Christmas is almost here, and that means the Holiday Tournaments are right around the corner. This year, I will be attending the Big Dipper at Rich South, the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic, the Hardwood Classic at Wheeling, and the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. Along with the five tournaments listed above, there are previews for 7 other tournaments around the area. In each tournament, I have listed my picks for the favorite, the sleeper, the Cinderella Story, the team with something to prove, and the team that is coming in with the most momentum.
The Big Dipper Tournament @ Rich South
Favorite: Morgan Park
Even though their record may not look great, Morgan Park has proven that they can beat and stay with the best teams in the country. The defending 3A State Champions are the clear favorite heading into the 45th Annual Big Dipper Tournament.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Butler Prep 7:00 PM
Sleeper: Rich East
Rich East may not have been on everyone’s radar at the beginning of the year, but they have quickly earned a rep for scoring A LOT of points. This includes dropping 105 in their first game of the season against Riverside-Brookfield. With that being said, the Rockets will definitely challenge you to keep up with them.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Farragut 2:30 PM
Cinderella Story: Leo
The Lions have the capability to go deep into this tournament. Even though their record may not look glamorous, they do have an impressive win on their resume against St. Rita, and have stuck right with DePaul Prep and St. Joseph as of late. Leo may turn some heads as 2017 comes to a close.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Michigan City (Ind.) 10:00 AM
Something to Prove: Romeoville
After getting blown out by Bolingbrook a week ago, the Spartans have some work to do come playoff time. Don’t get me wrong, Romeoville is a great team, but this will be a good test for them heading into the new year.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Chicago Ag. Science 5:30 PM
Who’s Hot: Hope Academy
Hope Academy has been rolling ever since their last loss to Benet, back at the Fenwick Thanksgiving Tournament on November 24th. The Eagles have won their last 8 games, and they haven’t been close. After making a run to the 1A state finals last year, Hope Academy has proven to be battle tested. I would not be surprised to see them make a run at Rich South this year.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Thornton Twp. 8:30 PM
Proviso West Holiday Tournament
Favorite: Whitney Young
The Dolphins come into the Proviso West Holiday Tournament as arguably one of the best in the state, holding a 10-1 record. With impressive wins already against Larkin and Fenwick, you can most likely expect Young to be in the championship on Saturday night.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS CICS Longwood 8:30 PM
Sleeper: Proviso East
Bouncing back from a slow start to the season a year ago, the Pirates are doing the exact opposite this year. Proviso East could definitely do some damage in the Proviso West Tournament, with a big overtime win against Willowbrook, they are off to a great start! It’s easy to get caught up in the powers of the CPL, but don’t sleep on the Pirates.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Bogan 5:30 PM
Cinderella Story: Fenwick
With arguably one of the toughest schedules in the state, Fenwick hasn’t started off the year the way they hoped. But as of late, Coach Malnoti’s Friars have taken down Brother Rice and Peoria Manuel, all on the road. With one more game before the Tournament hits, Fenwick is climbing the later once again and could make a run come late December.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Proviso West 12:30 PM
Something to Prove: Bogan
After being recognized as one of the top teams in Chicago at the start of the season, Bogan hasn’t quite lived up to the hype they have received, losing to St. Charles North and being blown out by Simeon. Heading into the Tournament at 6-3, the Bengals have a great opportunity to show how tough they really are against some of the best competition in the Chicagoland area.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Proviso East 5:30 PM
Who’s Hot: New Trier
Off to a great start at 7-0, the Trevians are undefeated with big wins over rival Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius, and Maine South. With only one game before December 27th, New Trier is right where they want to be leading up to Proviso West. Keep an eye on the Trev’s.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Hillcrest 4:00 PM
Hardwood Classic Tournament @ Wheeling
Favorite: Niles North
Arguably one of the best suburban teams in the Chicagoland area, Niles North is 8-0 and the clear favorite heading into the Hardwood Classic. A battle tested team beating DePaul Prep and Evanston, it seems like the Vikings control their own destiny. Excited to see North next week.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Vernon Hills 9:00 AM
