Watching machines: A big weekend for fans
The start of the state tournament is right around the corner, but there is one big regular- season weekend ahead. Here is a snapshot of the top games this weekend:
Public League semifinals, Friday
Simeon vs. Young: Another clash between two of the biggest names in high school basketball. Both teams feature a list of bigname juniors, but two seniors — Young’s Lucas Williamson and Simeon’s Evan Gilyard — are the backbone of their teams. Simeon beat Young 59- 52 in December.
Curie vs. Morgan Park: The potential for backcourt fireworks is pretty high, with Curie senior Elijah Joiner and Morgan Park junior Ayo Dosunmu headlining this game. In 2017, Curie hasn’t lost a game and Morgan Park hasn’t lost to an in- state opponent.
Catholic League championship, Friday
Fenwick vs. St. Joseph: Who would have thought St. Joseph would be in this position a month ago, when it was struggling at 8- 10? Now coach Gene Pingatore’s rejuvenated team has won seven in a row and looks to end Fenwick’s two- year Catholic League dominance.
Other top games
Jacobs at Prairie Ridge, Friday: These conference foes have split two games this season. Now a championship in the Fox Valley is on the line. Prairie Ridge must find a way to neutralize 6- 8 Loyola recruit Cameron Krutwig, a matchup nightmare because of his size and passing skills.
Willowbrook at Downers Grove South, Friday: This one will go a long way in deciding the West Suburban Gold. Willowbrook has lost only two games, both to Hinsdale South. The Warriors came away with a 56- 53 victory against Downers South the first time the teams played. An up- and- down season for Downers South is pointing up after an impressive victory against Kenwood and a convincing victory against Hinsdale South.
Bloom at Crete- Monee, Friday: Fresh off a big victory this week against Thornton, Bloom looks to finish off an unbeaten Southland Conference season. But Crete- Monee and senior star Dwayne Rose have won eight in a row and are one game behind Bloom in the conference.
Morgan Park vs. Stevenson, Saturday: A couple of big- time talents — Morgan Park’s Dosunmu and Stevenson’s Justin Smith — highlight this city- suburban showdown. Dosunmu is the top- ranked prospect in the junior class. The high- flying Smith is headed to Indiana next season.
Simeon vs. Evanston, Satur- day: This is the signature game of the annual City- Suburban Showdown at Robert Morris University in Arlington Heights. Both teams have visions of playing for a state championship next month. While Simeon is in the midst of a massive weekend playing high- level opponents, this is an ideal late- season measuring stick for Evanston star Nojel Eastern and the Wildkits.
Joliet West at Joliet Central, Saturday: This might be a preview of bigger things to come, such as an all- Joliet sectional semifinal in a few weeks. But basketball fans in Joliet will enjoy this matinee before the potential win- or- gohome showdown in March.
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