This is the second of six stories previewing some of the best conferences in the area.
DuPage Valley
Favorite: Waubonsie Valley
How will the Warriors handle being the hunted after rising up as a darkhorse a year ago en route to a DVC title and a 27-3 record?
With dynamic point guard Tyreek Coleman and the rapidly improving 6-4 Moses Wilson both returning, along with the development of talented sophomore Kris Mporokoso, the Warriors will be favored again in the DVC.
Top challenger: DeKalb
The 1-2 punch of senior guard Sean Reynolds and junior big man Davon Grant, who is also a football standout, give the Barbs a legit shot at making a DVC title run.
Sleeper: Metea Valley
A not-much-talked about trio of 6-8 Jake Nosek, three-level scorer Tre Watkins and ultra-defender Dom Smith make this team a threat to the top two teams in the conference.
Player to watch: Tyreek Coleman, Waubonsie Valley
The dynamic point guard is among the top 10 seniors in the state and has committed to Illinois State. He’s a catalyst who fills the stat sheet, averaging 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals as a junior.
Young player to keep an eye on: Cole Kelly, Neuqua Valley
He’s just a freshman but has already made some waves before he’s even played a high school game, including an offer from Illinois and DePaul.
All-Conference: Tyreek Coleman and Moses Wilson, Waubonsie Valley; Jake Nosek, Metea Valley; Sean Reynolds and Davon Grant, DeKalb
Top storyline: There is a whole bunch of interest in the arrival of Kelly, the heralded Neuqua Valley freshman. He’s the top prospect in the Class of 2028 and could have a similar impact as last year’s ballyhooed freshmen.
Predicted order of finish: Waubonsie Valley, DeKalb, Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley, Naperville North, Naperville Central.
West Suburban Silver
Favorite: Hinsdale Central
This isn’t an overwhelming favorite as a recharged Glenbard West is breathing down the Red Devils’ neck. But a fruitful summer opened eyes as coach Nick Latorre brings back balance, size and plenty of experience.
Top challenger: Glenbard West
Athletic TJ Williams, a junior guard who is set to burst on the scene, will receive some big-time support from Glenbard North transfer Josh Abushanab, a versatile, high-upside 6-5 junior guard.
Sleeper: Oak Park
There is enough talent with 6-9 Alex Vincent, 6-6 Alex Gossett and 6-4 junior Jerome Delaney to pile up wins in what shapes up to be a winnable league.
Player to watch: Vince Buzelis, Hinsdale Central
The younger brother of Bulls rookie and lottery pick Matas Buzelis is fresh off an impressive summer. The 6-5 senior, who committed to South Dakota this fall, will look to build off his 13 points and eight rebounds a game as a junior.
Young player to keep an eye on: AJ Enyia, Oak Park
There always seems to be young talent at Oak Park. The 6-6 Enyia is next in line as a high-upside sophomore with size, superior length and athleticism.
All-Conference: Vince Buzelis, Hinsdale Central; TJ Williams and Josh Abushanab, Glenbard West; Alex Gossett and Alex Vincent, Oak Park
Top storyline: Can the league continue to reach the highest bar?
Since the Covid-shortened season, the West Suburban Silver has produced a whopping seven teams that have won 26-plus games in a season. That included a 4A state champ in 2022 (Glenbard West) and a 4A state semifinalist in 2023 (Downers North). That’s a high bar to maintain and will be tough to match.
Predicted order of finish: Hinsdale Central, Glenbard West, Downers Grove North, Oak Park, Lyons, York, Proviso West.
DuKane
Favorite: Geneva
With three returning all-conference players in 6-5 Hudson Kirby, Jack Hatton and Gabe Jensen, the Vikings are the clear-cut favorite.
Top challenger: Wheaton-Warrenville South
The Tigers have one of the best players in the league. They can lean heavily on the all-around play of productive senior guard Luca Carbonara (17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists).
Sleeper: St. Charles East
Yes, the Saints did finish dead last a year ago. But there are a host of starters back and a bunch of experience is returning, including Matthew Steinberg and Marco Klebosits. They’re not ready to challenge for a league title, but the Saints will be a much more dangerous team.
Player to watch: Jax Abalos, Batavia
Abalos is poised for a big year. The Cornell recruit, who averaged 11 points a year ago, should have a big season with his size and shooting on the perimeter.
Young players to keep an eye on: Lamari Carpenter, Glenbard North and Brennan Shannon, Lake Park
Carpenter is a big 6-3 sophomore guard who has transferred in from Clark after opening some eyes during his freshman year. He’s set to make an impact in the western suburbs. Shannon is a very promising 6-4 freshman who will soon become a name in the DuKane.
All-Conference: Jax Abalos, Batavia; Luca Carbonaro, Wheaton-Warrenville South; Hudson Kirby and Jack Hatton, Geneva; Jack Schager, Glenbard North.
Top storyline: The duel for DuKane Conference Player of the Year will be a fun one featuring Geneva’s Hudson Kirby, Batavia’s Jax Abalos and Wheaton South’s Luca Carbonaro. They are the frontrunners and obvious choices.
Predicted order of finish: Geneva, Wheaton South, Batavia, Wheaton North, St. Charles East, Lake Park, Glenbard North, St. Charles North.