School: Waukegan
2016-17 record: 21-9, 10-4 North Suburban
Postseason results: Lost to Evanston in Class 4A sectional finals
Players to watch: One of the potential breakout stars in the area this season could be junior forward Bryant Brown. The 6-foot-6 Brown was dominant during stretches last season as he'll be a double-double threat on a nightly basis. Besides for Bryant, there are two other talented Browns returning to the Bulldogs as fellow juniors Ja'Dyn Brown and Jordan Brown are also back. The trio is unrelated.
Why they're in the power rankings: One of the hottest teams in the area down the stretch last season, Waukegan made a very strong postseason run despite relying heavily on the Brown trio as only sophomores. With that group returning, and the presence of head coach Ron Ashlaw, the Bulldogs have high hopes in the North burbs.
Did you know? Last season was the first regional championship for Waukegan since 2010 when Jereme Richmond was on his way to winning Mr. Basketball in Illinois and the Bulldogs finished third in Class 4A.