Preview: North Chicago Class 3A sectional semifinals

North Chicago Class 3A sectional semifinals

Grayslake Central (20-9) vs. Gordon Tech (11-17)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Road to the sectional: Grayslake Central won its own regional by defeating Antioch, 68-56, and Lakes, 72-62; Gordon Tech won its own regional by defeating Chicago Academy, 67-58, and Ridgewood, 57-49.

Scouting report: Grayslake Central had its anxious moments on its home court against both Antioch and Lakes last week but emerged in both contests to capture its second regional championship in a row. Against Antioch in the semifinal, junior forward Josh Rappaport scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to help the Rams win going away, after they led only 47-45 after three. Then against upset-minded Lakes, senior point guard Mike Brumm scored 16 of his 18 points after halftime, helping Grayslake Central erase a 28-26 halftime deficit. Rappaport scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. The Rams have relied all season on the scoring contributions of Brumm (12.9 ppg, 4.4 apg, 52 3-pointers), senior forward Alex Anderson (10.9 ppg, 43 3-pointers), Rappaport (13.6 ppg, 21 3-pointers) and senior forward Kevin O'Rourke (9.3 ppg, 19 3-pointers). Senior guard Aaron Snyder (25 3-pointers) is another long-range threat, although he's been quiet lately. "Grayslake Central is one of the most talented all-around teams that we have seen all season," Gordon Tech coach Shay Boyle said. "They play as a team, move the ball incredibly well, and their seniors provide great leadership. They score in bunches and have very good depth. They have a lot of weapons and are very well-coached. You have to be incredibly well-disciplined to compete with them." Gordon Tech, whose nickname is also the Rams, won its first regional title since 2002. In the final against Ridgewood, Boyle's team was led by Alex Vogdanos' 15 points. The Rams also got contributions from Matt Olivera, Danny Britt, Ray Lichter, Martell Moore, Lamont Swopes and Jeremy Ryan. Due to injuries, Boyle said Tuesday that he is uncertain who he will start. "They're good," Grayslake Central coach Brian Moe said. "They're a lot better than their 11-17 record. It should be a good game."