High school basketball: Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 rankings for Jan. 29, 2023

Simeon remains on top. That is a bit of a surprise based on what I was thinking last night, but when I sat down this morning and set everything out in front of me it was an easy decision.

The three contenders for the No. 1 spot were Simeon, Benet and Kenwood.

The Wolverines have beaten five teams that have been ranked this season (St. Rita, Perspectives-Leadership, Curie, Benet and Hyde Park). The overall resume is even more impressive with wins against Moline and seven out of state opponents that are ranked quality teams, including Philadelphia Imhotep, one of the best teams in the country.

It’s also hard to forget that Simeon’s win against Benet was very lopsided for three quarters. The Wolverines had an 18-point lead after three and led by 20 at halftime.

Both of Simeon’s losses came down to the final shot. The Wolverines lost to Kenwood 46-43 and on the road at Curie this week 50-48.

Benet and Kenwood both have seven wins against ranked teams. The Broncos have a slightly stronger overall resume, but Benet beat them last week so stays at No. 2.

Bloom lost to Thornwood this week and drops out. The Blazing Trojans have a high ceiling but are young at some key positions and are learning how to get by without Jayden Watson, who is injured and out for the season.

Marian Catholic returns. The Spartans cracked 20 wins and have put together a strong overall season. They have a huge test against Benet this week.

Super 25 for Jan. 29, 2023

1. Simeon (21-2) 1Still the best resume

2. Benet (23-1) 2Only loss is Simeon

3. Kenwood (19-5) 3Can Broncos win the city?

4. Joliet West (19-5) 4Fears is a burger boy

5. Young (19-5) 5Beat Chaminade

6. Hillcrest (24-2) 6Survived H-F

7. Curie (16-9) 15Upset Simeon

8. Brother Rice (22-3) 7Hosts Caravan Friday

9. Mount Carmel (21-2) 10Dominant Moline win looking good

10. Rolling Meadows (21-4) 8Couldn’t handle Moline

11. Hinsdale Central (22-3) 12Area’s longest win streak at 14

12. Bolingbrook (19-6) 11Challenging week ahead

13. Hyde Park (20-5) 9Lost to Perspectives-Leadership

14. Oswego East (20-5) 13At Yorkville Friday

15. Lyons (19-3) 16Beat Riverside-Brookfield

16. New Trier (21-4) 22Handled Glenbrook South

17. Lincoln-Way East (20-3) 19Lost to Hinsdale Central, beat H-F

18. Proviso East (16-5) 14Upset by rival Proviso West

19. Downers Grove North (20-3) 23Huge week ahead

20. Marist (20-5) 24Beat St. Viator

21. St. Rita (14-10) 17Couldn’t hang with Mount Carmel

22. Glenbrook South (19-6) 18Lost to Trevians, Prospect

23. Glenbrook North (21-3) 21Lost to Evanston

24. Loyola (20-7) 25Lost to Bolingbrook

25. Marian Catholic (20-6) NRHosts Benet Friday

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