State’s elite set for Classic bash
In its fifth year, the Chicago Elite Classic continues to be a must- see event for any basketball fan in the area. Where else in Illinois will you find a high school event with 50- plus Division I prospects all playing in one venue over a 28- hour period?
Where else will you find the state’s top senior prospect, the nation’s No. 2 prospect in the sophomore class, a three- time national champ, the defending state champs and the No. 1 team in the state?
How about a matchup featuring two top- 10 teams? How about a local rivalry played on a bigger stage? How about nine of the top 12 teams in the Super 25 — and 11 of the top 25 — all playing in the event?
Here’s a look at some of the best games:
Loyola vs. Notre Dame
Player to watch: Ramar Evans, Loyola.
What to watch: Notre Dame, with the senior trio of Jeameril Wilson, a versatile 6- 6 wing, 6- 5 Chris Heinichen and guard Matt Stritzel, is off to a 4- 0 start.
Curie vs. East St. Louis
Player to watch: Jeremiah Tilmon, East St. Louis.
What to watch: It’s a chance to see the defending state champions take on the state’s best prospect. Curie, led by Tulsa recruit Elijah Joiner and junior big men Tyree and Trevian Martin, is the No. 1 team in the area. Besides Tilmon, keep an eye on highly athletic sophomore Terrence Hargrove for East St. Louis.
Oak Park vs. Fenwick
Player to watch: Jacob Keller, Fenwick.
What to watch: The Huskies have a nice blend of productive seniors ( 6- 5 Cameron Gross and 6- 6 Jared Scott) and rising young talent, headed by sophomore guard Dashon Enoch. In addition to Keller, Fenwick boasts four- year varsity performer Jamal Nixon, a jack- of- all- trades player who signed with Division II Minnesota State.
U- High vs. Hyde Park
Player to watch: Jameel Alausa, U- High.
What to watch: This is a neighborhood showdown that should include a nice turnout. Hyde Park has a first- year coach in highly respected Javon Mamon and a standout big man in 6- 9 Anthony Cameron.
Joliet West vs. North Lawndale
Player to watch: Teyvion Kirk, Joliet West.
What to watch: North Lawndale’s Carlos Hines is poised for a breakout season. The potential oneon- one matchup between Hines and Kirk could be as good as it gets from an individual standpoint.
Young vs. Kenwood
Player to watch: Xavier Castaneda, Young.
What to watch: Kenwood already has played four games, including some against quality competition. That’s four more than Young, which opens its season Saturday.
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