Steward lights up Elite Classic
DJ Steward was up to the task this weekend. The new Public League star drained three consecutive threepointers to open Young’s 67-61 win against Mater Dei (California) in the Chicago Elite Classic on Saturday at Wintrust Arena.
The Fenwick transfer finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists. It was probably the best overall game by any local player at the event.
“It felt great,” Steward said. “My teammates got me going early by getting me the ball. I knocked down some open shots, and that got my momentum going.”
Myles Baker had 18 points and four rebounds, and Tyler Beard and Justin Warren each scored eight for the Dolphins (2-0). Warren, a 6-foot guard, also had eight rebounds.
Mater Dei (3-1) started two talented 6-9 sophomores, Wilhelm Breidenbach and Harrison Hornery. But the Monarchs relied on threepointers for almost all of their offense. They were 7-for-34 from long range.
“We knew that was coming and worked on it a lot in practice,” Steward said.
Super 25 new additions
Glenbrook South: It doesn’t look as if any opponent is going to relish a trip to the Titan Dome. Conventional wisdom was that Phil Ralston’s Titans would be pretty dangerous in a month or so. That was clearly wrong. Dom Martinelli, Will King and Jimmy McMahon helped lead Glenbrook South to the upset of the season this week, a 61-54 victory against then-No. 2 Evanston.
Geneva: Ralston’s previous team is also off to a great start. The Vikings beat Bartlett and handled an always-tricky Wheaton-Warrenville South squad this week. An early win against Schaumburg is also looking better, thanks to the Saxons’ recent success.
Dropping out
Providence-St. Mel (2-2): The Knights just didn’t show enough in a 73-53 loss at DePaul Prep. The sky is still the limit in the Class 1A state playoffs, and it’s possible they find a way back into the rankings over the holidays.
Oak Park (4-2): Picked up a nice win against Hinsdale Central last week, but then lost in overtime to rival Fenwick at the Chicago Elite Classic.
The week ahead
Mount Carmel hosts the loaded Team Rose Classic on Saturday and Sunday. More than a dozen ranked teams face off over the two days. Bloom takes on Morgan Park in the marquee matchup on Saturday.
♦ Morgan Park has another major challenge this week. The Mustangs host rival Bogan on Tuesday. This is always one of the most hotly contested, highlevel games of the season.
♦ Rolling Meadows and star sophomore Max Christie face two stout Mid-Suburban League tests this week. The Mustangs travel to Palatine on Tuesday and host Buffalo Grove on Friday. Christie is living up to the hype, so far and Rolling Meadows is 4-1. The Bison also have a young star. Freshman Kam Craft, an excellent shooter, scored 31 points against Grayslake Central in his varsity debut.