### Top 25 High School Basketball Rankings by Michael O’Brien – February 18, 2024

Curie has reclaimed the top spot in the Super 25 rankings as the playoffs approach. The decision was made easier by Homewood-Flossmoor’s recent loss to Bolingbrook at home. The Condors have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the Class 4A state championship in Champaign.

The upcoming weeks are expected to be filled with excitement and unpredictability due to the competitive balance seen in the area this season. It would not be surprising to witness several unexpected teams making their way to the state finals.

Marian Catholic, a team that has experienced fluctuations in the rankings, is currently out of the list following an 18-point defeat to De La Salle. On the other hand, Niles North has entered the rankings at No. 25. Despite lacking a standout victory this season, the Vikings have shown consistency in their performance in 2024, even amidst injury challenges. With an all-junior starting lineup boasting a high potential, they could pose a threat in the Maine South sectional.

Best Teams Beyond the Super 25

Neuqua Valley is a team to watch in the Class 4A playoffs. While they had a strong presence among the area’s top teams for most of the season, a tough period in February led to their exclusion from the rankings. However, a significant victory against Waubonsie Valley on Feb. 9 indicates their capability to challenge Downers Grove North in a potential regional final showdown.

Riverside-Brookfield, featuring seven-foot senior Stefan Cicic averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds with 19 double-doubles, spent a considerable part of the season in the rankings.

Despite its 14-13 record, Simeon has shown improvement in the last month and is considered better than its win-loss ratio suggests. Similarly, Lincoln Park (20-9) and Hillcrest (16-13) have displayed growth throughout the season, reflecting the development of several young teams in the area.

Other teams with fluctuating seasons but possessing significant potential include West Aurora (20-10), Oswego East (20-10), Yorkville (18-11), Lincoln-Way East (16-12), Romeoville (21-9), Oak Park (8-16), York (23-7), Lake Forest (22-7), and St. Patrick (22-9).

All-City and All-Area Nominations

This season, nominations for both the All-City and All-Area teams are being accepted concurrently. Coaches and athletic directors are encouraged to submit their nominations to [email protected]. All teams within the Sun-Times’ coverage area, comprising nearly 400 schools, are eligible for consideration. Providing relevant statistics and information can strengthen the case for your player.

The All-City team will feature four squads of five players each, representing public and private schools within Chicago’s city limits. Meanwhile, the All-Area team will encompass the top 20 players within the Sun-Times’ coverage area.

Super 25 Rankings for Feb. 18, 2024

1. Curie (27-2) 2

   • Recognized as the area’s most consistent team

2. Homewood-Flossmoor (26-4) 1

   • Suffered a home loss to Bolingbrook

3. Thornton (25-4) 3

   • Set to host the sectional

4. DePaul Prep (28-2) 4

   • Secured victories against Benet and Mount Carmel

5. Bolingbrook (24-4) 8

   • Showing rapid development

6. Brother Rice (28-3) 5

   • Triumphed over St. Ignatius

7. Downers Grove North (27-4) 6

   • Holds the No. 2 seed at East Aurora

8. Mount Carmel (26-5) 7

   • Angelo Ciaravino clinched the Lawless

9. Warren (27-4) 9

   • Notched a win against Lake Zurich

10. Kenwood (22-7) 10

    • Potential rematch with Curie on the horizon

11. Marist (27-4) 11

    • Faces a challenging regional draw

12. Rich (22-7) 15

    • Gaining momentum at a crucial juncture

13. Benet (25-6) 13

    • Fell short against DePaul Prep

14. Waubonsie Valley (25-2) 14

    • Opens against Plainfield Central

15. De La Salle (20-11) 16

    • Prevailed over Marian Catholic

16. Kankakee (25-4) 12

    • Experienced a setback against Rich

17. Loyola (25-6) 17

    • Holds the No. 1 seed at Maine South

18. Bloom (16-9) 19

    • Scheduled to face Lincoln-Way Central

19. Glenbrook South (24-6) 20

    • Secured the No. 3 seed at Maine South

20. Palatine (23-8) 21

    • Champions of the Mid-Suburban League

21. Lake Park (27-3) 22

    • Top seed at Addison Trail

22. Barrington (19-5) 23

    • Victorious against Prospect

23. New Trier (24-7) 24

    • Starting against Taft

24. Joliet West (20-9) 25

    • Justus McNair achieved 1,000 points

25. Niles North (24-7) NR

    • Promising future ahead