It’s holiday tournament time all across the state. Here’s a look at the top tournaments in the Chicago area. Hinsdale Central and Wheeling start Monday; York and Proviso West begin Thursday.
Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic
The favorite: Stevenson is the quintessential example of the sum being greater than its parts. There is balance, continuity and experience, led by senior shooter Matthew Ambrose.
Top contenders: Marian Catholic has two Division I recruits in Ahron Ulis (Iowa) and Elijah Jones (Western Illinois). Homewood-Flossmoor has a legitimate star in R.J. Ogom.
Sleeper: DePaul Prep. With a surplus of guards and a young group that’s gaining experience, this team is capable of stringing four victories together.
Player to watch: Ulis, the MVP last year at Hinsdale, is among the top five prospects in the senior class in Illinois.
Underrated star: DePaul Prep guard Tyler Johnson will be talked about among the top juniors in the state soon enough.
Title-game prediction: Marian Catholic over Stevenson.
Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York
The favorite: Led by North Dakota recruit Nate Shockey, York is the defending tournament champ.
Top contenders: Hinsdale South, led by guard Billy Durkin and 6-7 athlete Aaron Tims, is unbeaten. Bolingbrook is fueled by Darius Burford (22 points per game) and Kai Evans (19 ppg).
Sleepers: In a 32-team tournament, you’re bound to have a surplus of sleepers. Rolling Meadows features 6-6 guard Max Christie. Wisconsin commit Chris Hodges is the headliner for Schaumburg. St. Pat’s has the guard play and three-point shooting to be a serious threat.
Player to watch: All eyes will be on Christie. The top prospect in the state is smooth and versatile and is ranked among the top 25 players in the country.
Underrated stars: St. Pat’s Dom Galati and Batavia’s Jayden Johnson aren’t talked about enough. Johnson is averaging 21.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. Galati is averaging 14.3 points.
Title-game prediction: York over Bolingbrook.
Proviso West Holiday Tournament
The favorite: Led by electric senior guard Antione Bloxton, defending champ Bogan has the talent to repeat.
Top contender: Fenwick. Bryce Hopkins is a star, but it has been a breakout season thus far for sophomore guard Trey Pettigrew.
Sleeper: Hillcrest, which has size, length and athleticism in its talented junior class, hopes to make a run after an up-and-down start to the season.
Player to watch: Hopkins is as multifaceted a player as you’ll find. The 6-6 forward has committed to Louisville.
Underrated star: A year ago, Hillcrest junior Jakobi Heady wasn’t even a varsity player. Now he’s among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 20 prospects in the junior class.
Title-game prediction: Bogan over Fenwick.
Wheeling Hardwood Classic
The favorite: A rugged early-season schedule has prepared Notre Dame for the tournament. Having players the caliber of Louis Lesmond, Anthony Sayles, Troy D’Amico and Jason Bergstrom also helps.
Top contender: Glenbrook South has established a winning culture under coach Phil Ralston and boasts the most fascinating player in the tournament (see below).
Sleeper: Niles North is dangerous. A potential second-round matchup against Buffalo Grove and high-scoring sophomore Kam Craft would be interesting.
Player to watch: Niles North guard Aquan Smart is the hottest uncommitted prospect in the senior class. He’s averaging 25 points.
Underrated star: No player maximizes his ability more than Glenbrook South’s Dom Martinelli, a 6-4 senior who stuffs the stat sheet.
Title-game prediction: Notre Dame over Glenbrook South.
