The ceiling for IVC boys basketball this season is high with an seasoned, large, and fast pace-loving team.

Princeville's goal this season is to win a regional title with Tucker Sennett and Jake Williams set to lead the Princes.

Conference openers abounded in boys and girls hoops with a Mid-Illini girls rivalry game and Big 12 boys hoops leading the way.

Peoria Notre Dame will have to adjust to life without a star player, but bring back multiple key pieces from a regional title-winning squad.

Dee-Mack's young roster from last season has turned into an experienced one with Max Eccles and all-HOIC forward Jerry Hahn to lead the way.

Manual left little doubt if it would take the top spot in Class 2A and five other area squads were ranked in the first AP statewide rankings

Washington gained the top spot in the Class 3A statewide poll while five other girls basketball teams in the area gained recognition.

Wins from East Peoria girls and Elmwood boys highlighted Wednesday's basketball games.

Olympia's top two scorers and plenty of other upperclassmen are back to lead a potential-rich Spartans team in Justin Slager's first season.

Delavan must replace seven seniors from a strong group last year but hopes to fly under the radar with players that boast athleticism.

Under new head coach Ryan Julius, Dunlap isn't shying away from multiple big games during the regular season.

Elmwood may suffer growing pains early in the season, but the Trojans look to stay competitive with all-conference selectionn Bo Windish.

Elmwood has the makings of an ICAC front-runner with multiple players returning including Tinley Lemmerman.

There were multiple Big 12/Mid-Illini matchups on Tuesday, plus Washington girls and Tremont boys continued win streaks.

Farmington boys basketball has plenty of athletes who are ready to parlay a strong football season into a similar year on the court.

Normal U-High nearly had a heroic ending in the Class 4A state semifinals, but fell one score short against Mt. Zion.

The best football season in Farmington school history ended with the Farmers' 34-20 loss to Chicago Christian in the 2A state semifinals.

Normal West girls basketball is young, but has some experience as Corey Ostling returns as the Wildcats' head coach.

Farmington girls basketball has a new head coach but good numbers as they try to improve on a four-win campaign.

Three area teams stayed unbeaten in girls basketball with wins by PND, Morton, Tremont and Manual leading the way.