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THE DARK HORSES: BOYS

26. GLENBROOK SOUTH

The Titans have consistently posting winning seasons over the past decade, so if they can find a way to make up for the loss of leading scorer JJ Connor and prolific goaltender Tom Meyer, they could once again break the 20-win barrier and find themselves amongst the Top 25. GBS will look to senior Bob Meyer and juniors Brant Boczek and Danny Correa to keep themselves in the thick of the Central Suburban League title race in 2013.

Head Coach: Dave Lieberman

Key Players: Bob Meyer, Brant Boczek, Danny Correa

Final 2012 Ranking: 23rd

27. ST CHARLES NORTH

The North Stars have done the rebuilding necessary to potentially double last year's win total, so they should be considered a team on the rise after nearly everyone is back from the previous season. They will hope that a strength-in-numbers approach can help make up for the loss of leading scorer Joey Chokran; with David Chokran, Justin Simmonds, John Pretet, Kyle Gannon and several others in the fold, they could do just that. Collin Bawolek was productive in a backup goalkeeping role in 2012, so if he can become a suitable replacement for the graduated Eli Broxham, expect North to make some waves early this season and have no trouble breaking into the Top 25.

Head Coach: Chris Cloy

Key Players: David Chokran, John Pretet, Justin Simmonds, Kyle Gannon, Nick Kowaleski, Nick Traxler

Final 2012 Ranking: 39th

28. ST PATRICK

The Shamrocks have the pieces in place to make some noise in the Catholic League when all is said and done in 2013. Conor O'Rourke and Emmett Ryan should be valuable options for head coach Marty Gibson, while goalie Mac Potts also returns in goal to solidify a well-organized defense. St Patrick could benefit from the addition of freshman Joseph Gibson, who is easily one of the top newcomers in the state and could make an immediate impact for the team.

Head Coach: Marty Gibson

Key Players: Conor O'Rourke, Emmett Ryan, Joseph Gibson, Mac Potts

Final 2012 Ranking: 35th

29. LINCOLN-WAY NORTH

The Phoenix finished the 2012 season on the brink of the Top 25; if they can replace leading scorer Jake Roberts, goalie Mike Doyle and two other starters, they could find themselves pushing for a spot much higher than where they are starting. Curtis Thrun will be the focal point of the offense, while AJ Burt, Kyle Mohan, Pat Budney, and Tony Mikrut give head coach Pat Shaughnessy a handful of options that could make North a dangerous opponent late in the season.

Head Coach: Pat Shaughnessy

Key Players: AJ Burt, Curtis Thrun, Jake Pearson, Kyle Mohan, Pat Budney, Tony Mikrut

Final 2012 Ranking: 26th

30. MCHENRY

It was tough to drop McHenry this low in the rankings after an impressive 18-win season, but they are faced with the tall task of replacing most of their lineup due to graduation. The cupboard isn't bare for head coach Craig Fowles, as Andrew Trocki and Matt Peck could have big seasons offensively and Wyatt Schroeder returns in goal for a team that fell one game short of another state tournament berth. They could get right back to where they left off if they can develop a strong supporting cast to compliment the aforementioned players. 

Head Coach: Craig Fowles

Key Players: Andrew Trocki, Matt Peck, Wyatt Schroeder

Final 2012 Ranking: 15th