Regional play, full of upsets and double-digit seeds advancing, is over.
A stellar lineup with rematches and state powers colliding highlight what should be a fun two days of sectional semifinal action. Here is a preview of the top matchups.
Loyola (29-4) vs. Niles North (27-5), 6 p.m. Tuesday at Robert Morris
Can Niles North’s high-scoring Aquan Smart (23.8 ppg) navigate and solve Loyola’s disciplined and stingy defense? In two regional wins last week, coach Tom Livatino’s Ramblers held Elk Grove and Maine South to a combined 45 points.
Defense drives top-seeded Loyola, but the offense is balanced with Bennett Kwiecinski, Jordan Kwiecinski, Matt Enghauser and Will Pujals all averaging between nine and 12 points a game.
The pick: Loyola 50, Niles North 47
Glenbrook South (29-4) vs. Evanston (28-4), 8 p.m. Tuesday at Robert Morris
These two Central Suburban League South powers split during the regular season, including Evanston winning a late February matchup in overtime. Evanston juniors Blake Peters and Jaylin Gibson do some heavy lifting as the Wildkits can put points on the board. But Evanston must find a way to neutralize ultra-productive Dom Martinelli (26 ppg).
The pick: Evanston 64, Glenbrook South 60
Bloom (28-5) vs. Marian Catholic (24-8), 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bloom
There might not be a better sectional atmosphere than this showdown in Chicago Heights. But Bloom, loaded with its five Division I players, including all-area selection Dante Maddox, Jr., already owns a pair of 17-point wins over Marian this season. The Blazing Trojans make it a clean sweep over talented Ahron Ulis & Company.
The pick: Bloom 74, Marian Catholic 59
Stevenson vs. Zion-Benton, 6 p.m. Tuesday at Prospect
The top-seed, Stevenson, is a seasoned, veteran team trying to win its second straight sectional title. The Patriots have already taken care of conference foe Zion-Benton twice this season.
But the Zee-Bees remain dangerous having won seven of their last eight games and pack a punch with the offensive talents of Amar Aguillard (25 ppg) and athletic Damontae Taylor.
The pick: Stevenson 57, Zion-Benton 52
Morgan Park (21-9) vs. Hillcrest (23-8), 7 p.m. Tuesday at Thornridge
Hillcrest has been playing its best basketball of the season. The Hawks, led by a talented junior group of 6-6 Julius Rollins, 6-5 Jakobi Heady and guard Mar’keise Irving, have won 10 of its last 11 games.
However, it’s pick your poison with Morgan Park’s dynamic trio of high-scoring Illinois recruit Adam Miller, athletic wing Brandon Weston and jet-quick point guard Marcus Watson.
The pick: Morgan Park 72, Hillcrest 63
Simeon (24-8) vs. Young (20-9), 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lyons
A couple of traditional state powers collide. Young has a potent tandem in Sun-Times Player of the Year D.J. Steward and Georgetown recruit Tyler Beard. Red-hot Simeon with 12 straight wins has its own dynamic duo in Jeremiah Williams and Ahamad Bynum. Anything less than a barnburner here would be a surprise.
The pick: Simeon 67, Young 65
Thornton (31-1) vs. Homewood-Flossmoor (25-4) 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bloom
A monster south suburban showdown featuring two teams that are both better than anyone anticipated. A midseason battle went Thornton’s way with the Wildcats winning 55-43. A couple of all-area performers lead their respective teams: Thornton’s stat-sheet-stuffing D.J. Williams (12 ppg, 12 rpg, 4.4 apg) and H-F’s R.J. Ogom (15 ppg, 7 rpg).
The pick: Thornton 58, Homewood-Flossmoor 55
