School: Oak Forest
2018-19 record: 23-6 (10-3 in the South Suburban Blue)
Postseason results: Lost to Providence in Class 3A regional semifinals
Players to watch: The Bengals return their top three scorers from last season as senior Jayson Kent, a 6-foot-4 Division I prospect coming off of a big summer, is the headliner. Brothers Juan and Robbie Avila are two more potent scorers and capable all-around players. Juan, a senior, is a two-sport athlete who is also Oak Forest's quarterback while Robbie is a 6-foot-8 sophomore who is already earning Division I offers. The trio combined to average 40.5 points per game last season.
Why they're in the power rankings: One of the area's most surprising teams last season, Oak Forest received little preseason fanfare and still managed to win 23 games in a competitive area. Kent and the Avila brothers all showed well with their play this summer. With multiple scholarship players on the roster, expectations are high for this season. Replacing former glue guy Ethan Balinao will be tough but the Bengals have the overall talent and Division I star power to make a lot of noise this season.
Did you know? It's been a long time since Oak Forest was relevant in boys basketball as the program is looking for its first regional title since 1987.