An early look at 15 teams to keep an eye on ahead of the 2026-27 boys basketball season

State championships were won several weeks ago. Marist broke its glass ceiling with a trip to Champaign and a Class 4A title, while Marshall restored its past glory with a Class 1A state championship. Now it’s on to 2026-27 and a look ahead to 15 of the area’s top teams next season.

Benet

The program has churned out a high level of talent the last two years, including four Division I prospects, while winning 69 games and playing for two state titles. Ed Stasys is next. The 6-8 junior will be joined by 6-5 junior Perry Tchiegne and more talented young players in the pipeline.

Bolingbrook

When the starting point is Brady Pettigrew, one of the top prospects in the country in the Class of 2028, you’re in pretty good shape.

Evanston

The Wildkits will be loaded with a return of four starters from a team that won 27 games, including Central Suburban League South Player of the Year Vito Rocca.

Glenbard North

The follow-up to a 24-win team that won conference and regional championships could be even better, thanks to the return of 6-4 Lamari Carpenter and 6-5 Oturo Redento.

Homewood-Floss.

Sophomore Darrius Hawkins Jr., one of the top point guards in the state, was the catalyst for a 29-win team. Another sophomore, 6-6 John Brown IV, and junior Danny Ruffin will take on bigger roles.

Kenwood

The Public League is there for the taking next season, so the returning combination of Osiris Bell and Damari Stephens give the Broncos an early edge.

Leo

Led by Brian Kizer, all five starters return from a team that finished fourth in Class 3A. Plus, promising 6-8 freshman Elon Henderson should make a considerable jump.

Lockport

The
Porters, who won 27 games and a regional championship, should be even better with the return of twins Nedas and Nojus Venckus.

Lyons

The Lions will be bolstered by the return of three key players with size and scoring in 6-6 sophomore Grant Smith and a pair of juniors, 6-5 Timmy Sloan and 6-5 Nate Woods.

Mount Carmel

The Caravan have a talented trio to build around: the freshman pair of DK Heard and Ronald Johnson, who both opened eyes last season, and versatile junior Logan Wessel.

Neuqua Valley

There isn’t a better 1-2 punch in the state returning than 6-5 junior and Illinois commit Mason Martin and 6-6 sophomore star Cole Kelly, one of the top players nationally in the Class of 2028. With a more experienced supporting cast, might the Wildcats be the preseason No. 1?

Oswego

Sophomore Ethan Vahl is a dynamic scorer in the backcourt, while 6-10 sophomore Cole Jansons is a fast-improving big man. Stat-sheet-stuffing Graham Schwab also returns for a team that won 22 games.

St. Ignatius

The loss of Chris Bolte will be felt, but blossoming sophomore guards Amir Tucker and DJ Caldwell will keep the Wolfpack relevant.

St. Laurence

There is a surplus of young talent ready to take the Vikings to another level. Rugged guard Markese Peoples had a breakout junior year, while junior Reggie Stevens and sophomores Noah Corro, Jeremiah Toney and Logan Brown are all back.

Warren

The state’s best player, junior guard Jaxson Davis, will keep the Blue Devils contending at a high level.