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THE DARK HORSES: BOYS

27. NILES WEST

Head Coach: John Przekota

Key Players: Cameron Lee, Lucas Brace, Simon Villegas, Won Lee

Players to Watch: Adrian Durakovic, Connor Hermer, Matt Paloma, Mustafa Khan

Goalkeeper: Tony Dynek

Final 2015 Ranking: 25th

First Contest: March 12 at Stevenson Tournament

Key Tournaments: Conant, CSL, Mundelein, Niles West x 2, Stevenson, York

2015 Verdict: Niles West (14-16) earned a win over Glenbrook North in the sectional quarterfinals and nearly eliminated the defending champions (Loyola) before dropping a 4-3 decision in the semifinals.

28. YORK

Head Coach: Brian Drumm

Key Players: Alex Marlott, Danny Stumpf, John Blum, Jordan Jopes, Luke Nowak, Parker Hicks

Players to Watch: Nik Miklyukh, Tim Delaney

Goalkeeper: Tyler McKenna

Final 2015 Ranking: 34th

First Contest: March 8 vs Naperville North

Key Tournaments: Lyons, Schaumburg, WSC, York x 2

2015 Verdict: The Dukes (14-16) could not get past Curie in the sectional quarterfinal round at the stacked Fenwick Sectional.

29. OAK PARK

Head Coach: John Rapp

Key Players: Jordan Mann, Lawrence Cozzi, Leo Manola, Thomas Wolfe

Players to Watch: Matt Mitrovich

Goalkeeper: Kevin Obrecht

Final 2015 Ranking: 30th

First Contest: March 10 at Young

Key Tournaments: Fenwick, Lyons, Palatine, Stevenson, WSC

2015 Verdict: Oak Park (13-16) had their postseason cut short by Whitney Young in the sectional quarterfinals at Fenwick.

30. SCHAUMBURG

Head Coach: Adam Koschnitzke

Key Players: Evan Wahlen, Parker Koress, Sam Thomas, Tyler Gustafson

Players to Watch: Andrew Jun, Darius Lewis

Goalkeeper: Edin Latic

Final 2015 Ranking: 27th

First Contest: March 9 vs Prospect

Key Tournaments: MSL, Naperville North, Schaumburg, Stagg

2015 Verdict: The Saxons (18-12-1) secured a sectional quarterfinal round victory over St Viator before bowing out of the playoffs at the hands of Conant in the semifinals.