School: Thornton
2015-16 record: 25-4, 13-1 in the SouthWest Suburban Red
Postseason results: Lost to Simeon, 88-75, in Class 4A Bloom Sectional finals.
Players to watch: The return of senior guard Alonzo Verge to the area is one of the season's biggest storylines as he's an instant Player of the Year candidate who can really score. As a sophomore a Willowbrook, Verge put up big scoring performances, averaging 23 points a game and scoring in thrilling ways.
[RELATED: CSN Preps Basketball Power Rankings - No. 10 Hillcrest]
Why they're in the Power Rankings: Besides Verge, this Thornton team won 25 games and made a sectional title game in head coach Tai Streets' first season and this team is talented and plays well together.
Did you know? Thornton is seeking its first sectional title since 2009, which is also the last year they went to Peoria.