Were getting closer and closer to March, and were starting to have a good idea on the teams that will be playing a factor come tournament time, and which ones will just be looking to survive another day. This week, I saw a couple teams that will be a tough opponent in 4A. In the wild west that is 3A, there is definitely a team that will sneak up on you if you're not careful. Here are the schools I saw and the places I went.
January 30, 2018
Loyola Academy 37 St. Patrick 11
Loyola Academy came into St. Patrick Tuesday night and won the nonconference game 37-11. Holding the Shamrocks to 4 points in the first, 0 points in the second, 5 points in the third, and 1 point in the fourth, the Ramblers absolutely dominated on defense. Connor Barrett (13 points), Peter Mangan (7 points), Bennett Kwiecinski (7 points), and Jordan Kwiecinski (5 points) led the way for Loyola. Austin Freeman and Jakob Medina each had 4 points for St. Pats.
Experience: A very unique setup, Kurland Court has seating just about everywhere there is space. Between the main floor, balcony and even the stage, they utilize every inch at St. Pats. The concessions stand is on the second floor, located in the corner. It’s very easy to access any part of the gym, but it is tight. Not a lot of parking near the gym, but there is plenty of parking on the other side of the school. Nice rosters they handed out before the game. Would love to come back and watch the Shamrocks take on Notre Dame!
January 31, 2018
Proviso East 64 Downers Grove South 55
The Pirates were too much for Downers Grove South as they took the 64-55 victory Wednesday night. Quinlan Bennett led the way for Proviso East with 12 points. Jordan Morris and Devin Spencer each had 11 points, and Aaron Sykes finished with 10 points in the win. Justin Eagins (18 points) and Wesley Hooker (14 points) were the leading scorers for the Mustangs.
Experience: The Field House at Proviso east is very quirky, but that’s wat makes it special. There are a lot of sight line obstructions in the balcony, but you do get fairly close to the court on the main floor. You have to go through a metal detector before entering, and it’s a little tricky to find the gym if you’ve never been. Not a lot of parking near the Field House. There were rosters handed out at the door. Bleachers were kind of dirty. Lots of old pictures of former teams at Proviso East. One of the older venues in the west suburbs, a must see for any gymnasium fanatic.
February 1, 2018
Montini 80 Morton 64
In an action packed game, Montini defended their home court, beating Morton 80-64. A few technicals that got Morton back into the game in the 3rd quarter, but the Broncos kept bombing away to seal the deal. Anthony Thompson led all scorers with 24 points. Matthew Morrissey added 20 points, while Jermari Harris chipped in 12 points. Luke Morrill also had 11 points for the Broncos. Stephon Jordan (19 points), Latik Murphy (17 points), and Vinny Belcaster (14 points) led the way for the Mustangs in the loss.
Experience: Nothing too special about to Montini gymnasium. Small, but close to the floor. Decent amount of parking outside the gym. Everything you need at the game is within close proximity. Rosters were handed out at the door. The concession stand is the cafeteria, so there is lots of space to socialize. Overall a fun trip!
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