Sleeper: Notre Dame
After seeing Notre Dame earlier this season, I was very impressed with what I saw. A young team with a new coach, and with big time programs like Fremd, Niles North, Geneva, and Waukegan, it’s easy to overlook the Dons come Holiday Tournament time. I would not be surprised at all to see Notre Dame make a run.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Geneva 2:00 PM
Cinderella Story: Fremd
A year after the Vikings magical season, Coach Widlowski’s squad has still remained one of the tougher programs in the area. With one game left before Wheeling, keep an eye on the defending Hardwood Classic Tournament Champs next week.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Wheeling 7:15 PM
Something to Prove: Waukegan
The Waukegan Bulldogs have had their ups and downs so far this season. With big wins this year against Lake Zurich, Mundelein, and rival North Chicago, the Bulldogs have proven that they can play with the best competition in the North Suburbs. It will be interesting to see how Waukegan plays next week against a solid lineup of schools in the Hardwood Classic.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Deerfield 5:30 PM
Who’s Hot: Prospect
Prospect did not start of the season on the right foot, dropping their first two games at the St. Viator Thanksgiving Tournament. Since their first win against Libertyville, the Kinights are on a 7 game win streak. With only one more conference game before Christmas, Prospect is one of the hottest teams in the Northwest Suburbs.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Maine West 12:15 PM
Pontiac Holiday Tournament
Favorite: Simeon
The #1 seed in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, possibly #1 in the state, Simeon comes in as the favorite. Off to a 6-0 start, the Wolverines have wins this year against rival Morgan Park, Bogan, and 3 out of state teams. Coach Smith’s team will come ready to play, and the Pontiac Tournament will be a good test for Simeon.
First Game: Dec. 28 VS Pontiac 7:30 PM
Sleeper: Danville
Not too many people from the Chicagoland area know about Danville, but those who do will tell you they’re a real tough squad. Beating Orr, the defending 2A state champions is a big resume builder for the Vikings. Last year Danville took down the #1 seeded Curie Condors and shocked the tournament. This year, you can’t sleep on Danville.
First Game: Dec. 28 VS Plainfield North 6:00 PM
Cinderella Story: West Aurora
The Blackhawks under Coach Johnson have been solid so far this year. West is 7-1 with notable wins against Hinsdale Central, St. Charles North, and York. Even though their record is impressive, it will be a tough road for West Aurora from the first game on. The Blackhawks were eliminated from the Championship bracket last year by Danville.
First Game: Dec. 28 VS Warren Twp. 9:00 AM
Something to Prove: Curie
So far this season, the Condors are undefeated against Illinois teams. Curie has beaten big time programs such as Orr, Morgan Park, Farragut, and St. Rita, and are 6-1. The reason Curie is here; is because they haven’t beaten Simeon. This is a golden opportunity for the Condors to show that they are not only the best at Pontiac, but they’re the best in the City. Curie is seeded #2 behind Simeon.
First Game: Dec. 28 VS Niles West 10:30 AM
Who’s Hot: Oak Park-River Forest
With huge wins this year over Rich East and crosstown rival Fenwick, the OPRF Huskies are off to a hot start. A 7-0 record and ranked the #3 seed at Pontiac, the Huskies could make some noise and possibly give the top seeds a run for their money.
First Game: Dec. 28 VS Lockport 1:00 PM
Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic
Favorite: Bolingbrook
The defending Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic Tournament Champions are back and are again the favorite at the HCHC this year. After their undefeated record was snapped a week ago in Iowa, the Raiders are looking to bounce back with a solid performance at the HCHC. Bolingbrook had 3 wins at the Thanksgiving Tournament in Decatur and a huge win against Romeoville.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Urban Prep-Englewood 5:15 PM
Sleeper: Homewood-Flossmoor
Homewood-Flossmoor has had its ups and downs this year. Even though they are not the same team as last year, the Vikings have proven this year that they are no pushover. With big win over highly regarded Lincoln-Way East, and Bloom Township, don’t be surprised to see HF turning some heads.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Stevenson 11:00 AM
Cinderella Story: DePaul Prep
