Scouting Thursday's games in the Fox Valley
It's an important night in the Upstate Eight Conference race with two games involving the league's top four teams: Neuqua Valley, Bartlett, South Elgin and East Aurora. Those four enter tonight's contests with a combined record of 44-15.
Elsewhere, Elgin and Larkin each look to snap losing streaks against the St. Charles high schools and Hampshire aims to stay hot in a Big Northern East road game. Here's what to expect:
Bartlett (9-5, 3-1) at Neuqua Valley (15-1, 3-0): Neuqua Valley was the heavy preseason favorite to win the UEC and remains such until proven otherwise, led by senior forward Dwayne Evans and center Kareem Amedu, both 6-foot-5. The Wildcats suffered their only loss in the title game of the Elgin Holiday Tournament, an 81-63 setback against Glenbard East. Bartlett counters with four-year starting shooting guard Luke Labedzki and versatile power forward Larry Whitaker. This is the first of 3 games in 6 days for the Hawks.
South Elgin (11-4, 3-0) at East Aurora (9-5, 2-0): East Aurora has the league's most talented player in guard Ryan Boatright, a junior who committed to USC before his freshman year, not to mention long-wingspanned forward Tramell Weathersby and exciting playmaking guard Snoop Visor. South Elgin attacks the basket with senior scoring guard Tommy Childs (18.8 ppg.), a slasher whose penetration leads to outside shots for junior guard Sam Sutter (11.7 ppg., 48 of 116 from 3-point range). A win would keep South Elgin undefeated in the Upstate Eight standings.
St. Charles East (6-9, 0-4) at Elgin (4-14, 0-5): Each team is in search of its first UEC victory. St. Charles East has won two straight. Leading perimeter scorer Drew Vazquez did not play Monday due to a possible broken ankle. The Saints have limited their turnovers to single digits in back-to-back wins over Glenbard West and Jacobs. Elgin plays teams competitively but has little to show for the effort. Of the Maroons' 14 losses, nine have been by 10 points or less. Elgin looks to snap a 5-game skid.
St. Charles North (9-7, 3-3) at Larkin (7-9, 1-2): Larkin senior forward Garrett McDaniel, who recently shed his mohawk, will be tested inside by St. Charles North posts Kyle Nelson and Ryan Brown. Forward Josh Mikes (13.9) leads the North Stars in scoring. Larkin won 7 of its first 10 games this season, but the Royals have dropped their last 6 decisions.
Hampshire (10-5, 3-1) at Harvard (4-13, 0-3): Harvard's gym has been a true Hornets' nest in past seasons, but senior-led Hampshire has the experience to win on the road in this BNE matchup. The Whip-Purs remain a half-game behind Richmord-Burton (3-0) for the lead league. Senior guards Justin Bieber (16.6 ppg.) and Shyler Ralphs (12.3) and sophomore center Tyler Watzlawick (11.6) pace Hampshire.