Can anyone in the Public League actually stop Curie? This question looms large as the Chicago Sun-Times' Michael O'Brien unveils his Super 25 high school basketball rankings for February 15, 2026. The Curie Condors, who started the season with considerable buzz and a No. 11 ranking, have not just met expectations – they've soared past them, proving to be a dominant force on the court.
Under the guidance of Coach Mike Oliver, this squad boasts an incredible 24-1 record and is gearing up for the Public League semifinals at UIC this Wednesday. Their current 14-game winning streak, which began after a December 31st loss to Benet in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, is a testament to their resilience and skill. What's truly remarkable is that this streak has been achieved against a schedule that can only be described as one of the most challenging in recent memory. Nearly every regular-season game for Curie has been a high-stakes encounter against formidable opponents.
And here's where it gets interesting: the Condors' all-senior starting lineup – featuring Justin Oliver, Mike Oliver Jr., Kendall Holiday, Saquan Commings, and Josh Hurley – doesn't currently have a single player committed to a college program. Yet, they consistently find ways to win. Their impressive victories include triumphs over nine teams that have graced the Super 25 rankings this season: Warren, Oswego East, St. Ignatius, Lockport, New Trier, St. Patrick, Bolingbrook, Thornwood, and Hillcrest.
But here's where it gets a bit chaotic... As of Sunday afternoon, the Public League had yet to finalize the matchups for Wednesday's city tournament semifinals. It's quite astonishing that a tournament involving nearly 100 teams would commence without a predetermined format, but that appears to be the reality.
Joining Curie in the final four are Hyde Park, Kenwood, and Lincoln Park. Regardless of who they face, Curie is expected to be the heavy favorite in their semifinal game. The Condors have a history of intense matchups with Kenwood, having lost to them in last year's city title game but triumphing over them to secure the championship in 2024. Their legacy in the city championship is strong, with previous wins in 2019 and 2014.
Super 25 Updates: A Shift in the Rankings
In other notable movements, New Trier has made a significant leap, climbing from No. 20 to No. 12 this week. Their victory over Evanston on Friday was impressive, but it's only part of the story. The return of Princeton recruit Christopher Kirkpatrick, widely considered one of the state's premier players, from a December injury has dramatically boosted the Trevians' potential. Kirkpatrick showcased his brilliance by scoring 24 points against Evanston, including the game-winning shot. While New Trier was holding its own without him, his presence elevates their ceiling considerably. The Trevians are now the No. 5 seed in the Class 4A Loyola sectional and will host the regional, with a potential showdown against St. Patrick in the regional final.
On the flip side, Leo has dropped out of the rankings following losses to Rich and Marmion, and Lockport also exits after a defeat at Sandburg.
And this is the part most people miss... Two Public League teams, Kenwood and Hyde Park, have earned spots in the Super 25. Kenwood has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, highlighted by a crucial road victory against Young on Saturday. Hyde Park, meanwhile, has strung together nine consecutive wins against in-state opponents since their January 10th loss to St. Patrick.
Considering it's been a somewhat subdued year for Public League basketball overall, seeing five teams from the league represented in the rankings by mid-February is certainly a pleasant surprise.
Super 25 High School Basketball Rankings - February 15, 2026
Here's a look at the top teams, with their records and previous rankings:
- Benet (28-1) - Last Rank: 1
- Upcoming: At Marist Tuesday
- DePaul Prep (24-3) - Last Rank: 2
- Upcoming: At Warren Thursday
- Curie (24-1) - Last Rank: 3
- Status: Dominating CPS
- Kankakee (24-1) - Last Rank: 4
- Upcoming: At Joliet West Wednesday
- Warren (27-2) - Last Rank: 5
- Note: Three-win week
- Neuqua Valley (28-1) - Last Rank: 6
- Player Spotlight: Cole Kelly is a force
- Homewood-Flossmoor (25-3) - Last Rank: 7
- Recent Result: Beat Joliet West
- Bolingbrook (21-7) - Last Rank: 8
- Status: Hosting the sectional
- Loyola (23-6) - Last Rank: 9
- Player Spotlight: Trey Williams had a triple-double
- St. Patrick (23-4) - Last Rank: 10
- Status: Earned No. 4 seed at Loyola
- Marist (25-4) - Last Rank: 11
- Upcoming: Big test coming vs. Benet
- New Trier (22-7) - Last Rank: 20
- Player Spotlight: Christopher Kirkpatrick is back
- Evanston (23-6) - Last Rank: 12
- Recent Result: Lost to New Trier
- Fremd (24-2) - Last Rank: 13
- Recent Result: Survived Hersey
- St. Ignatius (25-4) - Last Rank: 14
- Recent Result: Beat Fenwick
- Palatine (25-4) - Last Rank: 15
- Recent Result: Took down Barrington
- Mount Carmel (17-10) - Last Rank: 16
- Recent Result: Won at Brother Rice
- Kaneland (28-0) - Last Rank: 17
- Recent Result: Nice win vs. WW South
- Glenbard East (26-3) - Last Rank: 19
- Upcoming: At West Aurora Tuesday
- Waukegan (21-7) - Last Rank: 23
- Upcoming: At Stevenson Wednesday
- Lincoln Park (19-7) - Last Rank: 24
- Recent Result: Won at Simeon
- Hillcrest (19-7) - Last Rank: 25
- Player Spotlight: Jamir Ratliff can play
- Kenwood (17-7) - Last Rank: NR
- Recent Result: Huge win at Young
- Young (21-7) - Last Rank: 18
- Status: State playoffs up next
- Hyde Park (21-7) - Last Rank: NR
- Status: In the city final four
What are your thoughts on Curie's dominance? Do you believe any Public League team has a realistic shot at unseating them, or is this their championship to lose? Let us know in the comments below!
