The time is now for the best in tournament basketball

There is no time of year more wonderful for hoops junkies in Illinois.

So many games in such a little time. So many tournaments to hit and teams and players to see. So much drama and tradition across the state.

And these days you almost wonder if this is even better than March Madness.

The main goal is still to experience the thrill of hoisting a regional, sectional, supersectional plaque. Or, for those fortunate few, clutching a state championship trophy.

But March Madness is so much different now with class expansion/dilution. A lot of people haven't been deluded into thinking four champions are better than two in tournaments where the best of the best don't even have a chance to meet each other any more.

Some of the crowds for state finals boys games in Peoria now wouldn't match those for a high-profile holiday tournament title game at Proviso West, Pontiac or Pekin.

Peoria Manual gets a chance after Christmas to see where it stands against Waukegan and Simeon at Pontiac, the most tradition-rich tourney in the state. But they won't have a chance to even be in the Peoria Civic Center on the same weekend in March with Manual in Class 2A and Simeon and Waukegan in 4A.

When a solid St. Viator team starts the postseason it will be facing schools which will have people saying, "Who's that?" with its drop to 3A this year.

But next week, the Lions will be in familiar territory against some of their more customary competitors in Wheeling's Hardwood Classic.

While there isn't the sense of urgency or finality that goes with the state tournament, there is something special for coaches, players and fans about holiday tournaments.

It's a chance for unheralded teams or players to make an impression. Four or five games in quick succession is also a great way to find out a lot about a team - especially if it gets hit with a sudden rash of adversity.

One of the great motivators in a bracket tournament format is to avoid a run of breakfast-special games even good friends and some family wouldn't set their alarm clock to see.

That fear factor is gone now at York's Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, however, as it uses two gyms to make the days a little shorter. But everyone who puts a lot of extra time and effort into making it a success surely appreciates the early morning break.

And these next couple of weeks are filled with holiday traditions similar to those of many families.

Some fans have their one favorite tourney destination and basically make it their home away from home for four or five days. Others like to hit the road and get a taste of what's going on all over the state.

Either way, there are always some excellent gifts ready to be unwrapped.

Maybe it will be something like former Glenbrook North star Jon Scheyer's 21 points in little more than a minute at Proviso West. Or the dramatic semifinal show last year at Pontiac by Schaumburg's Cully Payne and Warren's Brandon Paul.

It's not the most important time with nearly three months still to go in the boys basketball season.

But these days there may be no better time of the season.

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com