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  "path": "/high-school-sports/2026/04/16/an-early-look-at-15-teams-to-keep-an-eye-on-ahead-of-the-2026-27-boys-basketball-season",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-17T02:36:09.969Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>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.</p><p><b>Benet</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Bolingbrook</b></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><b>Evanston</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Glenbard North</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Homewood-Floss.</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Kenwood</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Leo</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Lockport</b></p><p>The<br>Porters, who won 27 games and a regional championship, should be even better with the return of twins Nedas and Nojus Venckus.</p><p><b>Lyons</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Mount Carmel</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Neuqua Valley</b></p><p>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?</p><p><b>Oswego</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>St. Ignatius</b></p><p>The loss of Chris Bolte will be felt, but blossoming sophomore guards Amir Tucker and DJ Caldwell will keep the Wolfpack relevant.</p><p></p><p><b>St. Laurence</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>Warren</b></p><p>The state’s best player, junior guard Jaxson Davis, will keep the Blue Devils contending at a high level.</p>",
  "title": "An early look at 15 teams to keep an eye on ahead of the 2026-27 boys basketball season",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-17T02:36:09.969Z"
}