If you follow high school hoops, you’ve probably noticed something. The name St. Ignatius keeps popping up at the top of the rankings. But here is the thing: there isn't just one powerhouse. Whether you’re looking at the Wildcats in Cleveland or the Wolfpack in Chicago, the st ignatius basketball roster for the 2025-26 season is absolutely loaded with talent. It's actually kinda wild how both programs are peaking at the exact same time.
Honestly, keeping track of who is who can be a headache. You’ve got different states, different mascots, but the same Jesuit tradition of winning. Most people looking for the roster are usually trying to find that one standout sophomore or checking the height of the new center. Let's break down what’s actually happening on the floor right now.
The Cleveland Wildcats: A New Era Under Tom Parker
In Ohio, the big story is the coaching change. After years of dominance under Cam Joyce, Tom Parker (a 2010 alum) took over the reins this season. People were worried. Could he keep the momentum? Well, the roster he’s working with made that transition a whole lot easier.
The Cleveland squad is deep. Like, really deep. They aren't just relying on one superstar; they’ve got a rotation that wears teams down.
Who is Making Waves in Ohio?
The senior leadership is the backbone here. You’ve got guys like RJ Jones, a 6'6" forward who basically does everything. He’s got the size to bang inside but can step out and hit the three, which is a nightmare for opposing coaches. Then there’s Brody Spicer and Aidan Lawless in the backcourt. They provide that steady, veteran presence you need when a game gets tight in the fourth quarter.
But if you want to know who the "next big thing" is, look at the underclassmen. Carlos Vaughn Jr. is a 6'5" sophomore guard who plays with a lot of swagger. He’s bouncy, he’s quick, and he’s already drawing looks from D1 scouts. Pair him with freshman Jordan Fortino, and you can see why the future in Cleveland looks just as bright as the present.
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The height on this team is legitimate, too. Keith Seide stands at 6'8", providing that rim protection that allows the guards to be aggressive on the perimeter. It’s a balanced roster. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about that "run-through-a-brick-wall" defense that Coach Parker was known for back when he played.
The Chicago Wolfpack: Power in the CCL
Switch gears to Illinois. The Chicago St. Ignatius College Prep team—the Wolfpack—is currently tearing through the Chicago Catholic League (CCL). They’ve been hovering around the top 5 in the state rankings all season.
Coach Matt Monroe has built a culture of discipline. You’ve probably seen their scores; they don't just win, they suffocate teams.
Breaking Down the Wolfpack Roster
This team is heavy on experience. The 2025-26 roster features a core of seniors who have been playing together since they were freshmen. Nico Harris and Palmer Wong are the engines. They aren't the biggest guys on the court, but they are incredibly fast and rarely turn the ball over.
Then you have the size. Chris Bolte and Billy Ragen are both listed at 6'7". In high school ball, having two guys that size who can actually move is a massive advantage. It allows the Wolfpack to dominate the boards and second-chance points.
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- Nico Harris (Sr.): The primary ball-handler.
- Amir Tucker (So.): A 6'2" spark plug who provides instant offense.
- Chris Bolte (Sr.): The anchor in the paint.
- Josiah Hall (So.): Another young talent to watch for the next two years.
What makes this specific st ignatius basketball roster so dangerous is the chemistry. They play "unselfish" basketball. You'll see games where five different players score in double digits. That is a nightmare to scout for because you can't just "shut down" one guy and expect to win.
Comparing the Two Powerhouses
It's funny. If these two teams played each other, it would be a total toss-up.
The Cleveland Wildcats (OH) currently sit at an 8-3 record as of mid-January, coming off a huge win against Centerville. They play a very physical, Ohio-style brand of ball. Meanwhile, the Chicago Wolfpack (IL) is sitting at 15-2 and is ranked nationally. They play that high-tempo, transition-heavy style that Chicago is famous for.
| Feature | St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) | St. Ignatius (Chicago, IL) |
|---|---|---|
| Mascot | Wildcats | Wolfpack |
| Head Coach | Tom Parker | Matt Monroe |
| Top Senior | RJ Jones (6'6" F) | Nico Harris (6'1" G) |
| Rising Star | Carlos Vaughn Jr. (So.) | Amir Tucker (So.) |
| Key Strength | Defensive Grit & Depth | Chemistry & Fast Break |
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of casual fans think these rosters are just built on "recruiting" or luck. That's not it. Both schools have massive JV and Freshman programs that feed the varsity level.
If you look at the freshman gold or blue rosters at either school, you’ll see 15+ kids deep. They are teaching the same system at age 14 that they use at age 18. By the time a kid like Alex Moore (a 6'9" sophomore in San Francisco—yes, there’s a third St. Ignatius there!) or Benjamin Los (Cleveland JV) hits varsity, they already know every set play by heart.
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Actionable Tips for Following the Season
If you’re trying to keep up with these teams or maybe you're a scout looking at these rosters, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
1. Watch the MaxPreps Rankings Weekly The rankings for both the Illinois 4A and Ohio Division I fluctuate every Tuesday. St. Ignatius (Cleveland) just jumped seven spots after their recent win streak.
2. Follow the "Next Gen" Players Don't just look at the seniors. In Cleveland, keep an eye on Denahi Melton. In Chicago, watch for Walker Ross. These are the players who will be the "faces of the program" by this time next year.
3. Check the "Strength of Schedule" The Wolfpack's 15-2 record is impressive, but look at who they’ve played. They are taking on national powerhouses. When you see a loss on their record, it’s usually to a top-25 team in the country.
4. Attend a Rivalry Game If you’re in Ohio, the St. Ignatius vs. St. Edward game is the "Holy War." If you’re in Chicago, any matchup against Loyola Academy or Fenwick is going to be high-intensity. That is where you see what these rosters are truly made of.
The reality is that "St. Ignatius" has become a brand name for elite basketball. Whether it’s the Wildcats or the Wolfpack, the current rosters are a masterclass in how to blend veteran leadership with young, explosive talent.
Keep an eye on the box scores for the rest of January. Both teams are heading into the meat of their conference schedules, and that is where champions are actually made. Don't be surprised if you see both names deep in the state tournament brackets come March.