SouthtownStar’s three things to know

1. Crete-Monee is the real deal. The Warriors put 83 points on the board in a track meet Thursday with Rich East before beating Hillcrest by 16 points Saturday. The Warriors have plenty of height, aren’t afraid to use muscle and know what they’re doing out there. This team is potent.

2. A healthy Mother McAuley is tough. With sisters Molly and Shea O’Malley back from injuries, the Mighty Macs are a different team than the one that lost to Morgan Park by 11 points Nov. 26. The O’Malleys combined for 13 points and seven rebounds in Saturday’s 62-43 win over Providence. When Lauren Carlson fully recovers from back issues, the Macs finally will be complete.

3. It’s a spell. That’s the only conclusion one can come to when assessing the hex Lincoln-Way East appears to have over Lincoln-Way North. East has won every meeting between the two teams since North’s program began in 2008, including Tuesday’s 48-32 decision in which Katie Krolicki hit five three-pointers and totaled 20 points. They could meet again during the holiday break.