Illinois High School Boys Basketball AP State Polls Released

Staunton Bulldogs hold at No. 8 in Class 2A, East St. Louis remains No. 1 in Class 3A

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The Associated Press released the latest Illinois high school boys basketball state polls on Wednesday, with the Staunton Bulldogs holding steady at No. 8 in the Class 2A rankings and the East St. Louis Flyers remaining the top-ranked team in Class 3A.

Why it matters

The AP state polls are an important benchmark for high school basketball teams and programs, providing recognition for their performance and serving as a barometer for their standing among the best teams in Illinois.

The details

In the Class 2A poll, the Staunton Bulldogs maintained their No. 8 ranking after defeating the Columbia Eagles in a recent matchup. Meanwhile, the East St. Louis Flyers continued their dominance, holding onto the top spot in the Class 3A rankings.

  • The AP state polls were released on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Bryce Coalson

A player for the Staunton Bulldogs high school basketball team.

Elliot Nelson

A player for the Columbia Eagles high school basketball team.

East St. Louis Flyers

The top-ranked high school basketball team in Class 3A in Illinois.

Staunton Bulldogs

The high school basketball team ranked No. 8 in Class 2A in Illinois.

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The takeaway

The latest AP state polls showcase the continued excellence of high school basketball programs across Illinois, with the Staunton Bulldogs and East St. Louis Flyers maintaining their strong rankings and positions among the state's elite teams.