Throughout Week 10, there were a lot of teams that have bright futures. A majority of these teams have young talent that is really impressive to watch now. Its fun to sit back and think of how good some of these teams will be within the next year or two. All of the teams that I saw have the capability do do some damage come March. Now is the time for teams to heat up and get streaky. Here are the places I went and the teams i saw.
January 23, 2018
Prospect 62 Glenbrook South 36
Prospect took care of Glenbrook South Tuesday evening 62-36. The Knights had 4 players in double digit figures, including Sam Murray with 14 points, David Swedura and Jon Kreidler 12 with points, and Jalen McLachlan with 10 points. The Titans couldn’t get anything going in the first half, and by the time they did, they couldn’t recover. Sophomore Dom Martinelli led the way with 11 points for South.
Experience: Jean Walker Field House at Prospect High School is impressive. I can only imagine the big games that were held here throughout the years. The staff at Prospect were very friendly and helpful. The Knights provided programs and rosters for the game. Tons of parking outside the Field House. Not much of an atmosphere on a Tuesday night Nonconference game. I would love to come back and watch an MSL Conference game here on a Friday night.
January 26, 2018
Geneva 71 Batavia 62
In front of a packed crowd at Geneva, the Vikings knocked off rival Batavia by a final score of 71-62. Jack McDonald led all scorers with 32 points. Mitch Mascari also had 20 points in the Geneva victory. The Bulldogs were led by Kyle LeFevre with 18 points, Eric Peterson with 15 points, and sophomore Jayden Johnson with 15 points. Great atmosphere throughout!
Experience: I’ve been to Geneva a few times before, and have always been impressed with the atmosphere. This was the first time that I have attended a Batavia VS Geneva basketball game, and I was very impressed. Both student sections sold out and gave the game a great feel. The gym itself at Geneva was gorgeous! The stands are huge, and the hanging scoreboard at center court was really cool. Geneva provided souvenir programs with updated rosters. There were a lot of options at the concession stand as well. A must see rivalry!
January 27, 2018
War on the Shore @ Loyola Academy
New Trier 62 St. Viator 48
Brian Conaghan (13 points) and the Trevians took down St. Viator in the first game of the War on the Shore Shootout at Loyola Academy. Even without big man Ciaran Brayboy, New Trier looked good in the 62-48 victory. Junior Treyvon Calvin was very impressive for the Lions. He led St. Viator with 20 points.
Evanston 68 Geneva 61
Evanston was just too much for Geneva, as they came away with a 68-61 win on Saturday afternoon. Lance Jones led the way with 28 points, while Jaheim Holden added 21 points for the Wildkits. Junior Mitch Mascari showcased his range from beyond the arc, while also displaying some tough defense throughout for the Vikings.
Experience: Great match ups at the War on the Shore. Loyola Academy was a good size for the crowd attending. It didn’t feel jammed packed, it was definitely crowded, which game it a nice atmosphere. It cost $5 to get in for all 3 games. Plenty of parking right outside the gym. Nice selection at the concession stand, along with some back sale items for the Danny Did Foundation. The gym had an older feel to it, but was also well kept. Took care of the media and coaches with a hospitality area where you could still watch the games. Great shootout overall!
Make sure to follow Hardwood Preps Illinois on Twitter and Instagram for constant updates, pictures, and information regarding Illinois High School Basketball! Keep a lookout for Week 11 Review coming soon.