Henricksen: Doing football and basketball the best in 2016-2017

A couple of years ago the lofty goal was set at Stevenson: winning state championships in both football and basketball.

In a remarkable 2014-2015 sports year for the Patriots, the goal was met. Stevenson became the third school in state history to win both football and basketball state titles in the same school year.

Stevenson became the first “large” school to do so, following Carlyle in 1988-89 and Maroa-Forsyth in 2006-2007.

Although there is literally zero chance that feat will be accomplished in 2016-2017, there are still several schools boasting highly-ranked football teams this fall who will also have some high expectations this winter in basketball.

Here is a short list of the top combo football/basketball programs in the Chicago area this school year.

■ Lyons Twp.

Football profile: The Lions are ranked No. 10 in both the Sun-Times and AP state rankings.

Basketball prognosis: LT will be a contender in the West Suburban Silver with the return of four key players from a year ago, including Holy Cross-bound Connor Niego.

■ Marist

Football profile: With an ESCC showdown looming with Benet this week, the RedHawks are ranked No. 9 in the Sun-Times.

Basketball Prognosis: Don’t forget about Marist basketball this winter. With the guard combo of Maurice Commander and Morgan Taylor complementing big man Justin Brown, Marist could surprise in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and push towards a 20-win season.

■ Naperville North

Football profile: The resurgent North football program is playoff-bound and the Sun-Times’ No. 14 ranked team.

Basketball prognosis: The Huskies will be the favorite in the DuPage Valley Conference after winning 23 games a year ago. There is a ton of experience returning, including three all-conference players in 6-6 Mitch Lewis, 6-7 junior Chris Johnson and guard Winston Elston. This team should be a sectional threat in the western suburbs.

■ Oak Park

Football profile: Although two big games still remain on the schedule for the Huskies with ranked foes Lyons Twp. and Hinsdale Central looming, Oak Park is off to a 6-1 start and ranked No. 17 in the Sun-Times.

Basketball prognosis: There is a bunch of talent in place, starting with the senior tandem of Cameron Gross and Jared Scott, along with some young talented young players that will add plenty of punch.

■ Homewood-Flossmoor

Football profile: The loaded and unbeaten H-F football team is a state title contender in 8A, ranked No. 3 in the AP poll and No. 2 in the Sun-Times.

Basketball prognosis: The Vikings, who did lose 6-5 senior Cameron Bowles as a transfer to Kenwood, may not have any big names, but they have a senior class that has experience winning. The Vikings won 22 games a year ago and captured a Southwest Suburban Blue title last year.

■ Stevenson

Football profile: The Patriots are receiving votes in the Class 8A AP rankings and are ranked No. 23 in the Sun-Times.

Basketball prognosis: With Indiana recruit Justin Smith, one of the elite players in the state, the Patriots will be more than formidable.

■ Fenwick

Football profile: The Friars are the No. 3 ranked team in Class 7A and check in at No. 18 in the Sun-Times top 25.

Basketball prognosis: No, this wont be the team from a year ago, but it’s still going to be a dangerous one. Football quarterback Jacob Keller, a powerful, athletic guard on the court, will fuel a Friars team that also returns four-year varsity veteran Jamal Nixon.

■ Loyola

Football profile: Arguably the state’s best football team is atop both the AP state rankings in Class 8A and the Sun-Times rankings.

Basketball prognosis: The football Ramblers, even at No. 1, are meeting expectations. Don’t be surprised if the basketball Ramblers exceed them. Don’t overlook the Ramblers, who return rock solid veteran senior Ramar Evans and some nice younger pieces who will surprise, including junior guard Kevin Cunningham.

■ Brother Rice

Football profile: The Ricky Smalling-led Crusaders are ranked No. 2 in Class 8A and is the third-ranked team in the Sun-Times.

Basketball prognosis: There is now a familiarity with coach Bobby Frasor, who begins his second year at his alma mater. The Crusaders look to be a threat in the Chicago Catholic League with the return of guards Mike Shepski and Josh Niego, who combined for over 30 points a game a year ago.

■ Benet

Football profile: The Redwings have cracked the Sun-Times top 25 with a 6-1 record and are primed for a showdown with ranked Marist this Friday night.

Basketball prognosis: Benet will definitely take a step back from last year when the Redwings finished second in the state in Class 4A. But don’t sleep on this team with guard Jack Nolan, a senior poised for a breakout year.

Follow Joe Henricksen and the Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport