School: Niles North
2018-19 record: 20-10 (5-5 Central Suburban South)
Postseason results: Lost to Niles West in Class 4A regional semifinals.
Players to watch: Senior guard Aquan Smart is one of the area’s better perimeter athletes, as he’s committed to East Tennessee State. Smart has a major chance to make All-Area this season. Junior wing Jalen Butler is another Division I prospect with intriguing upside at 6-foot-5. Butler is transitioning to more of a perimeter role from last season.
Why they're in the power rankings: With almost an entirely new roster last season, the Vikings turned a slow start into a 20-win season in one of the state’s toughest conferences. Now with two veteran Division I prospects back, and playing in a far weaker conference this season, the Vikings could be poised for a big year.
Did you know? Niles North has won 20 games in eight out of the last nine seasons as the Vikings been one of the most consistent programs in the North burbs.