Chicago Sun-Times - All2022-02-18T23:03:36.561-06:00https://chicago.suntimes.com/rss/stream/226846952022-02-18T23:03:36.561-06:002022-02-20T12:36:12-06:00High school basketball: Glenbard West smashes Simeon in regular season finale
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Bobby Durkin (33) shares his enthusiasm after dunking during the fourth quarter of the Hilltoppers win over Simeon." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1e94886/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FY2ZGaxjMU3TOa4vnaiq8C4tHG1I%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281035x476%3A1036x477%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23256998%2FOB_CST_021922_2004.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0725328/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FY2ZGaxjMU3TOa4vnaiq8C4tHG1I%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281035x476%3A1036x477%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23256998%2FOB_CST_021922_2004.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Bobby Durkin (33) shares his enthusiasm after dunking during the fourth quarter of the Hilltoppers win over Simeon.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>Simeon coach Robert Smith praised Glenbard West before the season even began, proclaiming the Hilltoppers the best team in the state. </p><p>There was a moment this season when the Wolverines were firing on all cylinders and it seemed that they were the team most capable of challenging Glenbard West. </p><p>That did not happen on Friday at Proviso West. The Hilltoppers dominated the game from start to finish, smashing Simeon 60-32.</p><p>“They are better than all of us,” Smith said. “It is just a given. I thought we were going to play a better game than we did. We didn’t play up to our capability. But it was probably something they did, not just us.”</p><p>Simeon is considered the best team in the state in Class 3A. Glenbard West, a Class 4A team, is the best team regardless of class. It was expected to be a high-octane game with high-level thrills. That’s what happened when the Hilltoppers faced Sierra Canyon, CA and when the Wolverines played Kenwood. </p><p>Instead, it was an ugly, physical game with no flow. Glenbard West (30-1) took charge immediately, building a 17-4 lead in the first quarter. Simeon closed the gap to eleven points very early in the third quarter but never mounted a significant challenge. </p><p>“We knew it would be physical coming in,” Hilltoppers coach Jason Opoka said. “We wanted to challenge ourselves and put ourselves in a position where maybe we felt uncomfortable and I thought our approach and our game plan was excellent. It was a grind. It was quite stagnant.”</p><p>Glenbard West was uncomfortable, but that makes the dominating final score that much more impressive. Simeon was able to expose some chinks in the armor of the state’s best team but to absolutely no real impact. </p><p>“The length was huge,” Smith said. “We haven’t seen anything like that. I don’t think anybody has. Young may have a chance if they get to play them again since they have already seen it once. But watching it on film and up close is a totally different thing.”</p><p>Senior Bobby Durkin was the standout for Glenbard West. He finished with 19 points, including two big three-pointers that set the tone early. </p><p>“They play super physical,” Durkin said. “But I thought we handled it well in the second half, limiting the turnovers.”</p><p>Gonzaga recruit Braden Huff had 14 points and Paxton Warden added 13. Hilltoppers senior Ryan Renfro was a force in the post with eight points and 13 rebounds. </p><p>“I just tried to lower my shoulder and go for every board I could,” Renfro. “This was so fun. It’s a great way to end it for sure. Coach gave us a really difficult schedule this year. But the job is not finished we have seven more games.”</p><p>Nichols Robinson led Simeon (23-5) with 11 points off the bench and Wes Rubin added seven. Miles Rubin, the Wolverines’ second-leading scorer, and leading rebounder, missed the game with an injury. </p><p>Simeon has lost back-to-back games. Curie knocked the Wolverines out of the city tournament last week. </p><p>“I still like our chances in the playoffs,” Smith said. “We didn’t lose to bad teams. We just need to get back at it.”<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/18/22941819/glenbard-west-simeon-high-school-basketballMichael O'Brien2022-02-08T11:48:46.18-06:002022-02-15T10:54:29-06:00No shot clock podcast: Mailbag and in-depth review of Glenbard West vs. Sierra Canyon, Episode 134
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<p>Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien break down the week in high school basketball. The episode opens with a mailbag and then Mike and Joe give their Two Takes.</p><p>We dive into more than a dozen listener questions and also go in-depth on the big Glenbard West vs. Sierra Canyon game. </p><p><b>The podcast is on </b><a class="Link" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-shot-clock/id947571011" target="_blank" ><b>Apple Podcasts</b></a><b> and </b><a class="Link" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2pmeJqzZusnzjQy7lXfP3m?si=ILyseKvYTxqjcoYRo3tMuA" target="_blank" ><b>Spotify</b></a><b>, so please subscribe.</b></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/8/22923741/no-shot-clock-high-school-basketball-podcast-glenbard-west-sierra-canyonMichael O'Brien2022-02-06T19:40:02.971-06:002022-02-07T22:31:20-06:00High school basketball: Glenbard West deals with the hype, amps up its schedule for March playoff run
