Best Illinois High School Basketball Teams All-Time
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and Illinois has a rich tradition of high school basketball. Many exceptional teams have played in Illinois, and this article highlights the best Illinois high school basketball teams of all time.
1. Thornridge High School (1972-1973)
The 1972-1973 Thornridge High School basketball team, coached by legendary coach Quinn Buckner, is considered by many to be the best high school basketball team ever. Led by future NBA players such as Boyd Batts, Mike Bonczyk, and future Hall of Famer, center, and Chicago native Kevin Garnett, the team went undefeated with a record of 33-0.
2. Simeon Career Academy (2011-2013)
Simeon Career Academy is a school located in Chicago, known for producing top high school basketball players in the state. The team between 2011 and 2013 was one of the best, with players such as Jabari Parker, Kendrick Nunn, and Steve Taylor leading the team to three consecutive state championships.
3. Proviso East (1991-1992)
The Proviso East basketball team of 1991-1992 is considered one of the best in Illinois history. Led by future NBA player Michael Finley and coached by Bill Hitt, the team won the state championship with a record of 32-1. The team's only loss came to a team from Indiana.
4. East St. Louis Lincoln (1987-1988)
The 1987-1988 East St. Louis Lincoln basketball team, coached by Bennie Lewis, was one of the most talented and dominant teams in the state's history. The team's roster was stacked with players such as LaPhonso Ellis, Chris Rodgers, and Cuonzo Martin, who would go on to play in the NBA and become head coaches at major universities.
5. Peoria Manual (1996-1997)
In 1996-1997, Peoria Manual won the state championship with a record of 27-2. The team, coached by Wayne McClain, had an exceptional player in future NBA player Sergio McClain. In addition to Sergio McClain, the team also had future NFL player Marcus Griffin.
6. Mount Vernon (1983-1984)
The Mount Vernon basketball team of 1983-1984, coached by legendary coach Stan McAfee, won the state championship with a record of 35-0. The team was led by future NBA player and Chicago native, Kendall Gill.
7. Quincy (1980-1981)
The Quincy basketball team in 1980-1981, coached by Jerry Leggett, is considered one of the best high school basketball teams of all time in Illinois. The team had an impressive record of 33-0 and was led by future NBA player Michael Payne and future MLB player, Mike Deters.
8. Marshall (1958-1959)
The Marshall basketball team of 1958-1959, coached by Abe Saperstein, was one of the most dominant high school basketball teams in the state's history. The team went undefeated with a record of 29-0 and was led by future NBA player George Wilson.
9. Thornton (2002-2003)
The 2002-2003 Thornton basketball team, coached by Rocky Hill, won the state championship with a record of 28-2. The team's roster was filled with talented players such as Brian Randle, Tracy Webster, and Eddy Curry, who would go on to have successful careers in the NBA.
10. Crane (1984-1985)
The Crane basketball team of 1984-1985, coached by legendary coach Ben Wilson, was one of the most talented and exciting high school basketball teams in the state. The team's star player was future NBA player Tim Hardaway.
In conclusion, the state of Illinois has seen some truly exceptional high school basketball teams over the years. From the undefeated Thornridge team of 1972-1973 to Simeon's three-peat championship run from 2011-2013, these teams have left an indelible mark on the state's basketball history.