This is the fifth of six stories previewing some of the best conferences in the area.
Central Suburban League South
Favorite: New Trier
The Trevians are in the midst of a magnificent run –– a combined record of 91-15 over the past three seasons isn’t too shabby –– and are once again the favorites. Junior star Christopher Kirkpatrick, junior shooter Danny Houlihan and senior veteran Colby Smith are the anchors coach Scott Fricke will lean on.
Top challenger: Evanston
The Wildkits are not only a sleeper to win the CSL South, but it’s also a team not many are talking about but should be following several new additions, a productive summer and underrated senior leader Theo Rocca.
Sleeper: Deerfield
There might not be a more veteran, seasoned group than what coach Dan McKendrick has this season. There are a half dozen players with multiple varsity years of experience, including the return of four starters.
Player to watch: Christopher Kirkpatrick, New Trier
Kirkpatrick’s heroics last season helped fuel New Trier’s run to a third-place finish in Class 4A, but the skilled 6-2 guard brings much more than just the clutch buzzer-beating shot he made to win a sectional last March. He’s a legitimate Division I prospect who impacts winning.
Young player to keep an eye on: Ben Ojala, Evanston
A high-ceiling 6-1 combo guard who comes to Evanston with some hype and the likelihood of impacting at the varsity level.
All-Conference: Christopher Kirkpatrick and Colby Smith, New Trier; Theo Rocca, Evanston; Anestis Hadjistamoulou, Glenbrook South; Jake Pollack, Deerfield
Top storyline: The fun and heated New Trier-Evanston rivalry should regain its steam this season in a big way. After an uncharacteristic fourth-place finish from E-Town a year ago, these two rivals are the favorites and will battle for the top spot in the CSL South.
Predicted order of finish: New Trier, Evanston, Deerfield, Glenbrook South, Maine South, Glenbrook North.
North Suburban
Favorite: Warren
The Blue Devils won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season with the bulk of its team returning from a sectional championship team that won 31 games, including star sophomore guard Jaxson Davis. A pair of under-the-radar players in junior guard Braylon Walker and senior Javerion Banks have taken significant steps forward.
Top challenger: Stevenson
The heady and steady Aidan Bardic is back at point guard for the Patriots. Bardic, 6-8 Atticus Richmond and junior guard Rocco Pagliocca are all returning double-figure scorers.
Sleeper: Lake Forest
There are a number of “sleeper” teams in this league, including Lake Zurich, Libertyville and Waukegan, but the Scouts advanced to a Class 3A sectional title game a year ago and return emerging 6-7 senior Hudson Scroggins.
Player to watch: Jaxson Davis, Warren
Let the hype begin for a league that can boast one of the top handful of players in the entire state — and he’s just a sophomore. Davis, who is already being courted by high-major programs, impacts winning at a very high level for a team that will be one of the state’s very best.
Young player to keep an eye on: See above.
All-Conference: Jaxson Davis and Javerion Banks, Warren; Aidan Bardic, Stevenson; Hudson Scroggins, Lake Forest; Bryce Wegrzyn, Libertyville.
Top storyline: Warren stands supreme. There is depth and balance in this league — after the Blue Devils. Warren figures to dominate the headlines and is the clear-cut favorite. They went 12-2 a year ago. Can they run the table this season?
Predicted order of finish: Warren, Stevenson, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Waukegan, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Zion-Benton.