Week 3 went by quick! Even though I did not cover many games, the schools I did visit were incredible. They took me all over the area, and each game was well worth the trip. Here are the games I went to see and what I saw.
December 4, 2017
Tri-Point 61 Clifton Central 51
Tri-Point took care of the Central Comets on Monday night by a final score of 61-51. Mark Miller (25 pts) got the Chargers off to a hot start, and they would never look back. The senior finished with 17 points after only one quarter. Teammates Jacob Carrera finished with 17 points and Randal Ifft ended with 11 points. The Comets were led by Darryl Harris (15 pts). Canyon Burrow and Austin Boudreau added 10 points apiece in the loss.
Experience: About 20 minutes south of Kankakee, the “Crater” can fit up to 1,800 people in its bowl-shaped gym. The lights turn off, strobe lights circle the gym, and the cheerleaders form a tunnel while waving big glow in the dark batons as home team takes the court and when the lineups are introduced. A very cool tradition that is one of a kind. Hidden gem, well worth the drive. Central hosts a 2A Sectional this March.
December 5, 2017
Leo 75 St. Rita 65
With a solid crowd on hand to watch Leo and St. Rita, the Lions would pull of the upset by a final of 75-65. Lots of physical play, and tension swirled around the Bandbox, which made for a great game between these two respected South Side Catholic schools. Junior Fred Cleveland was unstoppable that nigh, finishing with 35 points. A very impressive debut by the Urban Prep-Englewood transfer on his new home court. Big man DeChaun Anderson added 14 pts in the Leo victory. The Mustangs were led by a very impressive performance by Jordan Matthews (24 pts).
Experience: What an amazing gym. Very cool to see something like this still in use today. Brand new gym floor. Very passionate and positive fan base at Leo. There are lots obstructions from the balcony. Not a lot of parking as you can imagine. Gym got really loud. Classic Chicago Catholic League atmosphere. The Bandbox is a piece in history, highly recommend visiting.
December 6, 2017
Naperville Central 55 Neuqua Valley 39
Naperville Central cruised to a 55-39 win over Neuqua Valley on Wednesday night. The Redhawks had their way from the opening minute of play. A team effort as Ben Wolf (13 pts), Dillon Kane (12 pts), and Tyler O’Brien (10 pts) lead the charge in the Central victory. The Wildcats had contributions from Noah Herdman, Jonathan Tan, and Dubem Obguefi who each finished with 7 points.
Experience: Overall, there wasn’t anything special about the gym, but the Naperville Central staff did a great job to make it special. PA announcer was entertaining and energetic. Everything was updated in the gym and was a good place to watch a high school basketball game. Very close to downtown Naperville. Would love to see a Central VS North game here.
I apologize for not going to as many games this week. Next weeks article will come out on Monday as usual. I will be covering more games this week than I did last week, stay tuned for twitter updates on where I will be. Be sure to click on the icons at the top of the homepage and follow me on Twitter and Instagram if you already haven't. If you want to see more pictures from last week, they are on my Instagram page.