According to MaxPreps' computerized rankings, the most highly regarded team so far in the 2016-2017 season is Rockford Boylan. The Titans are 9-2 overall heading into Christmas tournament play, including a perfect 6-0 in the NIC-9. Boylan is one five NIC-10 teams - along with Harlem, Belvidere, Guilford and host Jefferson - playing in the classic.
Of the nine schools from outside the NIC-10, Waukegan is off to the best start so far. The Bulldogs are 6-3 and led by 6-6 forward Carson Newsome, who has committed to play for Wisconsin-Milwaukee next year, and 6-4 guard Bryant Brown, who already was generating Division 1 college interest last season when he averaged 12.8 points per game as a freshman.
While Boylan is ranked 62nd in Illinois by MaxPreps' computerized ranking system, Waukegan is 128th. The next teams on the MaxPreps rankings are:
156. Normal University (4-3 overall)
202. Chicago Vocational (4-3)
205. Deerfield (5-3)
240. South Elgin (4-3)
251. Elgin Larkin (5-5)
262. Batavia (4-5)
Johnsburg hadn't played enough games (3-2) to be ranked by MaxPreps.
An interesting newcomer is Toledo Rogers High School. Rogers is the first team from Ohio to come to either District 205's Tip-Off Classic or MLK Showcase. Ohio has more game restrictions than Illinois so Rogers has played just three games.
