In the opening week of the new year, high school basketball typically experiences a lull. However, recent years have seen an increase in competitive tournaments. Despite this trend, many top teams did not participate in games this week, leading to minimal changes in the rankings. Notably, Hersey has been dropped from the Super 25 after suffering a significant defeat to Hinsdale Central. Conversely, Evanston has entered the list following a strong holiday performance, including reaching the championship game in Centralia and securing victories against Rolling Meadows and Fremd.
Ranking Shifts and Team Performance
The first segment of the season has revealed some standout performances and unexpected outcomes. DePaul Prep maintains its top position with an impressive record, while Rich and Kenwood follow closely behind. Bolingbrook and Waubonsie Valley have also shown remarkable consistency. Teams like Brother Rice and Warren are gearing up for crucial matches that could impact their standings. Homewood-Flossmoor had a quiet week, but Benet managed to secure a win over Stevenson. Simeon and Lincoln Park continue to hold steady in the middle of the rankings, with Curie and Niles North making notable progress.
This early part of the season has highlighted several key players and pivotal moments. Rykan Woo of DePaul Prep has garnered attention for his exceptional play, while Ikee Brooks of Rich has stepped up significantly. Devin Cleveland of Kenwood is emerging as a star player. Bolingbrook secured three major victories within a single week, solidifying its position. Waubonsie Valley, despite flying under the radar, has demonstrated superior skill. Brother Rice faces an important match at De La Salle, and Warren anticipates a challenging weekend ahead. Homewood-Flossmoor enjoyed a restful week, while Benet capitalized on its opportunity against Stevenson. Simeon and Lincoln Park have maintained their form, and Curie’s victory over Kankakee adds to its growing momentum. Niles North continues to gain valuable experience through each contest.
New Entrants and Departures
The latest rankings reveal fresh entries and departures. Hersey’s exit comes after a substantial loss to Hinsdale Central, which now ranks higher than expected. Meanwhile, Evanston joins the list for the first time this season, thanks to its successful holiday run. Other teams like Waukegan and St. Laurence have also made minor movements in the rankings. Young and Marquis Clark have shown improvement, while Kankakee still seeks a marquee win to bolster its standing.
Hinsdale Central’s rise to No. 16 follows its decisive victory over Hersey, indicating a potential shift in regional dominance. Evanston’s inclusion highlights its consistent performance, especially with only one local loss to Deerfield. Waukegan’s win over Young underscores its growing competitiveness. St. Laurence travels to Chaminade looking to strengthen its position. Kankakee, despite a strong record, needs a signature win to validate its ranking. Young’s improvement, led by Marquis Clark, signals a promising future. Fremd’s lone loss to Deerfield does not detract from its overall strength. Teams like Marist and New Trier aim to make their mark in upcoming matches, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.