Teams near the top of the basketball standings have at least a couple players in their fourth — and sometimes fifth — year in the league. Experience rules in the Valley.
When Illinois State gained a share of its first Valley title in 19 years last season, seniors Paris Lee and Tony Wills were the catalysts. Not only did Lee earn the Larry Bird Trophy as the league's most valuable player, he also took the Defensive Player of the Year award. Wills was an all-league defensive pick.
Seniors Donte Ingram and Ben Richardson have helped Loyola to the verge of its first Valley title since joining the league in 2013.