Illinois High School Basketball Preseason Rankings: On3 Composite Top 25 Teams

Another year, another chance for Illinois high school basketball teams to chase championship glory. While every squad gets a fair shot at the title, it would be shocking if the top 25 teams on the Illinois On3 Composite Ranking wouldn’t be among the top contenders.

Here are the state’s best teams in the 2024 preseason rankings, with one team reaching the nationwide top 100.

The On3 Composite High School Basketball Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

1. Bolingbrook

The Raiders made it to the sectional finals of the 2024 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A state tournament but lost to Downers Grove North. This time, as Illinois high school basketball’s top-ranked team, they hope for a better result. Davion Thompson will be one of Bolingbrook’s top players as their season starts against O’Fallon on Nov. 26.

2. DePaul College Prep

The Rams are coming off a championship season, defeating Chicago Mt. Carmel for the Class 3A state title. The target is on their backs as they defend the crown. However, the top team in Illinois’ On3 Massey Ratings will be up to the task. DePaul College Prep will start the quest for back-to-back titles against Niles North on the 26^th.

3. Glenbrook South

The Titans finished with a 26-7 record last season, including a 7-3 record within their conference. As another year starts, they are again one of Illinois’ top squads. This time, Glenbrook South hopes to win the final game of their season, something they failed to do last year when they fell to Glenbrook North. The Titans will start their campaign against Palatine on Nov. 26.

4. Curie Metropolitan

The Condors’ Class 4A state championship run ended disappointingly, as they lost to Homewood-Flossmoor by two points in the super-sectionals. Curie starts the 2024-25 season with a home game against Lane Technical on Dec. 5.

5. New Trier

The Trevians made it to last season’s Class 4A state semifinals. Unfortunately, they lost to Homewood-Flossmoor, 40-35. Chris Kirkpatrick will be one of their top players this time as they try to improve from last year’s finish. New Trier starts the 2024-25 Illinois high school basketball season against Lake Zurich on Nov. 25.

6. Homewood-Flossmoor

The mission is clear for the Vikings: defend the Class 4A state championship they won against Normal Community last season. Their fight continues, even with Bryce Heard gone. Homewood-Flossmoor’s title defense starts against Chicago International Charter on Nov. 25.

7. Benet Academy

The Redwings ended the previous season positively, defeating Oswego East. Benet Academy hopes to carry that momentum into the new season, starting with their Nov. 25 game against King College Prep. The performance of Gabriel Sularski, Illinois’ top-ranked small forward, will significantly indicate their success.

8. Quincy

The Blue Devils made it to the Illinois high school basketball Class 4A sectional finals but lost to Normal Community. They’re looking at a better result this year with the help of Santa Clara commit Bradley Longcor and the entire Quincy roster. Their season starts against Dunlap on Nov. 28.

9. Kenwood Academy

With Jaden Smith and Chris Riddle attending college, the Broncos’ fate will heavily depend on how Devin Cleveland and Aleks Alston perform. Kenwood Academy will get a formidable challenge against DePaul College Prep on Dec. 1.

10. Thornton Township

Morez Johnson and the Wildcats reached last year’s IHSA Class 3A Super-Sectionals but lost to Richwoods. Seniors like Malik Holton, Kyshon Anderson, and Darius Edwards will keep the fight in every game this year. Thornton starts its season against Lincoln Park on Nov. 29.

Teams 11-25 in the Illinois High School Basketball Preseason Rankings

11. Brother Rice
12. Collinsville
13. Metamora
14. Downers Grove North
15. Whitney Young
16. Normal Community
17. Bloom
18. Mount Carmel
19. Glenbrook North
20. O’Fallon
21. East St. Louis
22. Simeon
23. Moline
24. Oswego East
25. MacArthur