Final Area Boys’ Basketball Rankings for the 2023-24 Season
St. Joseph-Ogden Finishes on Top in Final Area Boys’ Basketball Poll
The 2023-24 boys’ basketball season has come to a close, and one team stood out above the rest in the final area boys’ basketball poll: St. Joseph-Ogden. The Spartans finished with an impressive record of 27-7 and claimed the top spot in The News-Gazette’s rankings.
Led by standout players Tanner Jacob and Logan Smith, St. Joseph-Ogden had a successful season that included winning the Illini Prairie Conference regular-season title and a Class 2A regional plaque. The team put up a strong fight against Teutopolis in the Sweet 16, ultimately falling in overtime.
Coming in at number two in the rankings is Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, with a record of 30-4. The Blue Devils went on a 20-game win streak from December to February, thanks to the stellar play of Keison Peoples, Ayden Ingram, and Chaz Dubois. They secured titles in the Vermilion County tournament, Vermilion Valley Conference, and a Class 2A regional championship.
Unity claimed the third spot in the rankings with a record of 26-5. The team’s senior leadership, combined with promising underclassmen, led them to a successful season under coach Matt Franks. Unity finished with a Class 2A regional title to cap off a memorable year.
Rounding out the top five are Arcola and Tuscola, who had impressive seasons of their own. Arcola secured an outright Lincoln Prairie Conference title and made an appearance in a Class 1A sectional title game, while Tuscola won the Monticello Holiday Hoopla title and a Class 1A regional title.
Overall, the 2023-24 boys’ basketball season was filled with exciting moments and standout performances from teams across the area. Congratulations to St. Joseph-Ogden and all the teams who made their mark on the court this season.