When Sides Collide: Stars Shine on Primetime Stage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When Sides Collide</strong>, the annual showcase hosted at Benet Academy by the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Henrickson, once again delivered elite Chicagoland matchups. The event is known for pairing top programs against one another and this year's slate lived up to the billing. Below is a breakdown of the results and standout performances from each game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Trier 82, Oswego East 51</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552486' first='Danny' last='Houlihan'] – New Trier (2026)</strong><br>Houlihan wasted no time getting going, lighting up the first half from deep by knocking down five three-pointers with ease. As Oswego East mixed coverages, Houlihan showed his versatility by punishing smaller defenders in the post. With the outcome decided early, the junior didn't see much action late but still led all scorers with&nbsp;<strong>28 points</strong>, setting the tone for a dominant Wolves win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552438' first='Mason' last='Lockett IV'] – Oswego East (2026)</strong><br>Lockett carried the offensive load for the Wolves, doing most of his damage attacking the rim and creating space off the bounce. He showed flashes as a shot-maker and playmaker despite some team miscues. Lockett finished with a strong&nbsp;<strong>24 point</strong>&nbsp;effort in the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neuqua Valley 75, Bolingbrook 69</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839878' first='Mason' last='Martin'] – Neuqua Valley (2027)</strong><br>The Illinois commit reminded everyone why he's regarded as the best shooter in the state. Martin's range extended well beyond the arc and he was effective both off movement and in catch-and-shoot situations. When Bolingbrook keyed in on him he made the extra pass and kept the offense flowing. Martin posted&nbsp;<strong>28 points, 4 assists</strong>, and drilled&nbsp;<strong>six three-pointers</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531981' first='Cole' last='Kelly'] – Neuqua Valley (2028)</strong><br>After a quiet first half, Kelly completely took over. The #2 ranked sophomore in the state showcased his all-around game creating off the dribble, finishing coast-to-coast, scoring in the post, and making plays defensively. Kelly stuffed the stat sheet with&nbsp;<strong>29 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 3 assists</strong> making a statement in a marquee matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] – Bolingbrook (2028)</strong><br>The top-ranked sophomore in the class came out firing mixing smooth mid-range pull-ups with explosive drives to the rim. Pettigrew consistently put pressure on the defense and showed his athleticism on both ends. He finished with&nbsp;<strong>26 points</strong>&nbsp;in a hard-fought loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DePaul Prep 59, Marist 43</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] – DePaul Prep (2026)</strong><br>After a slow start Woo found his rhythm and became the difference-maker. He was lethal coming off screens and in catch and shoot situations, knocking down&nbsp;<strong>six three-pointers</strong>. Woo scored&nbsp;<strong>26 points</strong>, including several big shots late, to help DePaul Prep pull away in a deliberate half-court battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charles Barnes Jr. – Marist (2026)</strong><br>Barnes made his presence felt inside, scoring on baseline jumpers and cleaning up on the offensive glass. His effort kept Marist within striking distance for much of the game. Barnes finished with <strong>15 points and 11 rebounds</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benet Academy 67, Warren 60</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105390' first='Jayden' last='Wright'] – Benet Academy (2026)</strong><br>The Eastern Illinois commit controlled the tempo from start to finish. Wright was effective getting downhill scoring and facilitating in the paint while also posing a threat off the ball as a shooter. When Warren made runs Wright had the ball in his hands and made the right reads. He led Benet with&nbsp;<strong>21 points</strong>&nbsp;in a poised performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323571' first='Jaxson' last='Davis'] – Warren (2027)</strong><br>Davis came out scorching hot, putting on an early show with&nbsp;<strong>17 first half points</strong>, four triples, and some highlight-worthy assists. Benet adjusted after halftime limiting his looks in the third quarter, but Davis continued to battle and scored in spurts down the stretch. He finished with a game-high&nbsp;<strong>28 points</strong> giving fans a preview of a potential postseason rematch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>More coverage from the&nbsp;<strong>When Sides Collide</strong>&nbsp;event will be coming later this week.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->