1. Freddie Barnes, H.-Flossmoor
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With opponents worried about the Vikings’ front line of 6-foot-8-inch Cyrus Tate, 6-8 Julian Wright and 6-7 Brian Nussbaum–plus top scorer Excell Hardy– nobody notices a 6-1 junior guard with a propensity for big plays. After all, Barnes is a game-breaking quarterback in the fall, and his knack for making plays at opportune times has carried over into the winter.
2. Lawrence Blackledge, Carbondale
The top priority for this 6-7 center is to stay out of foul trouble. If too many whistles force him to the bench, the Terriers don’t have anyone else taller than 6-1. Blackledge could come up big, especially if opposing defenses focus too much on point guard Justin Dentmon.
3. Branden Jung, Hoffman Estates
The 6-4 center is all that passes for an inside threat on the undersized Hawks, but he has neutralized bigger guys all winter– most noticeably 6-9 Craig Reichel of Schaumburg. His first assignment: 6-9 Shaun Pruitt of West Aurora, the Illinois signee who rates with Farragut’s 6-8 Ollie Bailey as the best post scorers in the state.
4. Emmanuel Little, Farragut
The 6-4 senior, who can play any position, excels at hitting the big shot, grabing the critical rebound, playing defense and providing poise under pressure. He helps sophomore point guard Chris Singletary run the team.
5. Dustin Warfield, Peoria Central
While 6-6 McDonald’s All-American Shaun Livingston (Duke) and Northwestern-bound Brandon Lee get most of the attention, the 6-5 Warfield gets the tough rebounds, draws charging fouls and is a third scoring threat for the Lions. He appears fully recovered from a stress fracture in his foot that sidelined him during the season.