Game Previews: NOW Arena Super-Sectionals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's two huge super sectional games taking place at NOW arena (formerly Sears Center) Monday night. The first game will be a 3A matchup between DePaul Prep and Crystal Lake South, who've combined for a 63-5 record on the season. The second matchup will feature New Trier and Glenbard North. Both are hot at the right time and won their respective 4A sectionals as #4 seeds. With that being said, here's a list of names to watch Monday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NAMES TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1978593' first='PJ' last='Chambers'], DePaul Prep 2024:</strong> I've been a huge fan of [player_tooltip player_id='1978593' first='PJ' last='Chambers'] and the impact he's made for DePaul Prep since June. He's really shined in a lead-guard role and has made everyone on his team better. Capable of scoring from all three levels. I've seen him play his best basketball this season in crunch time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157352' first='Jaylan' last='McElroy'], DePaul Prep</strong> <strong>2024: </strong>An impact player on both ends of the floor. Big-time rim protector with excellent body control and footwork on the low block. Illinois #2 uncommitted prospect according to PrepHoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony "AJ" Demirov, Crystal Lake South 2025: </strong>Been extremely electric for CLS this season. Outstanding shooting and playmaking abilities for a point guard his size. Release is super quick, making it tough for defenders to challenge his shot. Can get hot at any moment, too. Went for 17 points in the 2nd quarter vs Kaneland in the Sectional Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2750020' first='Carson' last='Trivellini'], Crystal Lake South 2027:</strong> Promising freshman who's contributed a handful of double-digit scoring performances throughout the season. Bight future ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157222' first='JJ' last='Hernandez'], Glenbard North 2024: </strong>Very skilled wing with a wide range of skills. Can beat you with the fadeaway while also finishing through contact near the rim. 3x all-conference player who averaged 16 points per game. 3-pt buzzer beater to upset Lake Park in the Sectional Semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552441' first='Josh' last='Abushanab'], Glenbard North 2026: </strong>Exciting underclassman ranked in the top 30 for his class. Lengthy prospect who impresses on the boards. Forces tough shots defensively while also involved as a passer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1554516' first='Christopher' last='Kirkpatrick'], New Trier 2026: </strong>Another sophomore that's bursted onto the scene this winter. Drilled the buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the Trevians to the super-sectionals. Also scored the final 10 points for New Trier in that matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GAME PICKS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6:00 - DePaul vs Crystal Lake South: </strong>DePaul Prep comes in as the heavy favorite. Playing a more difficult schedule while adding several big-time wins to their resume. It's the Ram defense that really stands out. Having held opponents to 40 points or less their last 11 contests. This includes just 16 and 21 points allowed in their sectional semifinal and championship matchups. Meanwhile, CLS has only played one team that's been ranked in the PH top 40. Losing to Lake Zurich 67-52 back in December. But they can catch fire offensively, which could create a challenge for DePaul if shooters are left open. However, given the raw talent and experience on both roster, one team clearly stands out. <strong>PICK: DePaul 55, CLS 36</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8:00 - New Trier vs Glenbard North</strong>: They combined for three buzzer-beating wins in their sectional matchups to reach this point. New Trier has an advantage from both a record and strength-of-schedule standpoint. Having picked up several top-40 wins on their resume. But Glenbard North will make them earn it. They're riding high on two clutch wins in the sectionals, including an upset over top-seed Lake Park, who was one of the hottest teams in the state. This game will be closer than you might think. It could come down to another buzzer-beater. <strong>PICK: New Trier 53, Glenbard North 50</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->