West Aurora
2017-18 record: 25-5, 10-0 Upstate Eight Valley
Postseason results: Lost to Belleville West in Class 4A Super-sectional.
Players to watch: The senior backcourt of Curie transfer Marquise Walker and guard Traevon Brown should be one of the best in the state as they should help offset the loss of some key pieces from last season. Seniors Moshe Rogers and Hezekiah Salter provide additional athleticism after both had solid senior seasons for the West Aurora football team.
Why they're in the power rankings: A classic traditional basketball powerhouse in the Chicagoland area, West Aurora will have to figure out how to offset the losses of graduated seniors Camron Donatlon and Jared Crutcher. But Brown and Walker could be a dynamic tandem, and although the Blackhawks don't have a lot of proven size, they'll have plenty of athleticism.
Did you know? West Aurora captured its 22nd sectional title in boys basketball last season. But the Blackhawks have dropped four straight super-sectionals and haven't been to state since 2006.