With the boys basketball season set to begin this week, it is time for the John A. Logan College SI Basketball Preseason Poll! The Centralia Orphans, who will be led by returning point guard Cruz Harlan, are the preseason favorite in the Southern Illinois region, garnering the most points and first place votes.
The Benton Rangers, who made a run at the 2A State Title last season, edge out Mt. Vernon for the #2 spot in the rankings thanks to one extra first place vote. The Rangers will be anchored by Colorado State commit Docker Tedeschi.
The Meridian Bobcats, who also played in the State Finals Tournament this past March, make an appearance at #8. They aren’t the only 1A team in the preseason Top 10 – Waltonville has turned enough heads to gain the #10 ranking; they beat out another 1A team, Goreville, for that ranked spot.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Centralia (4) | 101 | (-) |
| 2 | Benton (3) | 78 | (-) |
| 3 | Mt. Vernon (2) | 78 | (-) |
| 4 | Pinckneyville | 75 | (-) |
| 5 | Marion | 66 | (-) |
| 6 | Nashville | 61 | (-) |
| 7 | Murphysboro | 60 | (-) |
| 8 | Meridian | 32 | (-) |
| 9 | Herrin | 27 | (-) |
| 10 | Waltonville | 14 | (-) |
Also receiving votes: Goreville 13, Carterville 11, Massac County 11, Carbondale 10, Mt. Carmel 6, Carmi-White County 3, Vienna 2, Fairfield 1, Chester 1
*The John A. Logan SI Basketball Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week
