Illinois has the best high school holiday tournaments in the country and I usually get around to a few. Some tournaments were affected by covid19 in one way or another(Oak Forest, Maine South, and Fenwick). The Big Dipper was limited then went to no fans for the final two days. I attended three the year, Hinsdale Central, Jack Tosh at York, and Proviso West. I did watch a couple of others online and here's what I observed. Chicago Red Divisions dominated the holidays.
Jack Tosh:
The most talented holiday tournament in the area and #1 Glenbard West(Glen Ellyn) ran through it. They beat three ranked teams in the four games they actually played(got a bye because a team had covid issues). They were pushed in first halves vs Leo(Chicago) and Rolling Meadows before taking over in the second halves. Lyons Township(LaGrange) made the title game by upsetting Bolingbrook. Gonzaga commit Braden Huff was MVP.
Pontiac:
This year second best tournament as far as teams concerned, #2 Simeon Career Academy(Chicago) and Curie(Chicago) made the title game as usual both Chicago Red Division Teams(South/Central). Both had tough games to get there as New Trier(Winnetka) really pushed Simeon in the semifinals. Curie was pushed in quarterfinals and semifinals. Simeon won the title as junior Wesley Rubin won the AC Williamson award. It is a prestigious award that doesn't have to do with just your play. The AC Williamson award winner is given to the tournament player that best exhibits sportsmanship, leadership, hustle and determination. It's not just a statistics sheet award. The refs choose the winner.
Hinsdale Central:
Homewood Flossmoor repeats as champ as they breezed through the tournament winning most of their games by double digits. Won title game over previously undefeated Oswego East. Senior forward Christian Meeks wins MVP of the tournament. Host Hinsdale Central won third place in a great result for them over Stevenson(Lincolnshire).
Proviso West:
Kenwood Academy(Chicago) won the title over Whitney Young(Chicago) in a Battle of Chicago Public League Red Division rivals. Title game both teams were without their point guards Darrin "Dai Dai" Ames(ankle) for Kenwood, and Dalen Davis(undisclosed) for Whitney Young. Michelle Clark(Chicago) won third place over Proviso East(Maywood).
Wheeling:
Glenbrook South(Glenview) beat Glenbrook North(Northbrook) in Battle of Glenbrook. Both Central Suburban South teams. Won by 23 points as senior Nick Martinelli won MVP of the tournament. Cooper Noard has a game where he scored as many as the entire team(29 points).
Big Dipper:
Hyde Park(Chicago) won the title in a mild surprise over #4 Hillcrest(Country Club Hills). Senior Davontae Hall won MVP though he did not play much in the title game due to injury. Perspectives Leadership(Chicago) won the third place game over a short handed Thornton Township(Harvey) team. Another Chicago Public League Red Division team wins a tournament.
Maine East:
Lane Tech(Chicago) beat Maine East(Park Ridge) for the title. Another Chicago Public League Red Division team winning a holiday title. Sophomore Shaheed Soledo won MVP of the tournament. Westinghouse(Chicago) took third place over Elk Grove.
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