Henricksen: Previewing and picking top sectional semifinals

A preview of the top sectional semifinal games to be played Tuesday and Wednesday.

■ Simeon (26-3) vs. Marist (27-3)

There will be plenty of perimeter firepower in this one. Marist boasts the junior guard tandem of Maurice Commander (13 ppg), the East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year, and junior Morgan Taylor (12 ppg).

Simeon counters with the trio of UTEP-bound point guard Evan Gilyard (16.4 ppg) and juniors Kezo Brown (15.6 ppg) and Talen Horton-Tucker (15 ppg). But the inside matchup between 6-8 Justin Brown of Marist and 6-5 Messiah Jones of Simeon could prove to be the difference.

Hoops Report pick: Simeon 64, Marist 54

■ Thornton (22-5) vs. Brother Rice (25-5)

Coach Bobby Frasor has revitalized Brother Rice basketball behind the 1-2 punch of Josh Niego and Mike Shepski. These are two tough-minded shooters who combine to average 34 points a game. Thornton has a carry-them-on-their-shoulders scorer in Alonzo Verge, fresh off a dominating 43-point performance in the regional final.

Hoops Report pick: Thornton 68, Brother Rice 61

■ Naperville North (23-5) vs. Wheaton South (29-1)

A couple of conference foes collide for a third time. Wheaton South won both regular-season matchups by a combined four points. Wheaton South, in search of its first sectional title in 36 years, is led by Dillon Durrett (17 ppg). The Tigers, who escaped Hinsdale Central with a last-second win in the regional championship, control tempo and are efficient offensively.

Can Naperville North finally take advantage of its size with 6-6 Mitch Lewis, 6-7 Chris Johnson and 6-5 Tom Welch? The versatile Lewis is a mismatch for Wheaton South and all three bigs scored in double figures in a regional championship win over Addison Trail.

It’s difficult to beat a quality team three times. Naperville North takes advantage of its size and the third time is the charm as the Huskies pull off the upset.

Hoops Report pick: Naperville North 47, Wheaton South 46, OT

■ Joliet West (25-3) vs. Joliet Central (23-5)

A monumental matchup for Joliet basketball fans where the stakes are much higher than the February meeting, where Joliet West pulled out a 51-49 win. Joliet West, led by a pair of Division I talents in point guard Teyvion Kirk and 6-5 Trevian Bell, is searching for its second straight sectional title.

Joliet Central may lack size and big names, but it’s been an overachieving and gritty group headed by versatile Jose Grubbs.

Hoops Report pick: Joliet West 53, Joliet Central 47

■ Notre Dame (25-5) vs. Waukegan (20-8)

Notre Dame is dangerous because it has experience and won’t be in awe of the bright lights of March. The Dons, led by guard Matt Stritzel (20 ppg) and versatile Jeameril Wilson (14 ppg), reached the super-sectional last year and have played in big, down-to-the-wire games.

Waukegan, which lost to Notre Dame 62-55 back in December, is dangerously talented. Senior Carson Newsome has shown the ability to carry this team at times while 6-4 sophomore Bryant Brown fills the stat sheet.

Hoops Report pick: Notre Dame 59, Waukegan 53

■ Oak Park (23-6) vs. Curie (25-3)

Curie’s senior trio of Elijah Joiner (17 ppg), Allante Pickens (15 ppg) and Terry Smith (13 ppg) have visions of back-to-back state championships. But the defending state champs face an Oak Park team that’s won 10 in a row and is peaking at the right time. Oak Park seniors Jared Scott (15 ppg) and Cam Gross (13 ppg) have been rock solid.

Hoops Report pick: Curie 68, Oak Park 61

■ Loyola (22-8) vs. Evanston (26-3)

Nojel Eastern’s versatility and ability to make others around him better are exceptional. As a result, veteran seniors Chris Hamil and Elyjah Williams thrive. But when Evanston defends physically it’s going to be difficult for any team in this sectional to beat the Wildkits.

Loyola’s Ramar Evans (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 4 apg) is a terrific presence. But does Loyola have enough offensive punch? Can the Ramblers keep Evanston off the glass and from scoring in transition?

Hoops Report pick: Evanston 54, Loyola 45

■ Kenwood (21-7) vs. Young (22-7)

These two city foes are familiar with one another. While Kenwood has a 67-65 win over favored Young to bulk up its confidence, that win came way back in early December. ‘

In the most recent matchup, however, Young dominated Kenwood 80-58 in the city playoffs last month. The Dolphins can do that to you with the vast offensive weapons it has, including polished senior Lucas Williamson and emerging junior Javon Freeman.

Hoops Report pick: Young 67, Kenwood 59

■ Bolingbrook (26-1) vs. West Aurora (21-8)

Mighty Bolingbrook with its Division I talent, size, depth and star power must meet the challenge of playing the role of heavy favorite. Nebraska-bound Nana Akenten and 6-5 Malik Binns will be a difficult matchup for West Aurora. And it’s just not easy containing a devastating transition game, fueled by the jet-quick backcourt of Joseph Yesufu and Kaleb Thornton.

Athletic 6-2 junior Cameron Donatlan is the clear catalyst for West Aurora, but the Blackhawks have multiple players –– Davion Cross and Caleb Siler among others –– who have stepped up at different times throughout the season.

Hoops Report pick: Bolingbrook 66, West Aurora 58

Follow Joe Henricksen and the City/Suburban Hoops Report on Twitter @joehoopsreport