Top 12 Holiday Tournaments Pt 2
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In our Top 12 Holiday Tournaments Series we dive into twelve of our favorite holiday events to attend during what would be one of our favorite times of the year upcoming! We examine the atmosphere at each event, favorite memory,…
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Continue ReadingIn our Top 12 Holiday Tournaments Series we dive into twelve of our favorite holiday events to attend during what would be one of our favorite times of the year upcoming! We examine the atmosphere at each event, favorite memory, and top team/sleeper for mythical 2020 tournament. Here is Part 2!
Proviso West
Atmosphere
One of the more intense atmospheres of any holiday tournament. Every game seems like a big contest especially when you get to the final day.
Favorite Memory
Another one with too many to name. I will go with the show that Jalen Brunson put on for Stevenson. He was an incredible player and had some of his best moments at Proviso West. Also last year’s third place epic performances by Amar Augillard and Bryce Hopkins.
Top Team in 2020
Hillcrest would have been my choice for the team to beat prior to the event. They boast a deep backcourt along with standout wings/forwards Julius Rollins, Jakobi Heady, Hamahrie Bowers, and Kamryn Thomas.
Sleeper in 2020
Watch out for what St. Joseph’s could have done. This traditional powerhouse has been a bit down the last couple years, but with top prospects in 2022 and 2023 in Kyle Thomas and Bryce Coleman that 1-2 duo could have taken them far.
Wheeling
Atmosphere
Northern suburbs event that was relaxing in the morning session when I went last year and then had a nice crowd at night.
Favorite Memory
Watching Niles North star Aquan Smart continue his rapid climb up the rankings and racking up college offers with another monster performance last year.
Top Team in 2020
Niles Notre Dame is the easy pick here. Three top 10 seniors in Louis Lesmond, Troy D’Amico, and Anthony Sayles.
Sleeper in 2020
Glenbrook South lost a lot last year in Dominic Martinelli, but his younger brother Nick Martinelli has emerged as a legit D1 prospect in his own right along with lead guard Cooper Noard.
Hinsdale Central
Atmosphere
This is a cool and relaxed atmosphere. Fun place to watch a game as there are different angles you can see games from and everyone is always so nice.
Favorite Memory
This has always been an event to find sleepers and players that emerge. One of those was Marquise Kennedy from at the time Crete Monee. There wasn’t a lot known about him at the time, but he dropped 28 points putting himself on our radar and then later becoming a top 10 player in class.
Top Team in 2020
DePaul Prep would have been the pre event favorite. They have a D1 duo in TY Johnson and Brian Mathews along with some nice depth. Johnson would have dominated the event.
Sleeper in 2020
St. Rita would have been the team I was most excited to see! The best freshman class in the state led by James Brown, Jaedin Reyna, and Morez Johnson. Also have a dynamic senior scorer in Christian Henry.
Pekin
Atmosphere
Big gym with a relaxed but enjoyable atmosphere.
Favorite Memory
I saw Lanphier here back in the day when they were led by Larry Austin. They got a tip in at the buzzer to win a nail biting game!
Top Team in 2020
Pretty wide open field here. I would go with Springfield Lanphier as the favorite. Their depth along with top notch talent of KJ Debrick and Tevonta Jackson would have been fun to watch.
Sleeper in 2020
Hersey could have made a run with Ben Randall and Ethan Roberts Ethan Roberts 6'4" | SG Hersey | 2021 State IL who are skilled wings that can score it!
State Farm in Bloomington
Atmosphere
This event has it own niche in central Illinois. Multi facility event that has a huge field of boys and girls teams with small school and large school divisions.
Top Team in 2020
You can never go against Rock Island in this event. Too much guard play led by Jordan Rice and company.
Sleeper in 2020
Springfield with a trio of seniors in Tyvin Garrison, Bennie Slater, and Shane Miller.
Big Dipper
Atmosphere
This is a south suburbs favorite! Formerly the McDipper has a unique atmosphere with a crowd that loves hoops!
Favorite Memory
Watching Tyler Ulis when he was a young prospect show so much promise and upside.
Top Team in 2020
Thornton would have a tough team with Brandon Hall leading the way and Sean Burress/ Donald Coats Donald Coats 6'7" | SF Thornton | 2021 IN before they transferred across the border.
Sleeper in 2020
Rich Township. The newly formed combination of all the Rich schools would have a ton of talent to watch out for!