Scouting Glenbard East vs. Oswego East
Class 4A Neuqua Valley sectional semifinal
No. 5 Oswego East (23-4) vs. No. 1 Glenbard East (26-1)
>When:
Probable starters
OSWEGO EAST GLENBARD EAST
Player Ht. Yr. Pos. Player Ht. Yr. Pos.
Jay Harris 6-1 Sr. G Zach Miller 5-9 Jr. G
Wesley Brooks 5-8 Jr. G Jack Merrithey 5-9 Sr. G
Sean Gant 6-2 Jr. F Johnny Hill 6-3 Jr. F
Johnny Savu 6-2 Sr. F Lee Skinner 6-7 Sr. F
Austin Keys 6-5 Jr. C Shawn Havenga 6-6 Sr. C
Outlook: After claiming the first regional title in program history, Oswego East aims to reach its first sectional final. Glenbard East, which won three straight regional titles between 2005 and 2007, hopes to stay on track for its first sectional crown since 1964. The Wolves, winners of 15 straight games, boast one of the hottest players in the sectional in Harris, who's also considered one of the top unsigned senior players in the state. Harris is averaging more than 30 points a game, a stunning number that found a way to edge higher after he tallied 39 points in Friday's 66-56 overtime win against West Aurora. A pure shooter with NBA 3-point range, Harris also can create his own shot off the dribble. Glenbard East's Merrithey, however, is quite the defensive stopper. Expect to see him along with Hill and reserve Devin Parks taking turns trying to slow down Harris. Gant and Brooks, the point guard, also have scoring potential, but the defensive focus will be on Harris. Glenbard East, winners of 20 straight, makes it much more difficult for defenses with an explosive offense. The Rams score about 73 points a game with four players often reaching double digits. A slasher and shooter, Hill is the most dangerous at about 16.5 points a game. From the perimeter the Rams enjoy a talented combo in Miller and Merrithey. Miller's among the state's elite distributors. A main beneficiary of that may be Skinner, who will have a size advantage in the post. The Wolves don't want to ignore Havenga, either. He doesn't shoot a lot, but he does connect on about 45 percent of his 3-pointers. As much as defenses struggle matching up with Harris, no one's been able to match up with Glenbard East's potent and balanced lineup.
Advancement: The winner advances to the 7:30 p.m. Friday sectional final to play Wednesday's winner between No. 3 Benet (24-3) and No. 7 East Aurora (19-9).