If you were to draw a Venn diagram between some of the best boys basketball teams in Illinois and the best teams in Central Illinois, there would be plenty of overlap. From Class 1A to Class 4A, the amount of quality teams in and around Peoria and Bloomington/Normal is impressive as many of them begin to accelerate their post-Thanksgiving schedules.
The city of Peoria has so far proven to be the mecca for success in the Big 12 as the four teams within city limits have combined for a 17-5 record as of Dec. 9.
While two of the conference’s best in Peoria High and Manual have already squared off this season, the Mid-Illini’s top teams have still yet to face each other. That all changes this week with Morton set to take on Metamora on Saturday and the Redbirds also facing title contender Washington on Tuesday.
A pair of Heart of Illinois Conference teams have taken the top two spots in the small school section of the first CSM boys basketball power rankings of the season with many teams having strong cases for being ranked No. 1.