Scouting DuPage County girls basketball holiday tournaments
The holidays are a special part of the basketball season. The holidays bring the challenge of holiday tournaments and the opportunity for teams to test themselves against good competition they might not otherwise face. Let's take a look at what DuPage County's girls basketball teams can expect.
Montini Christmas Tournament
Dec. 26-Dec. 29.
Teams: Batavia, Benet, Evanston, Fremd, Geneva, Hersey, Huntley, Lake Zurich, Lyons Twp., Marian Catholic, Marist, Montini, Mother McAuley, Nazareth, Oak Park, York.
Outlook: If you're looking for one tournament with the best teams and the best players in the Chicago area, this is your tournament. It's got a habit of producing state champions, though they don't necessarily win the tournament. Montini opens with Hersey, which has a history of playing some of the best basketball in the Chicago area. Benet opens with Oak Park. They're on opposite sides of the bracket, so they won't see each other until the final, which would be a rematch of a 2018 sectional final. But first they have to get there. Benet has Evanston, Nazareth and Fremd on its side of the bracket. Montini could see Marist and Mother McAuley first. York is a late addition, joining the tournament when Proviso East dropped out last week. The Dukes have a tough opener, seeing two-time defending state champion Geneva. But the Dukes wanted into the tournament so they could be tested, and they'll be sure to get that test here.
Lisle Holiday Cage Classic
Dec. 26-Dec. 29.
Teams: Addison Trail, Antioch, Coal City, Chicago Christian, Illiana Christian, Latin, Lisle, Reed-Custer, Riverdale, Rockford Jefferson, Rosary, St. Edward, St. Francis, Timothy Christian, Walther Christian, Wheaton Academy.
Outlook: This is a tournament of choice for small schools in northern Illinois. Antioch has fared very well here lately, but this might be some other team's year. Perhaps Latin, Walther Christian or Chicago Christian? Don't count out Lisle. Led by senior guard McKenzie Weaver, the Lions are putting together a pretty solid season of their own, though they did lose to Walther Christian earlier this year. Timothy Christian, which is on a roll lately, also is having a strong season. The Trojans hope to have sophomore Hannah Schuringa back from a hamstring injury in time to play. As one of the bigger schools at the tournament, Addison Trail might have some success as well. Forward Serena Gilliam is a player to watch for the Blazers.
Wheaton North Neibch Holiday Classic
Dec. 26-Dec. 29.
Teams: Bartlett, Downers Grove North, Elgin, Elk Grove, Glenbard South, Glenbard North, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale Central, Jacobs, Palatine, St. Charles East, Schaumburg, Waubonsie Valley, West Aurora, Wheaton North, Willowbrook.
Outlook: Glenbard South is the defending tournament champion, but the Raiders, seeded fifth, don't have a gimme in their opener. They have to face an improving Waubonsie Valley team. The host Falcons earned the top seed. They are undefeated so far this season and see Elk Grove in the first round. Falcons senior guard Nikki Baird, a Belmont University recruit, is one of the best players in the field. She's 6-foot-1 but can hit the long 3-pointer. Downers Grove North has played a strong schedule but still earned the third seed. The Trojans play tough defense and could be an underdog pick to win the championship. No. 2 seed Glenbrook South always seems to do well at Wheaton North. No. 4 Bartlett is young but very good. The Hawks' only losses are to Homewood-Flossmoor and Benet. They have won nine straight, including UEC victories vs. Glenbard South and West Aurora. Willowbrook already has upset Proviso East this season. If the Warriors are on, they could surprise Glenbrook South in the second round.
Oswego East Holiday Classic
Dec. 26-Dec. 29.
Teams: Aurora Central Catholic, Downers Grove South, East Aurora, Harlem, Joliet Central, Lemont, Lincoln-Way West, Lockport, Metea Valley, Naperville North, Oswego, Oswego East, Plainfield Central, Sycamore, West Chicago, Yorkville.
Outlook: With 6-foot sophomore Greta Kampschroeder, Naperville North sports the best player in this tournament. Kampschroeder can do just about everything on a basketball court, and top collegiate programs noticed long ago. Downers Grove South can counter with 6-foot-1 senior Holly Lueken, a Colgate recruit. Lueken not only can score, she can rebound and is good for a few blocked shots a game. If guard Maggie Greco is back from a sprained ankle, the Mustangs could work their way to the championship game, possibly opposite Naperville North.
Blenner Holiday Classic at St. Viator
Dec. 26-29.
Teams: Glenbrook North, Lake Park, Leyden, Maine East, Plainfield North, St. Viator, Wheeling, Zion-Benton.
Outlook: The Lancers will see Glenbrook North, Maine East and St. Viator, in order, in pool play. The Lancers will benefit if guard Kate Kirkham is available after a sprained ankle. Look for teams to double- and maybe triple-team DePaul-bound junior Darrione Rogers. If so, Casey Darre will be among the Lancers getting a chance to show their talent. Host St. Viator is young, but the Lions are good. Freshman Joy Bergstrom is a player to keep an eye on.
Dundee-Crown Komaromy Classic
Dec. 26-29.
Teams: Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Dundee-Crown, Fenwick, Hampshire, Hononegah, Maine South, Maine West, Naperville Central, New Trier, Prospect, Resurrection, St. Charles North, South Elgin, Stevenson, Trinity.
Outlook: It's hard to find a weak link in this field. Maine West is undefeated and the No. 1 team in the Daily Herald Top 20. The Warriors have to be considered the favorite, but it won't be easy. Naperville Central opens with New Trier. Unfortunately, the Redhawks have been hit hard by injuries.
State Farm Holiday Classic (Bloomington-Normal)
Dec. 26-29.
Teams (Small-school bracket): Annawan, Bishop McNamara, Bloomington Central Catholic, Brimfield, Camp Pt. Central, Champaign St. Thomas More, El Paso-Gridley, Fithian Oakwood, IC Catholic Prep, Peoria Christian, Rochester, Rock Falls, Rockford Lutheran, Rock Island Alleman, St. Joseph-Ogden, Sherrard.
Teams (Large-school bracket): Bethalto Civic Memorial, Bloomington, Geneseo, Kenwood, Morton, Normal Community, Normal West, Normal U-High, Peoria Richwoods, Rock Island, St. Ignatius, Simeon, Springfield, Union (Ky.) Ryle, Wheaton Warrenville South.
Outlook: Both WW South and IC Catholic are in for a tough opener downstate. The No. 14 seed Tigers start bracket play with No. 3 downstate Morton, which went to a sectional final last year. A Tigers upset probably would mean they face No. 6 Simeon in the second round, no easy task. But if the Tigers can make a few shots, their defense gives them a chance. Peoria Richwoods is the top-seeded big school; the best player is Brea Beal of Rock Island, a South Carolina recruit. The No. 11 Knights get sixth-seeded Rochester, which also has a history of success. St. Joseph-Ogden is the top seed in the small-school bracket.
DePaul College Prep/Northside Prep Christmas Tournament
Dec. 22-29.
Teams: Brooks Prep, DePaul Prep, Elmwood Park, Fenton, Lane Tech, Lincoln Park, Northside Prep, Von Steuben.
Outlook: Fenton's opponents, with the exception of Metro Suburban Conference foe Elmwood Park, are in for a different experience when they play Fenton and its all-out style of play. It's easy to get flustered when there are two or three Bison flying at the basketball. Patience is required. Rebounding helps also. Fenton sees Lincoln Park, DePaul Prep and Brooks in pool play.