Patch Boys Basketball Rankings

Sports reporter Ross Jacobson ranks the north suburb's best basketball teams.

(While power rankings take season record into consideration, more recent results and news, including known injuries, have a bigger influence than early-season victories or losses.)

1. Niles North – Coach Glenn Olson has this team playing its best basketball of the year. They haven’t lost since 2010 and their win over Glenbrook North last week was a statement victory. The Vikings go on the road to Maine West on Friday.

2. Evanston Township – Questions remain about the health of PG Garrett Jones. They have seemed shaky early in 2011, battling against an injured New Trier team and losing at home to Loyola Academy. A win against Maine South helps their confidence.

3. Glenbrook North – Losing three straight can’t be a good sign for a team that started the season off so well. While was tough, was a team the Spartans .

4. Maine South – Casey Bruce is turning into a great second option in combination with Matt Palucki. While Elk Grove and Niles West aren’t the toughest opponents, the Hawks proved they can dominate inside when they have the advantage.

5. Oak Park – River Forest – The Huskies can’t seem to build any momentum, but games against Ridgewood and Hinsdale Central offer a chance for OPRF to finally get a winning streak together.

6. Deerfield –Taking and Mundelein is a big accomplishment for this team. They should take care of business against Conant and Maine East this week.

7. New Trier – Coach Scott Fricke says this team is still trying to find its identity: a scary thought for other teams in the CSL. The Trevians have had some solid wins while Austin Angel is getting back into game shape.

8. Highland Park –Close losses to Lincoln Park and Niles North prove the Giants can hang with the top teams. But Highland Park needs to get a win against a big-time opponent before the post-season rolls around.

9. Loyola Academy – One of the most enigmatic teams in the area. The Ramblers had a big win over Evanston without Michael Lang and proceeded to lose three straight. A rematch with St. Patrick looms on Saturday.

10. Maine West – 2011 hasn’t been kind to the Warriors in CSL play. After losses to Highland Park and Deerfield, Maine West squeaked by Maine East on the road.

11. Glenbrook South – Although injuries have hurt this team, the Titans need to overcome their first-quarter troubles. A win would help their confidence, but right now they find themselves near the bottom of Patch’s power rankings.

12. Niles West – The Wolves are struggling of late. The defense they showed against bigger teams in 2010 hasn’t carried over to 2011 and injuries have slowed Niles West of late.

(This list includes the Patch communities of Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Niles, Highland Park, Glenview, Deerfield, Morton Grove, Des Plaines, Oak Park and Northbrook. Although this includes most of the Central Suburban League, neighboring private schools that draw students from those communities are also included.)