The Rams of DePaul Prep have a ton of talent, and have a bunch of impressive wins this season. These include victories over Notre Dame, Benet, St. Laurence, and Leo. The 7-1 Rams have a tough road to get to the Championship, but it will be a good test to see what Coach Kleinschmidt’s squad is made of before games in the Chicago Catholic League heat up.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Crete-Monee 9:30 AM
Something to Prove: Stevenson
Some have said that North Suburb powerhouse Stevenson is down this year. According to their 6-4 record, their only notable accomplishments have been 4 wins at the Palatine Thanksgiving Tournament, and a conference win against Libertyville. The HCHC may be the opportunity that the Patriots were looking for to say we are still one of the best in Lake County. This is a big week for Stevenson.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Homewood-Flossmoor 11:00 AM
Who’s Hot: Urban Prep-Englewood
Urban Prep-Englewood is off to a 7-0 start this season, and has impressive wins this year against Hubbard and Crane. Even though the Lions haven’t played many big schools, it will be interesting to see how they handle the big time competition.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Bolingbrook 5:15 PM
Chuck Dayton Holiday Classic @ Dekalb
Favorite: Naperville Central
The Redhawks come into the Chuck Dayton Holiday Classic at 6-2, sitting 3rd in the DuPage Valley Conference, behind undefeated Wheaton-Warrenville South and rival Naperville North. With notable wins this year against Zion-Benton and Buffalo Grove, Central comes in as the favorite.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Douglass 1:45 PM
Sleeper: Mundelein
Not really known for their basketball, the Mustangs off to a great start. So far, Mundelein is 6-3 and have huge conference wins against Stevenson and Zion-Benton. The Mustangs have proven that they can hang with the best. Keep an eye on Mundelein throughout this one.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Belvidere North 8:00 PM
Cinderella Story: South Elgin
The South Elgin Storm have come into Dekalb at 6-2, right behind West Aurora in the Upstate Eight Valley. SEHS have big time wins this year against Burlington Central and Bartlett. The Storm could be a contender, and make a run at the Chuck Dayton Holiday Classic.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Chicago ACE Tech 4:45 PM
Something to Prove: Lemont
After starting off the year 3-0 with a big win against Lockport, the Indians have cooled off, losing their last 4 of 7. Lemont has the talent to do some damage in the South Suburban Blue, and the Chuck Dayton Holiday Classic is a great opportunity for Lemont to get back on track.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Chicago Vocational 3:15 PM
Who’s Hot: Schurz
Off to an 8-0 start this year, Schurz has dominated the White North in the Chicago Public League. After beating Elgin, Payton, and an overtime win against Collins, the Bulldogs are the hottest team heading into Dekalb. Schurz will be a big time factor come next week.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS Marmion Academy 10:30 AM
Plano Christmas Classic
Favorite: Burlington Central
The #1 seed in the massive Plano Christmas Classic, the Rockets are the favorite. Burlington Central is 6-2 and have wins over Crystal Lake South and Genoa-Kingston, and have been right there in their two loses to Nazareth and South Elgin. The Rockets earned the bye and will play the winner between Mendota and Morris.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS TBA 7:00 PM
Sleeper: Clemente
Clemente comes into Plano seeded #12, but with young talent the Wildcats have, you can’t count them out. Notable wins that Clemente has added to their resume have been against Wells and Raby. In a big field like this, it’s easy to sleep on some teams, but don’t sleep on Clemente.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Wilmington 5:30 PM
Cinderella Story: Harlan
The 13th ranked Harlan Falcons don’t have the best looking record this year at 3-5. But they have played some of the best competition Chicago has to offer such as Curie, Simeon, Hyde Park, and Kenwood in the Red South Central. With more manageable games for Harlan, keep an eye on the young team to make a run.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Plano 7:00 PM
Something to Prove: Ottawa
After a 4-4 start, Ottawa sits 3rd in the Northern Illinois Big 12 West. The Pirates have two notable wins this year against Sterling and Oak Forest. A very talented squad with lots of potential, the Plano Holiday Classic is a great chance to build up some momentum heading into conference play. Ottawa will play the winner between the host Plano and Harlan.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS TBA 3:30 PM
Who’s Hot: Newark
Since their loss at the Seneca Thanksgiving Tournament, Newark has won their last 5 of 6 games. The 1A powerhouse has big wins this year against Illiana Christian and Plano. The #2 seeded Norsemen will play the winner of Crane and Coal City.
