Oldest holiday tournament in the United States. So much tradition and loaded with addition of DePaul College Prep (Chicago). 16 team tournment played over 3 days. Semifinals and title game are on the same day. 5 ranked teams according to Big Tim's Super 25. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Depaul College Prep (Chicago): I know they are the #2 seed but lots of championship pedigree on this team. Guard play is outstanding. Seniors Western Illinois commit Makai Kvamme, Robert Walls II along with juniors Rykan Woo and AJ Chambers. Junior big man Rashaun Porter mans the paint and senior Josh Johnson is a long range sniper. Consecutive state titles and all players have rings with exception of Woo.
SECOND FAVORITE: Benet Academy (Lisle): Somehow they received the #4 seed in this strong field. Strong guard play as senior Truman State commit Blake Fagbemi, and juniors Ryan Walsh and Jayden Wright are sharpshooters. Fagbemi attacks the paint strong and with bounce. Senior Illinois State commit wing Daniel Pauliukonis can take over a game, and junior big man Colin Stack is ever improving rim protector and finsiher from dunkers spot. Can step out and hit a three.
DARK HORSES: Simeon Career Academy (Chicago): I know people are saying ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THEY ARE THE #1 SEED!!!!! Seedings went out before their 3 game losing streak and junior Andre Tyler being out. Seniors Lorenzo Shields and Julien Doyle have performed brilliantly in this early season. Juniors Kamari Hamlin has knocked down threes. They'll need a healthy Tyler and a good tournament from junior Kassidy Nelson to win the tournament.
Curie (Chicago): They are always lurking and are defending champs. They play ten players but their top players are senior Brad Johnson Jr, and juniors Justin Oliver, Michael Oliver Jr, and Kendall Holliday. Could easily be undefeated coming into the event.
Manual (Peoria): They just got the #1 player in the state Dietrich Richardson back into the fold. Junior Josh Humbles has been scoring well in his absence. Junior Tony Bradford and seniors Terrence Paige and Amare Breedlove have played well.
UNKNOWN QUANTITIES:
West (Joliet): They have the talent but no telling how they'll do here. Could have a tough time in first round with Lockport or get to the Final. Talent is there. Senior Zion Gross, and juniors Ethan Hillsman, Mickeis Johnson and Aamir Shannon. Junior laden team.
New Trier (Winnetka): Two time state final four qualifier seems to still be finding it's way. They have a good guard line in senior Wash U St Louis commit Colby Smith, juniors Chris Kirkpatrick and Danny Houlihan. Junior big man Maks DePalo will have to rim protect if they hope to go far in the tournament.
SLEEPER PLAYERS TO ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES WITH AUTHORITY:
Josh Humbles, Manual (Peoria) (junior)
Kassidy Nelson, Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) (junior)
Kamari Hamlin, Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) (junior)
Ryan Walsh, Benet Academy (Lisle) (junior)
Payton Edwards, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights)
Elijah Lovemore, Bloom Township (Chicago Heights)
Travis Brown, West Aurora (sophmore)
Brad Johnson Jr, Curie (Chicago)
AJ Chambers, DePaul College Prep (Chicago)
Alex Gossett, Oak Park River Forest
Alex Vincent, Oak Park River Forest
Zion Gross, West (Joliet)
Anthony Kosi, Lockport
Nojus Venckus, Lockport
Chcago Public League has dominated here at Pontiac over the years. Might be the year someone other than Curie and Simeon Career Academy wins it.
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