Belleville East.
Bloomington
The Purple Raiders won 27 games and finished third in Class 3A last season, but they suffered a big blow when guard Colton Sandage suffered a season- ending knee injury while playing football this fall. Talented junior Chris Payton, who has committed to Illinois State, is back after averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds last season. So is guard Patrick Fisher ( 11 points).
Danville
The Vikings are loaded. Kendle Moore, who has committed to Drake, is a dynamic 5- 11 scoring guard and one of five returning starters from a team that won 22 games last season. Day’len Davis-Williams is a physical and athletic forward, Sean Houpt is one of the better shooters in the junior class and 6- 7 Justin Pearl, who has committed to Illinois for football, offers size.