What a crazy week. By far, this week did not go according to plan. But at any rate, it was another successful 5 days of covering high school basketball. This week, I saw a lot of really impressive sophomores, lots of stellar performances at the free throw line, and a big surprise along the way. Here's the week recap on where I went and who I saw.
November 28, 2017
Hinsdale South 48 Andrew 42
The Hornets of Hinsdale South took care of the Andrew Thunderbolts 48-42. Heading into halftime, it looked like there was an upset brewing as Andrew was in front by 9 points. The T-Bolts were patient on offense, made their free throws, and waited for open shots. Once the 3rd quarter started, it was Hinsdale South’s turn. Iowa State commit Zion Griffin took control, finishing with 15 points. Griffin is the real deal. A very athletic and mature ballplayer. Evan Yerkes (8 pts) led the Thunderbolts in scoring. The Hornets won their home opener in front of a good weeknight crowd.
Experience: The gym itself was decent. The atmosphere was even better. The Hornets had their student section and pep band out for a Tuesday night game, which was cool to see on a school night. Widest variety of music I’ve heard all year. Hinsdale South staff was friendly. Would go back again.
November 29, 2017
Westmont 60 Peotone 43
Westmont stays unbeaten as they rolled by Peotone 60-43 on Wednesday night. Caden Anderson got the Sentinels off to a hot start, contributing 7 of the teams 17 points in the 1st quarter. Anderson would finish with 11. Junior Michael Thompson led Westmont with 16 points. Sophomore Alex Pietrzak was impressive, finishing with 15 points on the night. Peotone was led by Senior Jack Halverson (14 pts). Coach Etheridge’s Sentinels are still very young, but look solid early in the season. Keep an eye on them in 2A.
Experience: Well run high school basketball game. The gym was just okay, but the pep band sounded great. Don’t get that too often from a smaller school. Nice to see the student section supporting their boys on a weeknight game. The programs they give you before the game give a lot of information on Westmont athletics. Lots of parking. Night well spent.
November 30, 2017
7th Annual Burney Wilkie Classic @ Aurora Christian
Marmion Academy 62 Aurora Central Catholic 60
The Marmion ACC basketball rivalry is back! Both student sections went above and beyond to cheer on their team, adding to the intensity of the rivalry. It was back and forth the whole game. With Marmion leading 48-38 heading into the 4th quarter, it looked like the Cadets had figured things out. But ACC came all the way back to even take the lead at one point in the 4th quarter. But Marmion would have the last laugh as Senior Mick Sullivan (29 pts) gave the Cadets the game winning dunk to finish off the Chargers. The Academy won by a score of 62-60. Junior Tommy Surges (17 pts) was clutch at the free throw line (10/11) for Marmion. Aurora Central Senior Kyle Czerak had an incredible game, leading all scorers with 37 points, while converting 13 of 15 free throw opportunites. It was a game to remember.
Experience: Fairly new gym. Didn’t have the numbers on the side of the scoreboard working to show points and fouls. Sound carries easily, which could make for a loud game. Decent tournament. Easy access from the highway. Need to go and see the home team play next time.
December 1, 2017
Providence St. Mel VS Mt. Carmel
Experience: Avoid at all costs. It was tough to figure out where to enter the school. Entrance to the gym was locked, and had to be let in by security. Wouldn’t accept my media credentials, refusing to let me cover the game. Inflexible and difficult staff. If you want to see the Knights play, you’re better off seeing them on the road. Providence St. Mel was a huge disappointment.
Chicago Elite Classic @ UIC Pavilion
Lyons Township 56 Riverside-Brookfield 55
What an unbelievable finish to this rivalry matchup! Lyons Township survives Riverside-Brookfield 56-55 in the Chicago Elite Classic. After a slow start in the first half, the Bulldogs started chipping away at the Lions lead. With late game heroics from Ryan Cicenas (15 pts) and Zach Vaia (12 pts) giving RB the lead a few times in the last 2 minutes of play, it didn’t end up being enough. LT’s Tyrese Shines (13 pts) put the Lions up for good with 3.8 seconds to go in the game. Nolan Niego (14 pts) lead Lyons Township in scoring.
Oak Park-River Forest 64 Fenwick 59
The Pavilion was rocking for the OPRF Fenwick game, as both schools pulled out all the stops, drawing huge student sections for the Chicago Elite Classic. In an intense rivalry game, the Huskies knocked off Fenwick 64-59. Isaiah Fuller (19 pts) was impressive for OPRF, converting 9 of 10 opportunities at the free throw line. Dashon Enoch and Chase Robinson also contributed 9 points a piece in the Huskies victory. Damari Nixon (18 pts) and DJ Steward (13 pts) led the way for Fenwick. Oak Park-River Forest stays unbeaten on the season.
Experience: After being denied by Providence St. Mel, the people at the Chicago Elite Classic were amazing. This was a last minute decision for me to attend. Without applying for credentials ahead of time, they welcomed me in, providing me with everything I needed and more. Great placed to see high level basketball. A must see high school basketball event. First class.
December 2, 2017
Glenbrook North 54 Glenbrook South 43
The Spartans of Glenbrook North kept their undefeated season going with a 54-43 win over rival Glenbrook South. It was bombs away for GBN as they ended with nine 3 pointers on the evening. Senior Evan Barnes (21 pts) had 4 of those 9 from behind the arc, while also converting 7/8 free throws. Barnes lead all scorers. Brian Johnson also chipped in 9 points for the Spartans. The Titans were led by Youth. Sophomore Dom Martinelli (9 pts) lead GBS in scoring. Sophomore Stevon Boyd (5 pts) was very impressive, using his athleticism to cause a few turnovers throughout the game. Glenbrook North moves to 6-0 on the season. Even though Glenbrook South has only one win this year, they are very projectable. With new head coach Phil Ralston at the helm, we may be hearing more from them next year.
Experience: There isn’t a gym in the state quite like Glenbrook South’s Titan Dome. It was a cool experience to see a rivalry game here. Friendly and helpful staff. Did not provide any rosters for fans. Huge cheerleading team! The popcorn was excellent. Very close to the highway. One of my favorite gyms out there. Highly recommend visiting if you’ve never been to GBS.
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