The sophomore trio of Kenwood’s Devin Cleveland, Bolingbrook’s Davion Thompson and Warren’s Jaxson Davis took the state by storm last season. The three guards turned in historically impressive freshman seasons, leading their teams to a combined 82-18 record.
“It was good to see us have a positive impact on Chicago basketball,” Thompson said. “It was kind of on the decline before we came. We put on a show and brought things back up.”
The three players are good friends who played on the Meanstreets club basketball team over the summer. Cleveland, who dealt with an injury last season, is ranked No. 11 in ESPN’s national rankings. Thompson checked in at No. 22 and Davis is missing, for now.
“This is a new era and with everything thrown the kids’ way there is a lot to deal with,” Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said. “[Thompson’s] demeanor is impressive. I’m proud of him for handling things how he did.”
Thompson’s Raiders open the season on top of the Super 25, but Davis and Cleveland’s teams are on his heels.
1. Bolingbrook
Valparaiso recruit JT Pettigrew, a 6-7 senior, is one of the area’s few dependable rebounders and Thompson is a superstar. Point guard Trey Brost is recovering from an injury and may be limited for the first couple weeks of the season. Romeoville transfers Kendall Cutler and 6-9 Jayden Madden. Read more on Bolingbrook.
2. Warren
Davis, senior guard Javerion Banks and junior guard Braylon Walker led the Blue Devils to an undefeated summer. This team was the overwhelming pick for the No. 1 spot among local high school players. Davis’ impact on the game is immense and their fast play style should help overcome a lack of size. Read more about Warren.
3. DePaul Prep
The defending Class 3A state champs return three starters, including Western Illinois recruit Makai Kvamme and 6-6 Rashaun Porter. Jonas Johnson, a 6-6 senior, is back after missing most of last season with an injury. Talented junior guard Rykan Woo transferred from Young. Kvamme is a difference-maker and the defensively-strong Rams were a contender for the No. 1 spot.
4. Rich
Juniors Jamson Coulter and Jayden Williams may be the area’s highest-scoring backcourt. Hansberry transfer Al Brooks is one of the few athletic, 6-7 players in the state and full of potential. Seniors Nyshawn Turner and Matt LeSure, both 6-6, add more mobile size. The Raptors are a state title contender in 4A.
5. Benet
Gabe Sularski transferred to Lemont, but nearly everyone else returned. Senior Blake Fagbemi and junior Jayden Wright are experienced guards and 6-9 senior Daniel Pauliukonis (SIU) elevated his game over the summer. Seven-foot junior Colin Stack impressed at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament and is developing consistency.
6. Homewood-Flossmoor
The defending Class 4A champs have reloaded. Point guard Jayden Tyler (Wofford) is back to run the attack, joined by Lincoln-Way East transfer Brent Taylor and Thornwood transfer Arden Eaves. Guard Darrius Hawkins and 6-6 John Brown are two of the area’s most promising freshmen.
7. Waubonsie Valley
Tyreek Coleman (ISU) was last season’s breakout sensation and possibly the area’s most dynamic senior guard. Moses Wilson, a 6-4 sparkplug, improved over the summer and 6-7 Cade Valek will provide some size.
8. Simeon
Coach Tim Flowers’ young team improved throughout the season last year and the payoff comes now. Junior Andre Tyler is poised for a breakout season. Seniors Lorenzo Shields and Julien Doyle are back and 6-5 junior Kassidy Nelson opened some eyes over the summer.
9. Kenwood
Coach Mike Irvin’s departure and the eligibility status of the transfers are big question marks, but this is Cleveland’s team now and that will lead to success. Aleks Alston, a 6-9 sharpshooter, is a devastating offensive performer when things are clicking. TJ Seals, a 6-5 transfer from Johnson, could provide the inside muscle last year’s team lacked.
10. Niles North
Yaris Irby and Reid Olson may be the area’s best senior backcourt. Guard Dylan Lam is underrated and 6-5 Hunter Gawron can be unstoppable in the post. The Vikings’ upside is massive, they could be one of the best teams in school history.
11. Lincoln Park
Senior guard Chayse Turner remains overlooked by colleges, but that seems to be a trend for the Lions. He’s an excellent all-around player and athlete. Junior guards Ahmad Lee, Larry Harris and Jaylen Dickerson are the heart of the team and 6-9 senior Keyshawn Barfield is an intimidating presence inside.
12. Mount Carmel
Expect junior guard Noah Mister to emerge as the Caravan’s next star. Seniors Grant Best (Air Force) and Cameron Thomas are talented players who do what it takes to win. Lindblom transfer George Gray Jr. will add some athleticism.
13. Bloom
Experienced, talented senior Elijah Lovemore is one of the few guards in the state capable of controlling the pace and dominating a game. Senior Payton Edwards is vastly underrated, a defensive monster with solid three-point shooting ability. Expect junior Amare Pryor to establish himself as one of the area’s best scorers.
14. St. Laurence
One of the area’s most intriguing groups. Guard EJ Mosley has returned after a season at Romeoville and is surrounded by talented players including Jacob Rice, Zerrick Johnson, Caleb Lindsey and Jeremiah LeSure.
15. Kankakee
Lincoln Williams established himself as the state’s top junior over the summer. The 6-5 guard will be a major attraction. Six-foot-seven Eli Stipp provides athletic size and Jordan Davis, a 6-2 transfer from St. Anne, averaged 23 points last season.
16. New Trier
The heart of last year’s successful team graduated, but the most talented players return. Juniors Chris Kirkpatrick and Danny Houlihan are tremendous offensive talents and senior guard Colby Smith will help pull everything together.
17. Joliet West
Senior Zion Gross flashed major potential last season and is joined by two talented transfers, 6-7 junior Ethan Hillsman and junior guard Mickeis Johnson.
18. Young
Hit hard by transfers, but a solid core remains led by 6-6 senior Antonio Munoz, one of the hardest workers in the state. Guards Damajay Richardson and Marquis Clark will have a lot on their shoulders.
19. Rolling Meadows
All five starters return, led by 6-7 Ian Miletic (Marquette), one of the state’s best seniors. Guard Jack Duffer and 6-6 Lazarevic are future college players as well.
20. Hinsdale Central
South Dakota recruit Vincas Buzelis, a 6-5 senior, should have a breakout year and there is even more size with 6-8 Tyler Thick and 6-6 Michael Howell. Senior Dillon Dell is a serious three-point threat.
21. Curie
No returning stars, no major transfer additions. Coach Mike Oliver has built the city’s most consistent program and the group that won the Public League sophomore title last season is ready to step up, led by juniors Justin Oliver and Sa’Quan Cummings and sophomore Tobyus Banks Jr. Brad Johnson and Mike Oliver Jr. return from last season and keep an eye on 6-4 senior Jahkil Jackson.
22. Barrington
Junior Oliver Gray shot 48% from three last season and will be one of the area’s best scorers. Nick Peipert, Adam Baird and Ian Tepas form one of the Broncos’ most talented cores in years.
23. Brother Rice
Returning seniors Marcos Gonzales (The Citadel) and 6-5 Caden Workman are joined by scoring guard Jack Weigus, a Hinsdale South transfer.
24. St. Patrick
Six of the top eight players from last year’s supersectional team return led by guard EJ Breland and 6-6 Nevaeh Hawkins.
25. Lemont
Sularski, a dynamic, high-scoring junior, joins a solid returning core led by seniors Matas Gaidukevicius and Alanas Castillo.