Christmas in Detroit has been an annual tradition for Orr since coach Lou Adams took over the program 11 years ago. That is changing this season. The Spartans are staying home and playing in the prestigious Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
‘‘It should be a nice change, not traveling over the holidays,’’ Adams said. ‘‘We can sleep in our own beds. And there is a lot of ice and snow up around Detroit this time of year.’’
No. 4 Orr replaces No. 5 Morgan Park, which left for the Big Dipper Tournament at Rich South, in the Proviso West field. Nabbing the Sun-Times’ preseason No. 1 team was a coup for tournament director Calvin Davis.
‘‘The kids wanted to experience it,’’ Adams said. ‘‘We’ve never played in any local tournament.’’
The Spartans (7-2) have lost to No. 3 Curie and Danville, the two best teams they’ve played this season, but both games came down to the last possession. They’ve won four consecutive games since the Danville loss, including quality victories against Lincoln Park, Hazelwood (Missouri) and Proviso East.
‘‘We are off the roller coaster, which is good,’’ Adams said. ‘‘We played horribly [against Curie] but still should have won the game. When you are playing good schools, a lot of things can happen.’’
Orr has been short-handed this season, and its lack of depth has been a problem in several games. Tujautae Williams, a 6-6 junior, made his season debut last week against Von Steuben and had a nice all-around game with 13 points, four assists, four rebounds and five steals.
The Spartans still are waiting on an eligibility ruling on sophomore Demarius Splunge, a transfer from Clark. Senior
Ty Mosely, a Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit, has missed the last few games with an injury but is expected to be healthy for the tournament.
Orr takes on Morton (4-4) in the first round, and a possible matchup against Fenwick looms in the second.
A look at the other major contenders at Proviso West:
No. 2 Young (10-2): The defending Proviso West and Class 4A state champion lost Friday at Lincoln Park. It was the Dolphins’ first loss to an in-state team. Young’s air of invincibility took a hit, and that makes things more interesting this week. Javon Freeman has been exceptional and Young is the deepest team in the tournament, so it remains the clear favorite.
No. 9 Larkin (7-2): The Royals’ only loss to a local team was a 70-64 defeat to Young in the first week of the season. That alone shows they are a major threat. Big man Jalen Shaw is a dominating force. Senior guard Anthony Lynch makes the offense go. Larkin’s chances probably will hinge on the outside shooting of guards Kindrel Morris and Pierre Black.
No. 20 Fenwick (8-3): The Friars might not have the résumé to be considered major contenders, but they have the talent. DJ Steward has been the best sophomore in the area and is a true star. Fenwick’s ceiling is high, so it might make a run.