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro (45) reacts during the game against Sierrra Canyon." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e4566a7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2584x1450+0+136/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FfEgzv1mJBSpKoyV_BhHs1vI0GDg%3D%2F0x0%3A2584x1723%2F2584x1723%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281246x933%3A1247x934%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23222664%2Fob_CST_020622_209__1_.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/73e49cb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2584x1450+0+136/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FfEgzv1mJBSpKoyV_BhHs1vI0GDg%3D%2F0x0%3A2584x1723%2F2584x1723%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281246x933%3A1247x934%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23222664%2Fob_CST_020622_209__1_.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro (45) reacts during the game against Sierrra Canyon.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p> Glenbard West is in unfamiliar territory. At no time in history have the Hilltoppers been front and center in the high school basketball world.</p><p> Coach Jason Opoka has had to deal with the transition from “very good” to “elite” over the past month, which has to be surreal — even in the best of circumstances — considering it’s a relatively unknown basketball powerhouse in Glen Ellyn.</p><p> Glenbard West is nationally ranked.</p><p>They’re 26-1, selling out gyms and arenas as the No. 1 team in the state. The hype is real, <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/5/22919999/glenbard-west-sierra-canyon-high-school-basketball" target="_blank" >even after losing for the first time at the buzzer to California’s star-studded Sierra Canyon team Saturday night</a> before a sold-out crowd at Wintrust Arena. </p><p> This team has evolved into the most hyped suburban team since Jalen Brunson led Stevenson to unprecedented heights over a three-year run from 2013 to ’15.</p><p> There’s no question a group of seniors, several of whom have been playing together for years, are at the forefront of bringing all the attention to this basketball program. They’re the attraction because of their individual talents and how they play together.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/6/22921026/high-school-basketball-rankings-super-25-chicago-illinois-ihsa-glenbard-west" target="_blank" >Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 high school basketball rankings for Feb. 6, 2022 </a>
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<p> The star, 6-10 Braden Huff, is headed to powerhouse Gonzaga. Any time you put “Gonzaga recruit” in a sentence, it’s attention-grabbing and means something to the outside basketball world.</p><p> While Huff and fellow seniors Caden Pierce, Bobby Durkin, Ryan Renfro and Paxton Warden are the appeal, Opoka is the one who built the stage for these players to shine.</p><p> A little over two years ago, Opoka, then in his first year as head coach, quickly realized he had something special. With sophomores leading the way in that 2019-20 season, Opoka knew the trajectory of this team. And it pointed toward being exceptional.</p><p> After missing out on the experience of a March run last year because of COVID — or playing in any truly meaningful games — Opoka was determined to ramp up the schedule and the memorable opportunities for his team.</p><p> One of the first steps was the tough decision to shut down its own holiday tournament at Christmastime. Glenbard West has hosted a holiday tournament for years, though the round-robin affair traditionally has been soft in competition and has lacked buzz.</p><p> The Hilltoppers made the move to the Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York and scheduled major tests against Young, Sierra Canyon and Simeon.</p><p> Opoka will get a little testy if you mention “Glenbard West is a football school.” He supports the school’s football excellence, but hearing over and over again that “it’s a football school” when you’re the head basketball coach doesn’t sit well.</p><p> “I’m so sick of hearing it,” Opoka said. “For us to get where we want to be, we have to change the mindset that this can be a basketball school. I am going to do everything in my power to challenge seventh and eighth graders, to challenge our freshmen and sophomores to be in the position of a Braden Huff or a Caden Pierce. I am going to use them as role models for the program, to show this is what they can be doing, playing on ESPN like we just did.”</p><p> Opoka says he and his coaching staff are “very proud” of what the Hilltoppers have accomplished. There is, however, more work to be done. First, there are three conference games and one marquee game (against Simeon) left in the regular season. Then it’s on to the most important work.</p><p> “Our overall goal, our team’s goal, our players’ goal, has not been touched yet,” Opoka said. “And that can only be touched when we start our process of those seven games in the state tournament.”</p><p></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/6/22921130/glenbard-west-high-school-basketball-braden-huffJoe Henricksen2022-02-05T21:39:03.194-06:002022-02-06T11:58:24-06:00High school basketball: Amari Bailey, Bronny James and Sierra Canyon beat Glenbard West
