Calvin Davis, the Proviso West Holiday Tournament director, sent out an email inviting coaches and media to the bracket reveal brunch on Saturday. It’s the first time the field of teams has been announced.
Downers Grove North, Kenwood, New Trier, Orr and Providence-St. Mel have left the tournament and been replaced by Crete-Monee, Dunbar, Hyde Park, Leo and Niles West.
So the full field is Bogan, Crete-Monee, Dunbar, Fenwick, Hillcrest, Hyde Park, Larkin, Leo, Longwood, Morton, Niles West, Proviso East, Proviso West, St. Joseph, Uplift and Young.
That’s five currently ranked teams, which will make Proviso West one of the best holiday tournaments in the state. There is even a possible title game matchup between current No. 1 Young and No. 2 Bogan.
But it is troubling that nearly all of the teams that left the tournament are better than the new additions. The Chicago area doesn’t currently have a star-studded, must-see holiday tournament and that is a major problem for the sport.
Proviso, the Dipper, Hinsdale Central, York and Wheeling are all solid events. But they aren’t good enough to move the needle with the casual local sports fan.
The area needs a holiday tournament with 16 excellent teams and every school hoping to someday earn an invitation. That’s what Proviso West used to be and someone needs to step up and fill that void.
In other news, the Jacobs and IC Prep/Westmont holiday schedules were released today, along with the Bob Hambric Shootout at TF North. Hillcrest vs. Simeon is the headline game.
Monday’s top games
La Lumiere (IN) 78, Lincoln Park 48: The Lions lose to a prep school powerhouse. Tahir Thompson had 11 points and 10 rebounds and Ish Habib added 15 points and three steals.
Alcott 81, Noble 78: Huge game from Fernandeo Alvarez-May with 36 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Joliet Central 42, Stagg 36: Nice win for the Steelmen on the road.
No. 1 Young 95, No. 18 Farragut 62: Total domination by the Dolphins at home. There was a running clock in the fourth quarter. Tyler Beard had 22, Sangolay Njie scored 20 and DJ Steward added 19. Aaron Strong led the Admirals with 18.
Lake View 74, Holy Trinity 54: Kevin Delaney Jr. led the Wildcats with 21 points.
Crane 72, Comer 59: I’m anxious to get a look at the Cougars. Robert Hobbs had 25 points and 16 rebounds. Jimarius Sneed had 18 points, eight rebounds, five steals and four assists. Ken Sallee added 14.
Chicago Academy 83, Rickover 43: Freshman Anthony Zepeda scored 28.
