Underrated Sectional Games to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the appetizers of the IHSA regional games we reach a hefty serving of the sectional semifinals. We have some pretty big matchups to choose from especially in the 4A class. But there are some awesome games in the smaller classes that would be worth a watch. Here are <strong>Underrated Sectional Games to Watch</strong>!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hope Academy (23-7) - Fenger (21-9)&nbsp;1A (St. Francis De Sales Sectional)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hope Academy is looking to return downstate behind the great guard play of 2026 guard Tyjuan Hunter who has put up some strong numbers in big games this season. He will be tested by Fenger 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1874813' first='Jayden' last='Taylor'] who recently just had a 50 point triple-double in the regional semis. Both of these guards are able to put on a show Tuesday night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crane (21-8) - Christ The King (23-9)&nbsp; 2A (Christ The King Sectional)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very good matchup between two West Side rising programs. Both teams feature dynamic duos.&nbsp; Crane with 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2416041' first='Brad' last='Blackman'] and&nbsp;2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2125641' first='Jamier' last='Montgomery'] while CTK counters with 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2539984' first='Aaron' last='McClure'] and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2105266' first='Darien' last='Green'].&nbsp;&nbsp;The front-court play of Blackman and McClure will be a worth monitoring as both players are athletic post guys who get high numbers in the rebounding category.&nbsp; They both can score around the rim and are solid rim protectors. With the guards Montgomery can be effective as a scorer and passer while Green is a tough shooter who also scores through contact when attacking the basket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leo (22-11) - North Lawndale (14 - 11) 2A (Julian Sectional)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Lawndale is rolling into this game with 2026 sleeper Arnez Jones a double-double machine who should have gotten some considerations for All-City this season. Leo will have a trio of guards to attack the Phoenix led by 2025 Donte Bell, 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2323606' first='Asa' last='Harris'], and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2632058' first='Karon' last='Shavers']. Three guards who know how to score and facilitate the basketball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dyett (22-7) - Butler (21-9) 2A (Julian Sectional)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two top 25 2A-ranked squads will battle it out for a shot at the sectional championship game. Dyett has been rolling behind seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2815712' first='Ricky' last='Coleman'] and Devon Shelton. Coleman is an athletic guard who likes to score around the rim and will dunk on someone if caught sleeping. Shelton is a Chicago gritty guard who can shoot the three and is a heck of an on ball defender.&nbsp; Butler counters with 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2538974' first='Danny' last='Bennett'] a double-double threat who scores well around the rim. Underrated 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2891720' first='Julius' last='Hamlin'] can score in bunches when he's in transition. Should be a fast-paced game at Julian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Patrick (25-7) - Little Village (27-6) 3A (Little Village Sectional)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A matchup with 3A power St. Pats and an underrated Little Village squad who could have some upset thoughts playing on their home court.&nbsp; Pats is coming with 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1385287' first='EJ' last='Breland'] who's already committed to Pittsburgh State. Breland is a guard who can light up on the perimeter and is shifty with his handles. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2422874' first='Anthony' last='Favia'] is a physical guard who can knockdown shots as well and is a slashing threat when off the ball. Little Village 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2323261' first='Pablo' last='Rodriguez'] is a 6'8 inside-and-out threat who can be a handful if he knocks a couple of shots down.&nbsp;The Phoenix will also have 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2439324' first='Tyshawn' last='Miller'] a dynamic lefty scorer who is also shifty with the handle but plays with a ton of emotion and could get his team and crowd highly invested in the game. Most see St. Pats as the clear favorite but I can easily see them in a dog fight if they overlook Little Village at home.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->