There are some intriguing matchups for tomorrow night. Some higher seeded teams will have to go on the road in tough environments to win in. Some lower seeds have to play on higher seeds home courts. I'm one that thinks the Top 4 seeds should have home court in Regionals, but these games are always fun.
Class 4A:
Bartlett at Wheaton Warrenville South: Wheaton Warrenville South regional has the #2 seed against what Bartlett announcer calls "The 8th wonder of the world" the Polish Hammer Conrad Luzynski of Bartlett. Senior forward Tyler Fawcett is the star for Wheaton Warrenville South who will press and control tempo.
Curie at Hinsdale Central: This is a high seed(Curie) having to go on the road in a tough environment as Curie will not bring a lot of fans to the game. This will be a true road game for the Condors who have one senior(guard Phoenix Bullock) on their roster. I would not be surprised to see an upset here as the Red Devils are a pretty solid team.
Lyons(LaGrange) at Proviso East(Maywood): Another high seed that has to go on the road to play in a hostile environment. A lot of history in Pirate country(4 state titles). Lyons will bring plenty of fans as it's not a long drive from LaGrange. Lyons will have to control the pace as Proviso East loves to run run run.
Barrington at Buffalo Grove: Once again a high seed that has to play a game on the road(see a pattern here IHSA, change the regional rules please). Barrington is a hot team that won the Mid Suburban title, but senior Adidas Davis and Buffalo Grove will be waiting to be rude hosts.
Glenbrook North(Northbrook) at Evanston Township: High seed having to play on the road and this is a 4 vs 5. These teams are Central Suburban South Division foes who split the regular season series. Look for another tight one and the Evanston fans to pack the old Beardsley Gym( no Evanston fans I'm not coming to this one, win and I'll see you at Glenbrook South Sectional).
Rolling Meadows at Hoffman Estates: Once again a higher seed having to go on the road but the Mustangs got over the hump with a regional win last night. They only have one senior(Orlando Thomas) in the rotation. Hoffman Estates has a glittering 24-6 record but schedule has not been that strong.
Bloom Township(Chicago Heights) at Brother Rice(Chicago): Both talented teams and i think more evenly matched than most think. Cobb brothers(sophomore Gianni, junior KJ) vs junior backcourt of Ahmad Henderson II, Nick Niego and the Brother Rice Crazies who's probably the best student fan base in the state. Tough sledding for the Blazing Trojans who are the lower seed here.
Class 3A:
Fenwick(Oak Park) at Prosser(Chicago): Fenwick has had a down season with a young team and could have a tough time in the opposing gym.
Lake Forest at Antioch: This one could be tough as Antioch has played some good opponents to get themselves ready for this matchup.
Lemont vs Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) at Morris: Young Lemont team led by nationally ranked sophomore Nojus Industraitis vs senior Jermiah Jones who's underrated and Marian Catholic. Expect a tight one.
Class 2A:
Perspectives Leadership(Chicago) vs Longwood(Chicago) at Carver: White South Champs who's the higher seed here vs Red South Central opponent Longwood and big time sleeper senior guard Terrence "Tre" Jones who will have to turn it up in this game.
North Lawndale(Chicago) at Orr(Chicago): Three time defending Class 2A Champs Orr have a tough game but it is on their home turf. North Lawndale plays 10 players and shuffles them in and out, so should have no fatigue problems. Senior point guard Leontae Lilly is used to these pressure situations as he played a lot on the Final Four team(COVID stopped them from a fourth straight title) two years ago and could be the difference in this one.
If you win your regional post your pictures I'm going to make a picture collage on my site after tomorrow night's games. Happy hunting and blessings to all in this March Madness Survive and Advance time of the year.
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