At one time this was the most prestigious holiday tournament in the state. It has dropped some in recent years but has an addition this year that makes it very interesting. Highly regarded St Rita (Chicago) joins the field. Should make it very interesting. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Kenwood Academy (Chicago): Second ranked and defending champ the Broncos have a lot of talent in the stable. They've beaten Whitney Young (who's in the event), and West (Joliet). They are undefeated against in-state opponents even without highly regarded junior Chris Riddle (injury). Leader is 6'2"senior point guard Kansas State commit Darrin Ames. He has an able supporting cast in the backcourt with 6'0" senior guard Tyler Smith, 6'0" junior guard Isaiah Green. The front court will have to play well to win again with senior Solomon Mosley, and juniors Jaden Smith (6'11") and Calvin Robins Jr (6'5"). Loe title look for them to ease their way into the title game.
SECOND FAVORITE: Whitney Young (Chicago): They have faced a tough schedule so far and record of 8-4 is deceiving. They have a revenge angle here as they lost to Kenwood Academy in the title game last year. The fifth ranked dolphins have had exceptional play from 6'0" senior point guard Princeton commit Dalen Davis. He's been helped by 6'6" senior wing Daniel Johnson who's been recording double/doubles in points and rebounds on a consistent basis lately. They will need a consistent third scorer to emerge to win this tournament. Best candidate for this is 6'6" sophomore wing Antonio Munoz who has to guard 5's in their lineup.
DARKHORSE: St Rita (Chicago): A team with this much talent being called a dark horse shows the top heavy depth of this tournament. Nationally ranked juniors Illinois commit Morez Johnson Jr (6'9"), James Brown (6'10"), and Iowa State commit Nojus Industraitis (6'5"). They are 1-2 against top Illinois teams so far, but have found their footing in Chicago Catholic League play. Key is 6'0" junior point guard Jonathan Worthington White as to if they win this tournament or finish third. Anticipated semifinal game with Whitney Young should be juicy. Ranked 9th.
Proviso East (Maywood): Unranked but should make the semifinals and a date with Kenwood Academy (Chicago). They have an underrated guard in 6'5" senior Jaloni Johnson along with 6'0" point guard Emory Marshall. Bryce Coleman, a 6'7" senior forward will have to come up huge on both ends of the court in the interior. If these young men play at a high level could get to the title game.
BEST FIRST ROUND MATCHUP: Fenwick (Oak Park) vs Farragut Academy (Chicago): Both are young teams with Fenwick being sophomore laden(Damion Porter Jr, JT Pettigrew, Ty Macarciola) and Farragut having an underclassman backcourt (junior Jonathan Calmese, and freshman Latrell Kelly). The lone junior for Fenwick could be the difference and he is forward Darshan Thomas (6'6"). Farragut senior forward Justin Pickens (6'5") will need a big game scoring and on the glass.
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