Tournament has gotten a shot in the arm with addition of Warren Township (Gurnee). Chicago Public League flavor. Semifinals and title game should be especially good. Here we go:
FAVORITE: Kenwood Academy (Chicago): They add freshman guard Devin Cleveland back to the lineup. Senior DePaul commit Chris Riddle will need to have a consistent performance on both ends for them to win. Seniors Arizona State Jaden Smith and Calvin Robins Jr are rim protectors. Hard to score in the paint. Will need top performances from sophomore guard Rajon Roberts and senior Edwon Duling. Could have a semifinal date with Warren Township (Gurnee).
SECOND FAVORITE: Warren Township (Gurnee): Big time freshman points guard Jaxson Davis has shown he's ready for high school basketball as he's taken it by storm. Not just offensively, but on defense as well. You don't win 9 in a row with just one player. Junior Javerion Banks have been a consistent scorer on the wing. Seniors Alex Daniels, and Immanuel Brown have been doing a bit of everything on both ends of the court. Could have a semifinal date with Kenwood Academy (Chicago). Freshman Davis vs Cleveland matchup.
DARKHORSES: One of these teams in the upper bracket will likely get to the title game.
Lincoln Park (Chicago): Lots of talent that starts with junior wing Chayse Turner who will have to be consistent on both ends for the Lions to have a chance at the title. Sophomore Ahmad Lee will have to be a steady presence. Juniors Damian Pearson Jr, big man Keyshawn Barfield will have to stay out of foul trouble. Another key is senior leadership of Semaje Howard. Could have a semifinal date with Chicago Public League Red North/West rival Whitney Young (Chicago) who they've beaten already.
Whitney Young (Chicago): Another team with young talent as sophomores Marquis Clark, Rykan Woo, Nasir Rankin, Patrick Irvin Jr, Rico DeAlessandro all contribute. Freshman Howard Williams is another contributor. Key though to win the tournament will be senior Sean Brown, and junior Antonio Munoz. Not sure the availability of senior Damarjay Richardson? Could get some revenge in semifinal vs Lincoln Park (Chicago) who won regular season matchup.
UNKNOWN QUANTITY: Proviso East (Maywood): I saw them push ranked Mount Carmel (Chicago) for three quarters yesterday in the Chicagoland Invitational. Small but grimy and tough. Junior guard Isaiah Pickens is an explosive scorer but will need more help to win the event. Have a path to the semifinals and maybe further.
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