First Game: Dec. 27 VS TBA 10:30 AM
Jack Tosh Holiday Classic @ York
Favorite: Naperville North
The 8-0 Huskies are heading into the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic as the favorite. 2nd in the DuPage Valley conference behind Wheaton-Warrenville South, Naperville North has 4 wins at the Hoops for Healing Thanksgiving Tournament, as well as big wins against West Aurora and Joliet West.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Elk Grove 7:30 PM
Sleeper: Batavia
Batavia is making a lot of noise in the very competitive Upstate Eight River, sitting at 7-1 overall with one final game to play before Christmas. With notable wins this year over rival Geneva and Streamwood, keep an eye on the Bulldogs throughout.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Nazareth Academy 3:00 PM
Cinderella Story: Sandburg
Sitting 1st in the Southwest Suburban Blue, Sandburg is 8-1 with lots of upside to their game. The Eagles have taken down schools such Lemont, Thornton Township, and St. Ignatius. With an impressive resume like this, the Eagles are very capable of making a run deep at York.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Highland Park 4:30 PM
Something to Prove: Hinsdale South
As one of the highly regarded suburban teams at the start of the year, Hinsdale South hasn’t had too many signature wins this year. The Hornets have taken down Conant, but haven’t prevailed against solid squads in Maine South and Willowbrook. I know it sounds nitpicky, but with a competitive field like the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, Hinsdale South could gain a lot of momentum and confidence heading into the second half of the season.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Rolling Meadows 1:30 PM
Who’s Hot: St. Laurence
The Vikings of St. Laurence have gotten off to a fast start this year. So far, St. Laurence has notable wins against St. Joseph, Oak Lawn, and Rich East. A big surprise thus far, the red hot Vikings have one more game before York, and could cause some problems for a lot of teams next week.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Oswego 8:30 AM
Hinkle Holiday Classic @ Jacobs
Favorite: Jefferson
So far, the J-Hawks are 2nd in the NIC-10 and are the favorite at the Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs. Jefferson is 8-2 on the year and have wins against programs such as St. Rita, Larkin, Auburn, and Rockford East. A very talented team will be a big factor come next week.
First Game: Dec. 22 VS Barrington 6:00 PM
Sleeper: Barrington
The 6-2 Broncos are heading into the Hinkle Holiday Classic coming off a loss to Palatine. Barrington has wins this year against Prairie Ridge, Hoffman Estates, and Wheeling. The Broncos will not have an easy road at Jacobs, but may be a problem for some teams along the way.
First Game: Dec. 22 VS Jefferson 6:00 PM
Cinderella Story: Payton
An up and coming Chicago Public League team comes into Jacobs 6-4 overall, and 3-1 in the White North. The Grizzles have big wins this year against De La Salle, Taft, and Douglass. Keep an eye on Payton throughout the Hinkle Holiday Classic.
First Game: Dec. 22 VS Prairie Ridge 4:30 PM
Something to Prove: Grant
Not off to a start the Bulldogs pictured, Grant enters the Hinkle Holiday Classic at 2-5 overall. Even though Grant has 5 losses, they have been in contention every game. This is a great opportunity for Grant to turn things around for the second half of the season and build some confidence.
First Game: Dec. 22 VS Streamwood 4:30 PM
Who’s Hot: Jacobs
The host Golden Eagles are off to a great start this year at 6-2, sitting 1st in the Fox Valley Conference. Jacobs has victories against Maine West and Palatine. They also have an overtime loss to York and a 3-point loss to Warren. The Golden Eagles control their own destiny and can make a run at home.
First Game: Dec. 22 VS Marian Central Catholic 7:30 PM
ICCP/Westmont Christmas Classic
Favorite: St. Edward
St. Edward is the favorite heading into the ICCP/Westmont Christmas Classic with an overall record of 9-1. The winners of the Westminster Christian Thanksgiving Tournament, St. Ed’s has signature wins against Joliet Catholic, Marmion Academy, and Ridgewood. Expect the Green Waves to be in contention throughout the tournament.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Perspectives Leadership 4:30 PM @ Westmont
Sleeper: Latin
The 6-2 Romans have cooled off as of late after a 6-0 start to the year. Latin has a lot of young talent and upside coming out of the Independent School Conference. The Romas have notable wins this year against Lisle and University Lab of Chicago. Keep an eye on Latin next week.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Eisenhower 6:00 PM @ ICCP
Cinderella Story: Montini
You don’t usually think basketball when you think of Montini, but the Broncos are 6-2 overall and have lots of size. This year the Broncos have beaten Northridge Prep, Mt. Carmel, and Bishop McNamara. Montini is a possible threat to a lot of smaller schools in the tournament and could do some damage along the way.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Fenton 3:00 PM @ Westmont