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<img class="Image" alt="Sierra Canyon’s Amari Bailey (10) takes the ball to the basket past Glenbard West’s Bobby Durkin (33). " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ac8f33c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5457x3063+0+288/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2Fu_ogyofGYFK5hMaN_PFb8GQSukU%3D%2F0x0%3A5457x3638%2F5457x3638%2Ffilters%3Afocal%282637x1611%3A2638x1612%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23221133%2Fob_CST_020622_208.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/947cbd0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5457x3063+0+288/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2Fu_ogyofGYFK5hMaN_PFb8GQSukU%3D%2F0x0%3A5457x3638%2F5457x3638%2Ffilters%3Afocal%282637x1611%3A2638x1612%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23221133%2Fob_CST_020622_208.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Sierra Canyon’s Amari Bailey (10) takes the ball to the basket past Glenbard West’s Bobby Durkin (33). </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p> The Glenbard West community came out in full force Saturday, filling Wintrust Arena with fans that let the Sierra Canyon superstars from the Los Angeles area know that Amari Bailey’s homecoming wasn’t going to be a tepid celebration.</p><p> The Hilltoppers are a local sensation, riding the talent of Braden Huff, Cade Pierce, Ryan Renfro, Paxton Warden and Bobby Durkin to a season that has captured the attention of fans across the area.</p><p> But the Trailblazers are a national power. Glenbard West doesn’t have any McDonald’s All-Americans. Sierra Canyon has two in Bailey and 6-9 Kijani Wright. That’s a big talent gap to overcome.</p><p> There were a few minutes in the third quarter when it looked as though Sierra Canyon was going to pull away, but the Hilltoppers never let that happen. The game came down to the final second.</p><p> Bailey had the ball in his hands. The score was tied, and the roaring crowd was on its feet. Bailey drove and passed to Dylan Metoyer in the corner. Metoyer’s three-pointer beat the buzzer and went in, lifting the Trailblazers to a 67-64 victory and crushing the hopes of more than 9,000 Glenbard West fans.</p><p> ‘‘I knew the attention was going to be on me,’’ Bailey said. ‘‘They’d been doing a good job collapsing on me and drawing charges and fouls. [Metoyer] had been hitting shots for us all night, and I had faith in him. That’s the cherry on top of the crib. I’m so proud of my guys.’’</p><p> Bailey, a Chicago native-turned-Los Angeles celebrity, lived up to his ranking as the No. 2 player in the country. It was a treat every time he touched the ball, and he finished with 19 points to lead Sierra Canyon.</p><p> Junior Bronny James, LeBron James’ son, made six three-pointers and scored 18. Jeremiah Nyarko, a 6-8 senior, gave the Hilltoppers fits in the post defensively and finished with 11 rebounds.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
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<li class="RelatedList-items-item">
<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/6/22920654/glenbard-west-high-school-basketball" target="_blank" >Glenbard West’s incredible 2021-22 basketball season</a>
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<p> ‘‘That was such a tough game,’’ Huff said. ‘‘It’s hard to lose like that at the finish, but I’m so proud of the guys and the way we fought through everything.’’</p><p> Huff scored 13 points to lead a balanced effort by Glenbard West. Durkin and Renfro each added 12 points and five rebounds and Pierce 11 points. The Hilltoppers were 11 of 20 from the free-throw line. </p><p> The Glenbard West student section was focused on Bailey and James throughout the game, chanting, ‘‘Drake’s your daddy,’’ to Bailey, whose mother used to date the famous rapper.</p><p> Bailey and James walked over to the Glenbard West students after the game, waved and applauded.</p><p> ‘‘Much respect to all the Glenbard West fans for giving me a good time when I came back home,’’ Bailey said. ‘‘I appreciate them.’’</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Braden Huff (34) shoots the ball during the game against Sierra Canyon." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/98ea20e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3907x2193+0+206/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FEvODoCOHS8gNM7P4iDfo-R-EnL0%3D%2F0x0%3A3907x2605%2F3907x2605%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281954x1303%3A1955x1304%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23221186%2Fob_CST_020622_215.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/49d6f8c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3907x2193+0+206/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FEvODoCOHS8gNM7P4iDfo-R-EnL0%3D%2F0x0%3A3907x2605%2F3907x2605%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281954x1303%3A1955x1304%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23221186%2Fob_CST_020622_215.