DeKalb County Basketball Trends Point to Major Changes for 2025-26

As the 2025-26 boys’ basketball season approaches, DeKalb County teams are set to face a landscape marked by significant changes. With key players departing and new additions arriving, each school looks to navigate their unique challenges and opportunities.

DeKalb High School Faces Transition

DeKalb High School enters the season with considerable obstacles as the team bids farewell to all five starters from the previous year, including standout player Sean Reynolds, a three-time Daily Chronicle Player of the Year. The Barbs, who have celebrated three consecutive seasons of at least 20 wins, now face the potential of a challenging year.

Among the losses is Davon Grant, a crucial inside presence who will not return after graduating early to participate in spring football camp with the University of Illinois. With most of last year’s key rotational players also graduating, the Barbs will rely on Bryan Miller, Myles Newman, and Derrion Straughter to step into larger roles as they aim for a third consecutive regional title. The last time DeKalb had a losing season was in 2013-14, finishing with a record of 14-18. Coach Mike Reynolds has not experienced a losing season since the 2016-17 campaign at Galesburg, where the team went 15-17.

Sycamore Seeks to Build on Success

In contrast, Sycamore High School is looking to capitalize on recent success, having posted a record of 24-9 last season and winning a regional championship for the first time since the 2016-17 season. This marked their first 20-win season since 2019-20. The resurgence can be attributed to the emergence of a second scoring option alongside Isaiah Feuerbach, who averaged 16 points per game last season despite missing the final month due to a knee injury.

With Unique Shaw graduating, Sycamore has recruited Marcus Johnson from Genoa-Kingston, where he averaged 19 points, four assists, and five rebounds per game. This addition could provide the scoring depth needed to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Kaneland Looks to Continue Dominance

Kaneland High School enters the new season after a remarkable run, finishing with a record of 32-2 last year. The Knights return most of their key starters from a supersectional team but will need to adjust to the loss of Freddy Hassan, a 6-foot-7 forward who contributed an impressive 15 points and 10 rebounds per game last season.

Despite this setback, Marshawn Cocroft returns after being named Player of the Year in the Interstate 8, having averaged 17 points, three assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, 6-foot-9 forward Jeffrey Hassan is expected to see increased playing time following his brother’s departure. Kaneland remains poised for another deep playoff run and a pursuit of their fourth consecutive Interstate 8 title.

Indian Creek and Hinckley-Big Rock Prepare for Change

Both Indian Creek and Hinckley-Big Rock have enjoyed success recently, but they face critical transitions this season. Indian Creek, which posted identical 20-12 records in the last two years, will be without Martin Ledbetter, a 6-foot-6 center and three-time all-area first-team selection. His notable contributions, averaging 21.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, will be difficult to replace.

On the other hand, Hinckley-Big Rock must also navigate the loss of Everett Willis, a 6-foot-5 forward who averaged 10.6 points and 7.3 rebounds. Despite these departures, both teams retain a solid core, with players like Max Hintzsche for Indian Creek and standout athletes from other sports at Hinckley-Big Rock expected to enhance their rosters.

Coaching Stability Across the League

In terms of coaching, stability remains a defining feature across the county, with only Hiawatha introducing a new boys’ coach this year. Andrew Charles takes the helm, replacing Matthew Montavon. The other six coaches have been in their positions for at least three seasons, providing a sense of continuity that could benefit player development.

Coach Ethan Franklin has a balanced record of 48-48 in three years at Sycamore, having previously coached at Genoa-Kingston. Griffin McNeal leads the program there now, and Nolan Govig remains at Indian Creek, where he has a record of 61-66 over four years. Both Seth Sanderson, at Hinckley-Big Rock (135-106 in eight years), and Ernie Colombe at Kaneland (127-43 in six years) bring substantial experience and success to their teams. Coach Mike Reynolds at DeKalb has posted an impressive 138-46 record in his six seasons, further solidifying his reputation in the area.

As DeKalb County’s basketball teams prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how these changes and challenges play out on the court. With emerging stars and seasoned coaches, the anticipation is high for a season filled with competitive action and potential surprises.