St. Mel has eyes on prize this season
No. 1
There is a tradition-rich basketball history at Providence-St. Mel that spans four decades. Yet there is only one banner — commemorating the 1984-85 state title — hanging up in the gym.
‘‘We don’t hang regional and sectional banners,’’ Knights coach Tim Ervin said. ‘‘You play at St. Mel, that 1985 team is the standard.’’
The 2018-19 team gives the program its best chance of winning its first state championship since that legendary team, which was led by Lowell Hamilton and Fernando Bunch.
St. Mel’s road to Peoria begins in regional play Tuesday. After getting so close last season — the Knights lost a 61-60 heartbreaker to Sterling Newman Catholic in a Class 1A supersectional — this veteran group is aching to get at it.
‘‘They are so hungry because I won’t let them forget how close they were [last season],’’ Ervin said.
The Knights are the top-ranked team in Class 1A and will be heavily favored to win their sectional. If they do, they likely will face East Dubuque in the DeKalb Supersectional.
The team features six seniors — Tyriel Nelson (16 points per game), Deion Jackson (15 ppg), Eric Jordan (14 ppg), T.J. Ervin (10 ppg, six assists per game), Taeyon Neal (nine ppg, eight rebounds per game) and Jason Mason (seven ppg) — who know what’s at stake.
‘‘They understand they have a chance to make history,’’ Ervin said.
No. 2
Maine South is a hot team. The Hawks, who have averaged more than 22 victories in the last 11 seasons, are rolling at the right time. And that’s after playing a more beefed-up schedule this season.
Maine South relies heavily on a group of seniors, led by guard Essam Hamwi (13.6 ppg, 2.5 apg), Danny Crane (8.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and 6-5 wing Fillip Bulatovic (16.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg).
Bulatovic has taken his game to another level during the Hawks’ hot streak. He averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds during their 11-8 start but is averaging 20.6 points and 8.3 rebounds during their 10-1 run.
Maine South is the No. 3 seed in the tough Niles North Sectional.
No. 3
The IHSA needs to evaluate regional sites. It’s a growing complaint among coaches, especially with the scenario of a higher-seeded team having to go on the road to play a lower-seeded — but still quality — team.
There was a time when the top four seeds in the sectional would host the regionals. That needs to be brought back, perhaps with a stipulation that a gym must be able to hold a certain amount of fans. But there should be a reward for having a great regular season and earning a top-four seed.
Curie, the top-ranked team in Illinois, might have to play at dangerous Fenwick in the regional final. Top-seeded Geneva might have to visit No. 6 seed Glenbard West.
Simeon, a No. 3 sectional seed, might have to face star Marquise Kennedy and Brother Rice on the road in a regional-title game. No. 2 seed New Trier at No. 9 seed Glenbrook North and No. 2 seed Fremd at No. 7 seed Barrington are other examples.