A bounce-back season by Libertyville could create a fierce race for the North Suburban Conference title, while Grayslake North will try to unseat Grayslake Central in the Northern Lake County Conference.
Top 10 teams
1. Carmel (14-6-2): After winning a Class 2A regional title last season, the Corsairs will rely on one of the best defenses in Lake County to go further. Senior goalkeeper Vinny Fiore, senior defender Austin Paras and senior defender Garryn Thornberry will make things difficult for opponents.
2. Stevenson (14-5-2): The Patriots’ experience, especially on the back line, makes them optimistic they can contend for the North Suburban Conference title and make another run to the 3A sectional finals. Senior defender Jacob Goldstein, junior forward Asher Lee, and senior midfielders Joniel Dizon and Sashin Kistanna headline the returnees.
3. Warren (12-8): The Blue Devils, also NSC contenders, are motivated after losing in the 3A regional finals last year. Senior forward Quinn Lockwood, who had five goals and six assists; senior forward Charlie Ogren, who had six goals; senior midfielder Luis Sandoval; senior defenders Andrew Olmos and Angel Garcia; and junior goalkeeper Christian Ortiz all return.
4. Zion-Benton (16-4-1): Senior forwards Adrian Flores and Jio Ochoa, senior midfielder Alan Gonzalez and senior defender Ricardo Ayala are ready to step into bigger roles for the defending NSC champion Zee-Bees, who lost major scoring with the graduation of Edeson Maradiaga.
5. Lake Zurich (8-10-2): With nine seniors, the Bears have the personnel to get back over .500. Senior forwards Trevor Smith and Matthew Bergfeld and senior defender Jan Pelic are among the key players.
6. Grayslake North (15-6-1): Despite key graduation losses after advancing to the 2A sectional finals, the Knights will be in the mix for the Northern Lake County Conference title. Senior midfielder Maksim Dupor is among the top players in Lake County.
7. Libertyville (2-15-2): With a promising group of sophomores joining motivated veterans, the Wildcats have the pieces to be competitive again in the NSC. Senior defenders Drew Snow and Max Marubio and senior forward Cameron Howell form the backbone of the team.
8. Wauconda (13-6-1): A senior-heavy team, paced by goalkeepers Paxton Chartier and Nathan Pakosta, defender Ilan Erickson, forward Brandon Palestina and midfielder Santi Mandujano, is battle-tested for the NLCC. Junior midfielder Aiden Werner, a two-time all-conference pick, and junior forward Xavi Ramirez round out a talented team.
9. Lakes (10-13-1): The Eagles’ strength lies in their midfield, led by seniors Rollin Smolin, Lukasz Ciszewski and Brett McCabe, who scored six goals. They should generate enough offense to compete in the NLCC.
10. Round Lake (9-8): The Panthers, who finished second behind Grayslake Central in the NLCC last year, are loaded with talent. Senior midfielder Jaden Albarran, senior midfielder Juan Arizmendi and senior defender Eduardo Gonzalez are joined by nine juniors with varsity experience.
25 players to watch
• Jaden Albarran, Round Lake, senior, midfielder
• Juan Arizmendi, Round Lake, senior, midfielder
• Lukasz Ciszewski, Lakes, senior, midfielder
• Joniel Dizon, Stevenson, senior, midfielder
• Matthew Drakeley, Grayslake Central, junior, defender
• Maksim Dupor, Grayslake North, senior, midfielder
• Nathan Erlich, Highland Park, junior, forward
• Vinny Fiore, Carmel, senior, goalkeeper
More Top Picks Brother Hl L2370dw
• Adrian Flores, Zion-Benton, senior, forward
• Jacob Goldstein, Stevenson, senior, defender
• Max Gral, Vernon Hills, senior, goalkeeper
• Quinn Lockwood, Warren, senior, forward
• Alex Luna, Grant, senior, midfielder
• Brett McCabe, Lakes, senior, midfielder
• Jayden Meza, Waukegan, junior, midfielder
• Jack Nelson, Antioch, junior, defender
• Christian Ortiz, Warren, junior, goalkeeper
• Austin Paras, Carmel, senior, defender
• Chris Ramos, Highland Park, senior, midfielder
• Trevor Smith, Lake Zurich, senior, forward
• Drew Snow, Libertyville, senior, defender
• Aiden Werner, Wauconda, junior, midfielder
• Lucas Whiteley, Lake Forest, junior, defender
• Damian Wydra, Mundelein, senior, midfielder
• Adnan Zubovic, Deerfield, junior, defender
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.