Who had the area’s top boys prep basketball performances of the season?
Last week we honored the area’s top girls basketball performances of the season.
This week, it’s time for the High Five to tip a cap to the boys on a list that easily could go 10 deep.
5. Vincas Buzelis, Hinsdale Central
The Red Devils won the title at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic with a team effort, but Buzelis’ performance in the semifinals was unforgettable.
The 6-foot-4 senior forward scored 40 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 6 assists in a 78-77 overtime victory over Niles North. Including a 52-51 win over Brother Rice in the title game, Buzelis averaged 21 points in the tournament.
4. Rico D’Alessandro, Maine South
During a four-game week in January, the 6-4 junior set Maine South’s single-game scoring record with 40 points in a 67-52 victory over Buffalo Grove.
The day before, D’Alessandro scored 24 points in a win over Buffalo Grove. He had 27 points in a 68-67 loss to Warren and finished the week with 20 points in a loss to New Trier.
3. Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows
The Honorary Captain of the Daily Herald Cook County All-Area Team, Miletic led the Mustangs to their first sectional championship since 1990.
The 6-7 senior, committed to Marquette, scored 35 points in the Class 4A sectional final against Fremd. Miletic knocked down 14 of 20 shots from the field.
He poured in 37 points in the sectional semifinals, a 54-53 overtime victory over Stevenson.
2. Luke Smith, Addison Trail
Addison Trail has a long history of great players, but Smith outdid them all this season.
The 6-foot senior point guard scored a program-record 46 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished 11 assists in the Blazers’ 88-79 victory over Proviso East. He had 35 points the next day in a loss to Plainfield East.
Smith’s career program records include 2,531 points. He also leaves Addison Trail as the career leader in rebounds, assists and steals.
1. Matthew Morrice, St. Edward
Congratulations to the Green Wave’s senior guard for notching the highest-scoring game in the area this season.
Morrice set the program’s single-game scoring record with 53 points in a 77-71 win over Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep.
Two days later, Morrice scored 38 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in a loss to Wheaton Academy.