Big Dipper: Key Storylines at the Midway Point

As the Big Dipper Holiday Tournament pauses for a day it's a good time to step back and highlight some of the early storylines that have defined this year's event.   No South Suburban Teams in the Final Four   One of the most surprising developments at this year's Big Dipper is the absence of a South Suburban school in the Final Four. Historically even during down years at least one South Suburban program found its way into championship final four. This season breaks that trend.   Instead, the Final Four is made up of three Chicago Public League programs in Lincoln Park, Kenwood, and Whitney Young along with North Suburban power Warren. What makes this group particularly noteworthy is that all four programs previously competed in the Proviso West Holiday Tournament once regarded as one of the premier holiday events in the country.   The shifting tournament landscape has played a major role in the Big Dipper's evolution. Several traditional power programs have moved on to the now nationally regarded Pontiac Holiday Tournament thinning out what once was a South Suburban heavy field. Had programs like Homewood-Flossmoor or Bloom remained closer to home, the complexion of this bracket could look very different.   Freshmen Making Immediate Impact   Another exciting storyline emerging from the Dipper has been the play of true freshmen not in limited spot minutes, but as meaningful contributors to their teams' game plans. Through two rounds, several ninth graders have already established themselves as players to watch.   Ryan Whitt – Phillips At 6-5 Whitt is a wide-bodied forward who has consistently been a double-double threat. He plays with confidence around the rim and has shown the ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. While there is plenty of room for growth over the next few years his current production has been impressive.   [player_tooltip player_id='2886496' first='Travis' last='Jamison'] – Whitney Young Jamison made an immediate splash in the opening round scoring 18 points while knocking down six three-pointers. Playing alongside one of the top players in the state allows Jamison to thrive in his role spacing the floor and capitalizing when the ball finds him.   [player_tooltip player_id='2385677' first='Noah' last='Young'] – Lincoln Park Despite his smaller frame, Young has been highly effective. He was ready for the moment against a gritty Thornton team shooting 50 percent from deep and finishing with 10 points. His confidence and shot-making have been valuable for Lincoln Park.   Dekari Nesbitt – Thornton Already regarded as one of the top scoring threats in the freshman class Nesbitt has lived up to the billing. The quick elusive guard has handled primary ball-handling duties for Thornton creating opportunities for himself while also setting up teammates.   Prentiss Gates – Gary West Side Gates may possess the highest long-term upside of the group. The 6-8 forward is active, mobile, and consistently around the ball. He's scored in double figures in both games while also protecting the rim,recording three or more blocks in each contest.   A New 1A State Contender Emerges   Unity Christian Academy (South Holland) may not be a household name yet, but those who followed fall league results know this is a legitimate team. The Patriots have announced themselves as a potential 1A state contender through their early performances.   Unity Christian is led by a pair of juniors. Donaven O'Neil Jr. a 5-11 guard serves as the engine of the offense. He's quick, shifty, and relentless attacking the basket while also setting the tempo with a competitive, never-back-down mentality.   Alongside him is Vincent Allen, a 6-5 versatile forward who can score in a variety of ways. A lefty with soft touch Allen is effective both in the post and facing up finishing with either hand. He's also a strong rebounder highlighted by a standout opening-round performance against Kenwood where he posted 21 points and 11 rebounds.   Unity Christian pushed city power Kenwood to the brink before following it up with a convincing blowout win over St. Rita. The Big Dipper has provided a strong measuring stick and based on what they've shown so far, Unity Christian looks like a team that could create real problems for 1A opponents when state tournament play arrives.

As the Big Dipper Holiday Tournament pauses for a day it's a good time to step back and highlight some of the early storylines that have defined this year's event.