February's questions set to become March's answers

Like sounds emanating from back-seat children on a road trip, the question's been lingering for about a month.

"Are we there yet?"

Yes, kids. We're there.

Finally, after three long months, dozens of winter dog days and hundreds of boys basketball games, the playoffs are here. On Monday they kick into full swing with the start of Class 3A and 4A regional play.

Although we've reached our destination, several other questions remain to be answered. Here are just a few.

Can Glenbard East break through?: The Rams (24-1) claimed three straight regional titles between 2005 and 2007 but didn't win a sectional game. As the top seed in this year's Class 4A Neuqua Valley sectional, all eyes will be on Glenbard East to live up to its lofty billing.

What might be the difference this season?

The previous Rams teams were superstar driven by Mike Capocci, who's now at Northwestern. This year's team - more than any other in the sectional - is driven by several explosive players.

The Rams devastate teams on the perimeter with Zach Miller and Jack Merrithey, who have combined for nearly 100 3-pointers. Six-foot-seven Lee Skinner is capable of his own devastation in the post.

The X-factor is Johnny Hill, who hurts teams everywhere. Long and lean, Hill's attracting Division I college interest with a game that isn't close to hitting its ceiling.

Hill, Miller and Skinner all average double figures for a team averaging 73 points per game. Without one superstar to focus on, it'll be tough to slow down so many weapons.

Can Neuqua Valley heal quickly?: Similar to Glenbard East, Neuqua Valley (25-2) is nicely balanced with Dwayne Evans, Kareem Amedu and Rahjan Muhammad. One member of the triumvirate, however, is hurting.

Evans - the 6-foot-5, St. Louis University-bound forward averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds - tweaked an Achilles' tendon and missed Tuesday's loss to Oswego East.

Wildcats coach Todd Sutton said Evans will be back for regional play, but it's more than a little disconcerting to see your best player sitting on the bench this close to the playoffs.

Amazingly, the two-time defending sectional champions are an underdog heading into next week. Glenbard East's 81-63 win over the Wildcats in the Elgin Holiday Tournament title game created that unfamiliar role.

Now that Evans is a little banged up, Neuqua Valley may be an even bigger underdog.

Don't buy it, though. Neuqua Valley's the champion until someone knocks it off.

Can Wheaton Academy survive?: Here's a better question ... can the Warriors (23-2) catch a break?

A favorable draw last season helped Wheaton Academy win a Class 3A regional title. This season it's a completely different story.

The Warriors have been sentenced to the Riverside-Brookfield sectional where, despite only two losses, Wheaton Academy garnered only the fourth seed.

Marshall, St. Joseph and North Lawndale are ahead of the Warriors, and talented teams like Riverside-Brookfield and Crane are right behind.

The timing couldn't be worse for such a rotten draw.

This is obviously a special Wheaton Academy team, highlighted by 6-foot-9 Tim Rusthoven, the William and Mary-bound senior who's averaging 21.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.

It won't be easy to match or exceed last year's success, but hosting a regional in the revamped Warrior Dome will be an advantageous start to a rugged postseason.

Anything else?: Plenty, and it'll all unfold over the next few weeks.

Sit back and enjoy the ride.

kschmit@dailyherald.com