Introduction to Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 High School Basketball Rankings
The world of high school basketball is abuzz with the latest rankings from Michael O’Brien, showcasing the top teams in the area. Among these, a notable mention goes to Mount Carmel, a school that has created a powerhouse in football over the past eight years, winning five state titles. However, the school’s basketball program is now taking steps towards similar dominance, thanks in part to the arrival of two freshmen, Da’Kylen Heard and Ronald Johnson, who are considered among the highest-regarded in the state.
The Rise of Mount Carmel’s Basketball Program
Mount Carmel had six players transfer, including future Division I point guard Noah Mister, who was expected to be the team leader. Despite this setback, the arrival of Heard and Johnson has been a game-changer. Johnson started immediately, while Heard came off the bench, and both have steadily improved, helping lead the Caravan to a surprising 13-5 record and the No. 17 spot in the Super 25. Their coach, Phil Segroves, praises their coachability and patience, traits that are rare in today’s high school basketball players.
Recent Performances and Team Dynamics
Heard and Johnson played key roles in Mount Carmel’s upset win at Loyola and against Lincoln Park. The team’s success is not solely attributed to these freshmen, as other players like Marshaun Thornton, Sam Ogeto, and Logan Wessel have also been instrumental. The environment at Mount Carmel, with great teammates and coaches, has been conducive to the team’s growth. The upperclassmen who stayed have bought into the system, making the team’s performance even more impressive.
Super 25 Updates
The top seven teams in the Super 25 rankings remained unchanged, with teams like Benet, DePaul Prep, and Curie continuing to dominate. Kenwood and Oswego East dropped out of the rankings after suffering losses, while York and Glenbard North were new additions. York’s solid performance all season and its recent wins over Lyons and Stevenson earned it a spot, while Glenbard North’s victory over Hersey, led by Lamari Carpenter and Oturo Redento, secured its place.
Super 25 High School Basketball Rankings for Jan. 11, 2026
- Benet (19-1) 1 – Dominated Loyola
- DePaul Prep (15-3) 2 – Survived tough week
- Curie (15-1) 3 – Justin Oliver gets it done
- Kankakee (13-1) 4 – Handled Thornwood
- St. Ignatius (17-2) 5 – Survived Maine South
- Warren (14-1) 6 – Took down Vashon
- Marist (16-1) 7 – Charles Barnes leading
- Bolingbrook (10-5) 11 – Lost to Curie
- Neuqua Valley (16-1) 12 – 14 consecutive wins
- Evanston (13-3) 16 – Growing up quickly
- Waukegan (13-5) 13 – Lost to Marist
- Homewood-Flossmoor (15-2) 10 – Playing shorthanded
- New Trier (13-4) 9 – Lost to Evanston
- Fremd (14-1) 15 – Hosts Hersey Tuesday
- Mount Carmel (13-5) 17 – DK Heard growing up
- Glenbard East (17-2) 18 – Three-win week
- Loyola (15-4) 8 – Lost to Mount Carmel
- St. Laurence (17-2) 19 – Tough week ahead
- St. Patrick (14-2) 21 – Hosts Benet Friday
- Hersey (14-2) 14 – Lost to Glenbard North
- Palatine (14-3) 22 – Beat WWS
- Young (13-6) 25 – Fun young group
- Kaneland (16-0) 23 – Handled Sycamore
- Glenbard North (12-3) NR – Major upside
- York (15-3) NR – Beat Stevenson, Lyons
Conclusion
The Super 25 high school basketball rankings for Jan. 11, 2026, reflect the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport. Teams like Mount Carmel, with its promising freshmen and strong team dynamics, are making waves. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these rankings evolve and which teams will rise to the top.
FAQs
- Q: Who are the top teams in the Super 25 rankings?
A: The top teams include Benet, DePaul Prep, Curie, Kankakee, St. Ignatius, Warren, and Marist. - Q: Which teams dropped out of the rankings?
A: Kenwood and Oswego East dropped out after suffering losses. - Q: Who are the new additions to the Super 25?
A: York and Glenbard North were added after impressive performances. - Q: What contributed to Mount Carmel’s success?
A: The arrival of freshmen Da’Kylen Heard and Ronald Johnson, along with a strong team environment and coachable players, has been key to Mount Carmel’s success.
