Illinois High School Basketball

5. Bolingbrook (6)

Now 12-0 and firing on all cylinders, the Raiders return from a trip to Michigan gearing up for more holiday tournament season. 

6. Kenwood (17)

I’m hearing Danielle Brooks is knocking down tons of three-pointers. The freshman has grabbed a lot of attention fr a team that was already loaded with returning talent. Planning to see Kenwood vs. Fremd on Tuesday at Lake Zurich’s Exam Jamm. Beat a good Afrocentric team from Columbus, OH at the Hyde Park, Showcase In The Park event. 

7. Lyons (8)

A recent, close loss to Benet, but unbeaten since. An upcoming test against Lyons will call for plenty of attention. 

8. Geneva (7)

What a conundrum spots 9 through 12 were. The triumvirate of Barrington, Geneva and Lake Zurich have taken turns besting one another with Barrington losing decisively to lake Zurich, Geneva beating Lake Zurich and Barrington beating Geneva. The only thing I felt I could really use to determine this grouping was that Barrington has 4 losses, including to Libertyville, which is lower on these rankings than the teams Lake Zurich and Geneva have their (2 losses each) against. 

9. Lake Zurich (24)

Stock going way up since the last rankings. Beat Barrington by 16. I may see them at Exam Jamm.

10. Carmel Catholic (4)

Getting roughed up in conference play is just part of it for the Corsairs, who were humbled by Nazareth Academy, but are 8-2 and won at the Showcase In The Park. 

11. Barrington (11)

Has 4 losses despite having the talent to beat anyone in the state. This seems to be careening toward what the Fillies did last season, when they hit their stride around this time. 

12. Peoria Notre Dame (25)

Since the past rankings, the they’ve beaten Peoria on the road. It may be a bit before the unbeaten Irish are really tested again. 

13. Alton (20)

Was in a game that it’s hard to discern much from due to a matter of injury and suspensions. For more on that, read Greg Shashack’s story on the game. Redbirds still undefeated. 

14. O’Fallon (15)

Panthers are still playing good basketball, have only lost to conference rival Alton. Those two will likely battle for a super-sectional type run later this season. 

15. Whitney Young (16) 

Skylar Jones has been putting up some monster numbers and the Dolphins went to Michigan and won two games against out-of-state competition. 

16. Quincy Notre Dame (19)

Blair Eftink recently reached 1,000 points, and just like I commended Butler College Prep’s duo last week, it’s a nice reminder that Abbey Schreacke and Eftink are among the state’s best pairs as well. Only 1 loss, to Rock Bridge (MO.)

17. Mother McAuley (UR)

Don’t look now, but the Mighty Macs are scorching. The ball movement, the transition game and the press defense are suffocating south.