Here are some of the teams to watch out for in this tournament. A tough one to win with five games in five days for this 32 team event. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Rolling Meadows: 8th ranked Mustangs are a slight favorite lead by the best player in the state of Illinois 6'6" senior point guard Minnesota commit Cameron Christie. He can get any shot he wants at any spot on the court and finds his teammates. This is a shaky favorite if 6'7" senior wing Tsvet Sotirov is still out injured. Key will be the play of 6'7" forward Mark Nikolitch-Wilson who's a versatile inside/outside threat. I'll stick to this pick as 6'4" senior forward Foster Ogbonna and 6'6" sophomore wing Ian Militec have a chance to step up.
SECOND FAVORITE: St ignatius College Prep: If Rolling Meadows is not at fill strength then the 6th ranked Wolfpack will do. They are undefeated in the state of Illinois and have two division one signees, 6'5" wing George Mason commit Richard Barron, and 6'9" forward Miami (OH) commit Jackson Kotecki. They also have two young guns in 6'3" junior guard Reggie Ray, a big time slasher to the cup. The other one is 6'2" athletic point guard Phoenix Gill, son of former NBA player Kendall Gill. He'll have to be consistent if the Wolfpack are going to take the title.
DARKHORSES: Lyons Township (LaGrange): The 14th ranked Lions may not be a real darkhorse. They finished runner-up in this event last year and have guard play, size and shooting. Leader is 6'6" senior wing Penn commit Niklas Polonoski one of the best shooters in the state of Illinois. They also have 6'1" senior point guard Jackson Niego finds shooters and can hit three point shots himself. Size with 6'6" senior wing Graham Smith and Matthew DeSimone.
Lemont: They are undefeated and ranked 16th with the Castillo twins that are committed to Wisconsin Parkside, Rokas and Matas 6'2" guards. They can score on drives and three point shots, play intense defense and can hit the glass. The other guard who is key as a third scoring threat is 5'11" point guard Ryan Runaas. Rebounding will be key to if they can win the title.
UNKNOWN QUANTITY: Bolingbrook: The 19th ranked team have had some injuries and not sure who is available. Senior 6'0" point guard Miami (OH) commit Mekhi Cooper has been great this season scoring and assisting. Junior 6'2" point guard DJ Strong has played well as has 6'8" senior forward Keon Alexander. If they are at full strength could change the tournament.
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