NBC Sports Chicago Preps Power Rankings: Chaos creates a lot of changes

Share

This week was chaotic for the NBC Sports Preps Power Rankings. 

Eleven of the teams from last week's rankings lost at least one game -- with many of the losses coming against unranked teams. 

There's also the debate about Lincoln Park. Although the Lions are very clearly a top-ten team in the Chicagoland area, Lincoln Park's season is currently suspended as the CPS continues its ongoing investigation. With the uncertainty of Lincoln Park's status going forward, they have been dropped from the Power Rankings for the time being.

If Lincoln Park's season resumes, they'll immediately rejoin the Power Rankings. The Lions only have one in-state loss all season and it came at the hands of another top-ten team in Whitney Young. But, for now, this is how things will stand as long as they aren't scheduled to play going forward.

Here's the latest Preps Power Rankings as conference season continues this week.

1. Curie (20-1, 8-0) (1) -- The Condors picked up another impressive win over the weekend against St. Louis power Vashon -- a team that has wins over East St. Louis, Simeon and Whitney Young this season. Curie will try to go back-to-back when they start the Public League Playoffs this week.

2. Bogan (20-2, 8-1) (2) -- Bogan cruised past Bosse (IN) to get to the 20-win mark as Antoine Bloxton had another monster game. The Bengals open this week's Public League Playoffs as one of the favorites.

3. Whitney Young (15-8, 8-1) (4) -- Dropping their Public League finale to Orr, the Dolphins opted to rest multiple starters. Whitney Young bounced back with two strong wins in California -- including an impressive win over nationally-ranked Mater Dei. The Dolphins only have one in-state loss all season at full strength, coming on the first day of the season against Morgan Park.

4. Bloom (21-5, 10-1) (6) -- Statement week for Bloom as they earned double-digit wins over No. 5 Thornton and No. 13 Marian Catholic. The Blazing Trojans are getting balanced play and their defense has elevated to another level.

5. Thornton (22-1, 10-1) (3) -- Thornton dropped its first game of the season in a road loss to Bloom in Southland play. The Wildcats have another big conference test when they host Kankakee this week.

6. Notre Dame (22-3, 6-0) (7) -- The Dons cruised past Nazareth for an ESCC win during a slow week. Things pick up for Notre Dame this week with three games (Maine South, St. Patrick and Hersey) against tough competition.

7. Loyola (22-2, 10-0) (11) -- A major win for Loyola against Evanston during the week. The Catholic League Blue leaders have to games to watch this week coming against St. Laurence and Stevenson.

8. Evanston (21-3, 6-1) (5) -- Evanston has hit a rough stretch the past few weeks as they dropped games to No. 7 Loyola and No. 15 Glenbrook South. The Wildkits still have a very strong profile, and earned a solid win over OPRF. Evanston will try to regain its early-season form against Maine South this week.

9. Homewood-Flossmoor (18-3, 3-0) (9) -- The Vikings held off Sandburg then lost on a buzzer-beater to Hillcrest. Homewood-Flossmoor has an important week in conference play when they host Bolingbrook on Friday night. 

10. Simeon (16-8, 7-2) (14) -- Solid out-of-state win over Hazelwood Central for the Wolverines as they prepare for the Public League Playoffs. Besides for the city tournament, Simeon battles downstate power Collinsville next weekend.

11. Bolingbrook (19-4, 2-0) (15) -- The Raiders continue to climb with more solid wins, this time coming against Joliet West and Lockport. Three matchups for Bolingbrook this week, including a huge SouthWest Suburban Blue tilt with No. 9 Homewood-Flossmoor. 

12. DePaul Prep (19-3, 9-1) (10) -- The Rams suffered an upset loss to Brother Rice in Catholic League play before bouncing back with a win over Benet the next night. DePaul Prep has a home matchup against St. Joseph during the week.

13. Marian Catholic (17-7, 5-1) (13) -- The Spartans won twice in the ESCC before falling to Bloom for the second time this season. Busy week for Marian Catholic with games against Brother Rice, Benet and Madison East. 

14. Morgan Park (15-8, 6-2) (16) -- Morgan Park used the week to win a tune-up game against Perspectives-Lead before the Public League Playoffs. Although the Mustangs have been up-and-down this season, it would be silly to count them out of the city title equation.

15. Glenbrook South (20-3, 7-0) (19) -- Monster win for the Titans at home over Evanston as they take sole possession of first in the CSL South. Dom Martinelli is getting more help as the season goes along. Three games for Glenbrook South this week, including rival Glenbrook North and Hinsdale Central.

16. Stevenson (17-4, 8-1) (12) -- The Patriots dropped one on the road to Lake Forest as the North Suburban race remains tight. Stevenson takes on Loyola this week in a major test for both teams.

17. Mundelein (19-3, 7-1) (20) -- The Mustangs earned two wins this week over Warren and Waukegan to stay tied for the lead in the North Suburban. Junior center Scottie Ebube had a triple-double against Warren as he continues a strong season.

18. Oak Forest (21-1, 10-0) (21) -- The Bengals earned three wins during the week, including notable wins over Tinley Park and Lincoln-Way East. Oak Forest faces Ag. Science and T.F. North this week as they try to reach 23 wins.

19. Kankakee (19-2, 8-2) (24) -- Three wins for the Kays, including a close win over Rich East and a shootout victory over Marshall. Kankakee has a massive week ahead when they play Southland leaders Thornton and Bloom.

20. Fenwick (19-5, 9-1) (17) -- Another up-and-down week for the Friars with a thrilling comeback win over St. Laurence followed by an upset loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Important Catholic League Blue matchup for Fenwick this week against Brother Rice.

21. Hillcrest (15-7, 8-1) (NR) -- The Hawks have returned to the Power Rankings after big expectations in the preseason. A great win over Homewood-Flossmoor over the weekend gives Hillcrest a signature victory. Although the Hawks have seven losses, five of them have come against teams currently ranked in the top ten. 

22. Hinsdale South (22-2, 8-0) (25) -- The winning streak has reached 10 for Hinsdale South as they've been one of the area's hottest teams in 2020. The Hornets have three more winnable games during the week as they try to set a new school record for most wins in a season.

23. Joliet West (20-4, 12-0) (23) -- Joliet West knocked off Romeoville before falling to No. 11 Bolingbrook over the weekend. Trying to get back to full strength, Joliet West battles Hillcrest and Plainfield East during the week. 

24. York (22-3, 7-1) (NR) -- Back in the rankings, York had a double-digit win over Lyons during the week. The West Suburban Silver leaders get a solid test against Oswego East during the week.

25. DeKalb (20-5, 6-0) (NR) -- The Barbs return to the Power Rankings as they now own a two-game lead in the DuPage Valley. DeKalb plays Metea Valley and La Crosse Central this week.

Contact Us