This is one of the newer Christmas tournaments in the Chicagoland Area but one of the best especially hospitality wise. The honor military veterans in this tournament consistently(I'm a Army Veteran), which gives it a great quality about it. Three Thanksgiving tournament champs are in the field DePaul College Prep(Chicago)(Battle Of The Bridge), Oak Forest( Dean Riley Tournament), and East(Oswego)(Hoops 4 Healing Tournament). A lot of contenders that could win it as the favorite is only a slight one.
FAVORITE: DePaul College Prep(Chicago) is ranked #7 in the Chicago Area by Big Tim. Stay backcourt of Senior guards Alex Gutierrez and Trevon Thomas. Sophomore Payton Kamin is one of the best three point snipers in the state on the wing at 6'6". Wisconsin Milwaukee signee Dylan Arnett(6'10") anchors the paint area. Coach Tom Kleinschmidt has done a great job replacing 5 starters as they are undefeated. Has a minefield of tests with possible matchups with undefeated #21 East(Oswego) and senior wing Patrick Robinson, and unranked Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights). Could meet #19 St Rita(Chicago) in the title game.
DANGEROUS TEAM: St Rita(Chicago) could win the title or lose in the quarterfinals. That is the wide range finish that could happen with a sophomore laden team. They have talented guards in Sophomore point guard Jaedin Reyna and junior Kaiden Space. They will have to learn to work through their talented sophomore big man duo of Illinois commit Morez Johnson Jr(6'9") and James Brown(6'9"). If this happens they can definitely get to the Final. Winner of Homewood Flossmoor/Willowbrook first round game could be a tough quarterfinal for them.
SLEEPER TEAM: Stevenson(Lincolnshire)- They are 7-2 and have no stars but are quietly having a pretty good season. Coach Pat Ambrose is one of the state's best and always has his teams competitive. They could get to the title game.
ALSO WATCH OUT FOR: Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) could upset the apple cart. They are talented enough to do so with senior guard Jeremiah Jones cold carry his team to a great tournament.
Top players(seniors unless noted):
Eliseo Gonzalez, Morton(Cicero)
Dakari Durham, Morton(Cicero)
Robbie Avila, Oak Forest
Fred Robinson, Oak Forest
Marquel Saleek, Willowbrook
Morez Johnson Jr, St Rita(Chicago), sophomore
James Brown, St Rita(Chicago), sophomore
Jaedin Reyna, St Rita(Chicago), sophomore
Kaiden Space, St Rita(Chicago), junior
Jeremiah Jones, Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights)
Patrick Robinson, East(Oswego)
DeVon Oregon, East(Oswego)
Darren Oregon, East(Oswego)
Alex Gutierrez, DePaul College Prep(Chicago)
Trevon Thomas, DePaul College Prep(Chicago)
Payton Kamin, DePaul College Prep(Chicago), sophomore
Dylan Arnett, DePaul College Prep(Chicago)
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