School: Curie
2018-19 record: 35-2 (9-0 in Public League Red-South/Central)
Postseason results: Won third place in Class 4A over Rockford East.
Players to watch: After a strong junior season, wing Ramean Hinton will be one of the state's best players this season as he's a talented scorer who can also defend multiple spots. Role players from last season's team, including Elijah Pickens, Armond Williams and Savion Williams, will also earn more minutes and increased production. Junior Phillip Berryhill is also an intriguing piece to keep an eye on.
Why they're in the power rankings: Shocking the area by becoming a nationally-ranked powerhouse last season, Curie won every game against Chicagoland competition. With eight players returning from that team, as well as a talented group of sophomores-turned-juniors, it should be another strong season from the Condors.
Did you know? Curie has become one of the most successful programs in the state over the past decade. The Condors have captured a Class 4A state title (2016), a Class 4A third-place finish (2019) and seven regional titles in the past 10 years.