Something to Prove: IC Catholic Prep
The Knights are off to a solid start sitting at 7-3 overall, and 3-2 in the Metro Suburban Blue. IC Catholic Prep has big wins this year against Lisle, Riverside-Brookfield, and Illiana Christian. This is a big stage for the host Knights as they can show a lot of schools that they may see in March that they are no pushover.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Elmwood Park 7:30 PM @ ICCP
Who’s Hot: Westmont
The red hot Sentinels of Westmont are 9-0 heading into next week. Leading the way in the Interstate Eight, Westmont has notable wins against Peotone, Coal City, and 4 wins at the Lisle Thanksgiving Tournament. Westmont is one of only a couple teams in the Chicagoland area to say they are undefeated with 9 wins.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Phoenix Military Academy 7:30 PM @ Westmont
East Aurora Holiday Tournament
Favorite: Aurora Central Catholic
The 3-4 Chargers of Aurora Central Catholic come into the East Aurora Holiday Tournament as the favorite. Even though the Chargers record may not look so great, they have a lot of senior leadership and can score quickly. ACC has taken down Joliet Catholic, IC Catholic Prep, and Glenbard South. The Chargers should have a manageable road to make it to the championship on Friday.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Neuqua Valley 4:30 PM
Sleeper: Oswego East
With one more game before Christmas, Oswego East is 3-5 overall. East has wins this year against Hinsdale Central, Glenbard East, and Neuqua Valley. The Wolves are under new leadership this year and could be dangerous in the East Aurora Holiday Tournament.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Wells 1:00 PM
Cinderella Story: East Aurora
The host Tomcats are 1-9 overall this year under 1st year head coach Rick Robinson. A recent victory over West Chicago got East to 1-1 in the Upstate Eight Valley. The Tomcats have always played well in their tournament. Don’t be surprised to see the home team make a run.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Argo 6:15 PM
Something to Prove: Neuqua Valley
Neuqua Valley is not off to a great start this season at 2-7. The Wildcats do have wins against Oswego and rival Waubonsee Valley. Neuqua is a well-coached team under Todd Sutton, and if they are looking to get some momentum heading into the second half of the season, the East Aurora Holiday Tournament will be a good challenge for the Wildcats.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Aurora Central Catholic 4:30 PM
Who’s Hot: Wells
Coming into the East Aurora Holiday Tournament, Wells in 5-6 overall and 2-2 in the Chicago Public League White West. The Raiders are on a four game win streak and have wins against Douglass, Jones, and Phoenix Military Academy. Wells is the hottest team going into East Aurora and is looking to extend their win streak on Tuesday.
First Game: Dec. 26 VS Oswego East 1:00 PM
Glenbard West Holiday Tournament
Favorite: Willowbrook
The favorite heading into the Glenbard West Holiday Tournament is Willowbrook. The Warriors are 6-1 overall and have wins over rival Hinsdale South and Stagg. The only loss of the year was against Proviso East in overtime. Expect the Warriors to be in the championship next week at Glenbard West.
First Game: Dec. 23 VS Glenbard North 4:30 PM
Sleeper: Hoffman Estates
The 4-5 Hawks under Coach Yanule have one more game before Christmas. Hoffman Estates has big wins this season over Hersey and Niles West. HEHS has played its competition tough, and will challenge many teams at Glenbard West.
First Game: Dec. 23 VS St. Francis 3:00 PM
Cinderella Story: Lake Park
Entering the tournament at 2-5, the Lancers have played some tough competition early on against Downers Grove North, Wheaton-Warrenville South, and Naperville North. The two LP wins were against Metea Valley and Waubonsee Valley. Lake Park recently coming off an overtime loss to DuPage Valley powerhouse Naperville North, could definitely play a factor at Glenbard West on Saturday.
First Game: Dec. 23 VS Glenbard West 7:45 PM
Something to Prove: Glenbard West
Glenbard West enters Saturday at 4-4 overall. With young talent, the Hilltoppers have notable wins against Downers Grove North and Glenbard South. With the tournament starting on Saturday, the host Hilltoppers have a great opportunity to get hot before diving into conference play.
First Game: Dec. 23 VS Lake Park 7:45 PM
Who’s Hot: St. Francis
With back to back wins last weekend over rival Marmion Academy and Wheaton Academy, the Spartans of St. Francis enter the Glenbard West Tournament at 3-7. Starting off the year on the right foot in the Catholic League White, Saturday will give the Spartans a chance to gain even more momentum before CCL play gets busy. Keep an eye on St. Francis.
First Game: Dec. 23 VS Hoffman Estates 3:00 PM
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.