Scouting Glenbard East vs. Rockford Auburn
When: 8:10 p.m. Tuesday
Where: At Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb.
Road to the supersectional: Glenbard East claimed the East Aurora sectional championship by beating Naperville Central, 69-64, Glenbard West, 72-47, Downers Grove South, 67-62, and East Aurora, 80-62. Rockford Auburn won the Jacobs sectional title by beating Harlem, 80-65, Boylan, 59-43, South Elgin, 60-46, and Huntley, 59-31.
Probable starters
Glenbard East Rockford Auburn
Zach Miller 5-9 Sr. G LaMark Foote 5-10 Jr.
Johnny Hill 6-3 Sr. G Anthony Strickland 5-10 Sr.
Tyree York 5-9 Sr. G Fred Van Fleet 5-11 Jr.
Steve Kinney 6-1 Sr. F/G Javuntae Hicks 6-0 Jr.
Dante Bailey 6-5 Jr. F Taivous Ford 6-6 Sr.
Outlook: Both programs seek their first top-four state finish with a win. In some ways Glenbard East faces an opponent that looks similar to its last two opponents. Auburn boasts the offensive balance of Downers Grove South, evidenced by the five players who scored in double figures in the sectional semifinals and the three who tallied at least 10 points in the sectional final. With their athleticism and ability to pressure the ball, the Knights may look a bit like East Aurora. Unlike Friday's matchup that necessitated a box-and-one on the Tomcats' Ryan Boatright, the Rams will be able to play straight up defense against Auburn. Backcourt defensive stopper Tyree York will be matched with Auburn leading scorer Fred Van Fleet, a basket attacking point guard who leads the team with about 19 points a game. Foote, a slasher, and Strickland, a 3-point threat, each average about 15 points. This is one of the few games the Rams will enjoy a height advantage, something that will make Johnny Hill even more dangerous. The Illinois State-bound talent has been phenomenal in the playoffs with an array of scoring moves. Northern Illinois-bound Rams point guard Zach Miller also has been sharp. Not only did he tally 12 assists in the sectional final, but his 3-point shot has been consistent. The Division I duo combined for 88 points in the sectional. Six Rams, including Dante Bailey, knocked down first-half 3-pointers against East Aurora. If the Rams are that effective again, they'll be very tough to beat. Keep an eye on Glenbard East's bench. Six-foot-five Kevin Priebe is a terrific rebounder and outside shooter, Pat Walsh is a perimeter option and Kendall Bridges brings good defense. Combined they've provided difference-making minutes during this playoff run. After emotional sectional wins at East Aurora, Glenbard East needs to be wary of a letdown against an unfamiliar opponent.
Advancement: Winner advances to play Tuesday's Hinsdale Central supersectional winner between Simeon (27-2) and Farragut (24-4) in the Class 4A state semifinals Friday in Peoria.