Waukegan
2017-18 record: 11-16, 4-10 in North Suburban
Postseason results: Lost to Palatine in the Class 4A regional semifinals.
Players to watch: Senior forward Bryant Brown is a preseason All-Area selection after putting up 23.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 blocks per game as a junior. Seniors Ja'Dyn Brown and Jordan Brown also return (all three Browns are unrelated) after starting last season. Senior point guard Andre White Jr. also transfers into the program.
Why they're in the power rankings: Waukegan had monster expectations last season that were derailed by injuries, academic issues and the lack of a steady point guard. White's presence should be huge, as the former Loyola and Harvest Christian floor general has the potential to be one of the area's best with the ball in his hands. As long as White can run an offense, Bryant Brown is a monster on the interior, and the Bulldogs have plenty of other pieces.
Did you know? Waukegan won a regional title in Class 4A in 2017 as they had huge expectations heading into the 2017-18 season. But despite being ranked in the preseason top-10 by both NBC Sports Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times last season, Waukegan failed to deliver as they were the area's biggest disappointment.