Here are some teams to watch for in this tournament. Tough one to win as there are 32 teams. You have to win 5 games in 6 days for the title. Seven ranked teams according to Big Tim's Super 25. Deepest event in Chicago Area. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Bolingbrook: They are back full bore as juniors Trey Brost and Jayden Madden return from injuries. Senior Valpariso commit JT Pettigrew is a double/double machine. Sophomore Davion Thompson is a stone cold scoring machine. Freshman Brady Pettigrew is feeling his way as a starter. They lost the title game in overtime to Metamora last season. Looks to finish one place better this year.
SECOND FAVORITE: St Laurence (Burbank): Lots of senior experiencce but sophomore combo guard Markese Peoples has been a double/double machine lately. They have a division one point guard in senior EJ Mosley (Purdue Fort Wayne). Senior Zerrick Johnson is a two way guard who effects games on both ends. They go though as senior Jacob Rice goes. When he's engaged the entire game this team goes to another level. Seniors Bradley Stratton (three point specialist) and Caleb Lindsey give bench depth. Sophomore Reggie Stevens is another three point sniper in the starting lineup.
DARKHORSES: St Patrick (Chicago): Another team with senior experience. Seniors EJ Breland (Pittsburg State commit) is a 4 year starter. Nevaeh Hawkins is a rim protector on the interior. Anthony Favia and Cooper Kavanaugh are sharp shooters. Junior RJ McPartlin is a rebounder and rim protector on the interior.
Fenwick (Oak Park): Experienced team and lots of guard play. Three and four year starters all over the place. Seniors Ty Macariola, Dominick Ducree, Deonte Meeks and Michigan football commit Nate Marshall. They play ten players extensively.
St Ignatius College Prep (Chicago): Northwestern commit senior Phoenix Gill, and junior Chris Bolte are the leaders. Junior Nico Harris and seniors Ryan Cavanagh and Alex Anaya handle point guard duties.
UNKNOWN QUANTITIES: Such a deep tournament there are two to me:
Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn): Was rolling along undefeated till a 20 point loss at Lyons Township (LaGrange) which is a tough place to play. Juniors Thaddeaus "TJ" Williams and Josh Abushanab are their most talented players. Northwestern football commit senior Mike O'Connell is an inside force that can step out and hit threes. Senior football players Domnic Seaney and Julian Yeh give them depth along with senior Bryce Huff.
Rolling Meadows: Lots of talent but will they show up consistently to make a run to the title? Lots of experience (a theme with the teams here). Seniors Marquette commit Ian Militec, Jack Duffer, Gavin Escobedo, and Lazar Lazarevic give them shooters, scorers, and rebounders all over the court.
SLEEPER PLAYERS TO ANOUNCE THEMSEVLES WITH AUTHORITY:
Markese Peoples, St Laurence (Burbank) ) (sophomore)
Thaddeaus "TJ" Williams, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn) (junior)
Tony Balanganayi, Palatine (junior) (big time football player)
Jacob Fuller, Glenbrook South (Glenview) (sophomore)
Michael Nee, Glenbard East (Lombard) (junior)
Simon Mosclin, Highland Park
Athan Berchos, Andrew (Tinley Park)
Darien Green, Christ The King College Prep (Chicago)
Cameron Mercer, Riverside Brookfield (junior)
Danny Loftus, Riverside Brookfield
Comments