Here are 5 Peoria-area boys basketball teams that could win an IHSA state title

Winning a state title is the ultimate goal.

The Illinois High School Association opens its boys basketball postseason play Monday as teams begin the long road to the four state championship games scheduled for March 9 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Here are five Peoria-area teams with the best chance at winning a state championship. All records and statistics are through Monday.

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CLASS 1A

No. 2 Illini Bluffs has been on a mission since last season's devastating loss in the 2023 Class 1A Elite Eight. The Tigers, whose last defeat came on Dec. 29, have won 15 in a row with a two-point victory against Peoria Christian in the ICAC tournament title game being their closest game in that span. Coach Clay Vass, who just picked up his 600th career victory, has a very talented and experienced lineup led by Lehigh recruit Hank Alvey to go with Devon White, Wyatt Haendel, Toby Cooper and Jayden Washington.
First postseason game: Hosting Midwest Central at 7 p.m. Monday

Second-ranked Manual is back in Class 2A for the first time since 2010. This doesn't mean the Rams haven't played their usual slate of tough opponents. Not only is Manual a member of the always difficult Class 3A/4A Big 12 Conference, but coach Marvin Jordan hasn't shied away from a schedule that includes Metamora, Morton and the loaded Pontiac Tournament. Dietrich Richardson and Gerrell Trapps have been breakout starts this season. A state title would give the Rams their sixth crown in program history.
First postseason game: Faces host Olympia/Bloomington Central Catholic winner at 6 p.m. Feb. 21.

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Don't be fooled by PND and its record, because the Irish are a very dangerous team. Injuries have plagued Tom Lacher's team this season, but PND seems to be rounding into form. Belmont recruit Eoin Dillon (stress fracture) along with Ted Dimler are both back and getting to full strength. Tommy Graham, Eliot Lynch and Thatcher Hogan have all seen their roles increase. The Irish, who are playing in Class 2A for the first time, have a huge home-court advantage playing at The Kitchen.
First postseason game: Hosting Eureka at 7 p.m. Monday

Seeing Metamora on this list should be no surprise to anyone. The reigning Class 3A state champion has played back-to-back title games, giving the Redbirds plenty of big-time game experience. No. 2 ranked Metamora, which is riding a 12-game win streak, has collected wins over Normal Community, Manual, Morton and Mt. Zion. Retiring coach Danny Grieves has a very balanced lineup in Iowa recruit Cooper Koch, 2023 player of the year Tyler Mason, Division-I recruit Matthew Zobrist and post presence Luke Hopp.
First postseason game: Faces host Geneseo or Galesburg winner at 6 p.m. Feb. 21

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The Knights, who ended a 13-year regional title drought last season, now look to take things a step further following a sectional title defeat to Metamora. Richwoods rides a 10-game win streak, suffering its last loss to Normal Community on Jan. 12. Coach Will Smith has his team playing in shootouts in New Jersey, Springfield, Chicago, Highland, Quincy, Manual, O'Fallon, Danville and East Peoria. Rutgers recruit Lathan Sommerville, Tavie Smith, DaQuan Little and Jared Jackson are a tough lineup to guard.
First postseason game: Faces host Limestone/East Peoria winner at 6 p.m. Feb. 21

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.