Bloom
2017-18 record: 16-11, 6-4 Southland
Postseason results: Lost to Marist in Class 4A regional finals.
Players to watch: The perimeter trio of juniors Donovan Newby, Keshawn Williams and Dante Maddox Jr. are all worth watching as they form one of the best backcourts in the state. Junior big man Martice Mitchell provides size inside at 6-foot-9 while Kevin Vance was an intriguing forward this summer.
Why they're in the power rankings: A year ago, Bloom had the talent to compete with anyone in the area. But with four sophomores and one junior in the starting lineup, the Blazing Trojans were too young. Now, a year later, Bloom looks like a very dangerous team after a strong summer. The Blazing Trojans have multiple Division I prospects on a team with huge aspirations.
Did you know? Bloom will play one of the elite schedules in the area this season. The Blazing Trojans are scheduled to take part in the Chicago Heights Classic, Chicago Elite Classic, Pontiac Holiday Tournament and When Sides Collide Shootout -- to name a few marquee events.