A look at this season’s Coach of the Year candidates

When searching for coach of the year candidates at this time of the season, it’s easy to look at the unexpected teams that have climbed the rankings — from unranked in the preseason to Super 25 status in February.

There are several coaches who have guided their respective teams beyond the preseason expectations.

Although we are down to the final week of the high school basketball regular season, the most important basketball is still to be played. That means there will be plenty of opportunities to shift the Coach of the Year race in a different direction.

But here is a short list of prime Coach of the Year candidates.

Mike Bailey, St. Patrick

Bailey led St. Pat’s to a third-place finish in 3A last season. He’s doing an even better job this year after four starters departed, including all three guards. The 23-4 Shamrocks have shot up the rankings after being unranked in the preseason and are contending with Benet and Marist for a league title.

Brandin Brown, Homewood-Flossmoor

Brown is authoring one of the best first-year coaching jobs that you’ll see. He’s guided the Vikings to a 25-3 record and done so with only one returning starter from last season. He’s utilized point guard Darrius Hawkins in the best way possible while the supporting cast has blended together nicely.

Mike Dunn, York

No one saw 26-4 coming from the Dukes. Throw in a possible conference title and it’s been arguably the biggest surprise of the season. There was some experience and size returning in the frontcourt, but the rest, especially in the backcourt, was unknown.

Mike Ellis, Evanston

Yes, Evanston was ranked in the preseason top 25. But remember, the Wildkits were replacing four starters from last year’s team that reached the 4A state semifinals. The Wildkits have 23 wins and ran away with the CSL South while earning a No. 2 sectional seed.

Gene Heidkamp, Benet

Already a two-time Coach of the Year winner, Heidkamp is worthy of a spot on this list most seasons. The Redwings have dominated more than anyone expected, especially after losing two Division I players from last season’s state championship team. Top-ranked Benet has also thrived while playing with a bulls-eye on its back.

Tom Kleinschmidt, DePaul Prep

Kleinschmidt has earned this honor two other times. He’s worthy of consideration again. What if Kleinschmidt steers DePaul to a fourth straight state championship while playing in the state’s largest class for the first time? The preseason No. 1 team has lost to just one in-state team all season, Benet, while playing with the added pressure of being the hunted.

Eric Millstone, Palatine

It’s about maximizing talent, and perhaps no one has done a better job of it than Millstone. The Pirates don’t boast scholarship-type talent, yet here they are with a sparkling 25-4 record. They play smart, decisive basketball and don’t beat themselves, thanks in large part to the veteran coach of 18 years.

Matt Monroe, St. Ignatius

The Wolfpack began the season ranked No. 23 in the preseason. But Monroe needed to replace last year’s star, Phoenix Gill, and blend returning senior Chris Bolte with some talented youth. Mission accomplished as St. Ignatius has climbed the rankings and won 25 games.

Mike Oliver, Curie

Death, taxes and Curie winning 25 games. Yes, the consistency has been remarkable for Oliver’s program over two decades. But that shouldn’t take anything away from the job he’s done with this particular group that sits 24-1 and is favored to win a city title this week.