Here are some teams to watch out for in this tournament. 32 team event and Metamora is the first team outside of the Chicago Area to play in the event. Tough one to win with 5 games in 5 days. Deepest event in Chicago Area. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Metamora: Defending Class 3A Champs and had been to two straight title games. They have some pieces back with Winona State commit senior Tyler Mason, senior Luke Hopp, and junior Matt Zobrist. Senior Iowa commit Cooper Koch has transferred in from Notre Dame (Peoria) and has fit in well. One loss in Illinois over the last year.
SECOND FAVORITE: North (Downers Grove): Have some veterans back that went to the Class 4A State Finals for the first time. Seniors Princeton commit Jack Stanton, Jake Riemer, and Own Thulin are returning starters. Senior Alex Miller joined the lineup as a knockdown three point shooter. Could meet Metamora in semifinals.
DARKHORSES: Riverside Brookfield: They have the big 7 footer Stefan Cicic who can wreck havoc on both ends of the court scoring on the interior and rim protecting. Senior guard Steven Brown has stepped in and run the team that has only one loss. Sophomore star Cameron Mercer can go off for a big night scoring from three and attacking the basket. Good chance to be in title game. But could run into The Brook in the semifinals.
Bolingbrook aka The Brook: A bunch of experienced senior guards in Josh Aniceto, KJ Cathey, and DJ Strong do a little bit of everything. Junior JT Pettigrew is a double/double machine, rim protects, and can step out to hit threes. Freshman guard Davion Thompson has had some big scoring games early in the season and is a special talent who could explode in this tournament. Could have a matchup with Riverside Brookfield in semifinals.
UNKNOWN QUANTITY: Glenbrook South (Glenview): A team to watch out for as a sleeper. Senior Winona State commit Nick Taylor is an athletic inside/out force and a double/double threat. They have shooting in senior Nate Kasher, Dominic Johnson, and junior Anestis Hadjistamoulou. Could matchup with Metamora in the quarterfinals and push them to the limit.
A COUPLE OF PLAYERS TO ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES TO THE STATE WITH AUTHORITY: They have a tough first game matchup with Metamora. They have put up some nasty stats so far this season. That would be the Brooks Brothers of Hansberry College Prep (Chicago) playing in the Nobel school league. Juniors Al Brooks Jr has had a 26 rebounds game, his brother Ikee Brooks has had a 26 assist game. Both have recorded triple doubles in some games. Let's see if it translates to the opening round matchup and the rest of the tournament?
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