Rick Armstrong's high school boys basketball rankings and player of the week for the Aurora-Elgin area

Geneva and Burlington make biggest moves up rankings still topped by unbeaten Kaneland

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Rick Armstrong's latest high school boys basketball rankings for the Aurora-Elgin area feature some big movers, with Geneva and Burlington Central making the biggest jumps. Unbeaten Kaneland remains at the top of the rankings, led by standout player Jeffrey Hassan. Other notable players and teams highlighted include Oswego's Ethan Vahl, Batavia's Xavier Justice and Evan Blankenship, and Marmion's Joseph Kramer.

Why it matters

High school basketball rankings and player of the week honors provide important recognition for the top teams and athletes in the local community, helping to showcase their achievements and build excitement around the sport.

The details

Kaneland remains the top-ranked team at 28-0, led by Jeffrey Hassan's 12 points in a 53-46 win over Wheaton Warrenville South. Oswego (21-9) moved up to #2 behind 29 points from Ethan Vahl and 13 from Cole Jansons, including 4 in overtime, in a 65-58 win over crosstown rival Oswego East. Batavia (20-8) climbed to #3 thanks to strong performances from Xavier Justice and Evan Blankenship, going 15-1 so far in the new year. Geneva (23-6) jumped to #4 after David Udoiwod scored 29 points in a 78-69 win over Burlington Central. Oswego East (18-10) honored DePaul recruit Mason Lockett for topping 1,000 points before their crosstown matchup. Burlington Central (17-11) will get a rematch with Geneva in the first round of the Class 3A regional. Marmion (18-11) culminated a three-win week by beating league champion Leo 62-51, led by 61 points and 23 rebounds from junior guard Joseph Kramer over the three games.

  • Records are through Sunday.
  • The rankings are for the week of February 16, 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Hassan

A standout player for the top-ranked Kaneland team, scoring 12 points in their 53-46 win over Wheaton Warrenville South.

Ethan Vahl

Scored 29 points to lead Oswego to a 65-58 overtime win over crosstown rival Oswego East.

Cole Jansons

Scored 4 of his 13 points in overtime to help Oswego beat Oswego East 65-58.

Xavier Justice

Provided a boost to help Batavia to a 15-1 record so far in the new year.

Evan Blankenship

Also contributed to Batavia's strong performances, helping them climb to #3 in the rankings.

David Udoiwod

Scored 29 points to lead Geneva to a 78-69 win over Burlington Central, moving the Vikings up to #4.

Mason Lockett

Oswego East honored the DePaul recruit for topping 1,000 points before their crosstown matchup.

Bennek Braden

Will lead Burlington Central against Geneva in the first round of the Class 3A regional.

Joe DeCort

Will likely face Byron (22-5) for the title of the upcoming Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional.

Dave Malley

Led the Catholic League White runner-up Marmion Cadets to a 62-51 win over league champion Leo.

Joseph Kramer

Marmion junior guard totaled 61 points and 23 rebounds in three wins, including 20 points and 9 rebounds against Leo.

Tray Alford

Scored 25 points to lead Yorkville Christian to a 65-51 win over Providence.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This week's high school basketball rankings showcase the top talent and competitive teams in the Aurora-Elgin area, with Kaneland remaining undefeated and several other squads making big moves up the rankings. The standout individual performances, including from players like Joseph Kramer, Ethan Vahl, and David Udoiwod, highlight the depth of basketball excellence in the region.