ILLINOIS TOP 10 ALL-TIME STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

At the opening of a high-school hoop season, we took the opportunity to share some fond memories of the finest teams/programs to ever come through Illinois.

 Marshall “1958” (31-0) – the first city team to win the State Tournament. Beat Rock-Falls (33-2) 70-64 in the final, led by All-Stater George Wilson & cast of M.C. Thompson, Tyrone Johnson, Steven Thomas; coached by Isadore “Spin” Salario. 

 Thornridge “1972” (33-0) – crushed Quincy (28-5) in the state title game 104-69. Star performer Quinn Buckner spearheaded an attack along with Boyd Batts, Greg Rose, Mike Bonczyk, & Ernie Dunn coached by Ron Ferguson.

 Hirsch “1973” (29-2) – City faithfuls were all in behind the popular south-side squad that cruised by New Trier East (21-5) 65-51 in championship game. Ricky Green, John Robinson, Joshua Smith, Mike Matthews, & Robert Brooks were the leaders of their potent attack, coached by Charles Stimpson.

 East St. Louis Lincoln “1987” (28-1) – jolted Chicago King (28-5) in the title game 79-62. The team was guided by LaPhonso Ellis, Vincent Jackson, Cuonzo Martin. Coach Bennie Lewis.

 Chicago Phillips “1975” (32-1) – raced by Bloom Team (23-10) which featured a talented Audie Matthews & Robert McCoy. Wildcats were quarterbacked by 3 sport star Marty Murray, Vincent Robinson, & a frontcourt of Larry Williams, Robert Byrd, & Herm Hoskins coached by Herb Brown.

 Peoria Manual “1995” (32-2) – the USA No.1 team outlasted a talented Thornton squad (30-1) in the state title game. Rams strong core of Sergio McClain, Marcus Griffin, Willie Coleman, & Ivan Watson was too much for Randle El, Napleon Harris, & Erik Herring. 

 Chicago King “1993” (32-0) – a buzz saw hit Rockford Guilford (27-7) in the state finale 79-42. Jaguars featured a line-up of 7-foot twin towers Rashard Griffith, Thomas Hamilton, & a talented supporting cast of Ronald Minter, Jarrod Billingsley, coached by Landon Cox.

 Proviso East “1992” (32-2) – squeaked by Peoria Richwoods (30-3) in the state final 42-31. The three Amigos led the Pirates-Donnie Boyce, Michael Finley, & Sherrell Ford. Coached by Bill Hitt.

 Quincy “1981” (33-0) – blew out Proviso East (28-5) in the title game 68-39. Bruce Douglas, Mike Payne, & Dennis Douglas served up most of the assault. Team coached by Jerry Leggett. 

 Simeon “2013” (30-3) – captured its fourth State Championship in a row. Jabari Parker’s 20 points and 8 rebounds paced Simeon win over Stevenson (29-5). Jalen Brunson recorded 14 points for Stevenson. Simeon’s squad had Kendrick Nunn, Kendall Pollard, Russell Woods, & Jaylen Tate.