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Braden Huff (34) shoots the ball during the game against Sierra Canyon.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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</div><p> Sierra Canyon led by three points at halftime, and Bailey scored the first six points of the third quarter. The Trailblazers led 45-33 after Bailey’s dunk with 6:17 left in the third.</p><p> The Hilltoppers (26-1) trailed 64-58 before Huff made two free throws and a three-pointer to pull Glenbard West to 64-63. Warden then split two free throws to tie the score and set up the game-winner.</p><p> ‘‘I have the utmost respect for Glenbard West,’’ Bailey said. ‘‘Braden showed out. He’s a hell of a player. I can’t wait to play him when we are in college.’’</p><p> Bailey is committed to UCLA and Huff to Gonzaga.<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/5/22919999/glenbard-west-sierra-canyon-high-school-basketballMichael O'Brien2022-02-04T09:29:33.878-06:002022-02-06T11:44:15-06:00High school basketball: Weekend Forecast, previewing and predicting this weekend’s top games
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Paxton Warden (24) reacts after throwing down a dunk against St. Charles North." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0d72f67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FhjqP1mcHsg8yAjnV8KpSWXvoqsM%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%28995x458%3A996x459%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23217956%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2043.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a7dfd9e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FhjqP1mcHsg8yAjnV8KpSWXvoqsM%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%28995x458%3A996x459%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23217956%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2043.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Paxton Warden (24) reacts after throwing down a dunk against St. Charles North.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>While there isn’t a deep, long list of marquee games over the course of the weekend, there are certainly a few attention-grabbing showdowns that will grab headlines.</p><p>Here is the Weekend Forecast, highlighted by a pair of dueling events Saturday night — one at Wintrust Arena and one at UIC’s Credit Union 1 Arena.</p><p>Last week: 7-2</p><p>Overall: 34-11</p><h3>Glenbard West (25-0) vs. Sierra Canyon (20-3) at Wintrust Arena, Saturday</h3><p>This is one of those “Game of the Year” types that should get any high school basketball fan excited. You better believe the Glenbard West fanbase is fired up for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for its program. </p><p>This just might be the Game of the Year. But it’s a completely different one than we are accustomed to in Illinois. </p><p>An out-of-state national power from California with household names travels to Illinois to face the state’s top-ranked team in front of a sold out crowd at Wintrust Arena. </p><p>No matter the national ranking you pay attention to or what you think of national rankings for high school teams, this one features two of the highest ranked teams in the country. </p><p>MaxPreps has Glenbard West No. 10 in the country and Sierra Canyon at No. 13. The two powerhouses are flipped in the ESPN rankings with Sierra Canyon at No. 14 and Glenbard West checking in at No. 19.</p><p>The three Sierra Canyon losses on the season came to three teams ranked nationally by MaxPreps, including No. 2 Duncanville out of Texas, No. 7 Camden (NJ) and No. 15 St. Paul VI in Virginia. </p><p>There is one common opponent: Young. The Trailblazers pulled away in the second half and beat Young 81-49 in early January, while the Hilltoppers knocked off Young 74-59 at When Sides Collide a week later. </p><p>When it comes to pure, high-level college talent, Sierra Canyon is absolutely loaded with it, starting with Amari Bailey. The 6-5 guard guard grew up in Chicago and is now the No. 2 ranked prospect in the country. The McDonald’s All-American is headed to UCLA next year. </p><p>Isaiah Elohim is a 6-5 sophomore guard and one of the top 10 prospects in the Class of 2024. Jeremiah Nyarko is a 6-8 Division I big man who remains uncommitted. Both transferred in to Sierra Canyon this year. </p><p>And then there is Bronny James, the son of basketball icon Lebron James. Bronny is a 6-2 junior and among the top 35 prospects in the Class of 2023. </p><p>Glenbard West’s unbeaten run is on the line. This is the best team the Hilltoppers will have faced all season. And this big game, crowd and environment is another walk in the park for a team like Sierra Canyon who have played in so many of them. </p><p>The Hilltoppers have a versatile star in Braden Huff, the 6-11 Gonzaga-bound senior, senior veterans with size and chemistry, and a vaunted 1-3-1 defense that can neutralize just about anyone in the halfcourt. </p><p>Maybe being the underdog for the first time will be helpful for coach Jason Opoka’s Hilltoppers. </p><p>Glenbard West can play with Sierra Canyon, so why not just go with the homer pick here for fun? </p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Glenbard West 58, Sierra Canyon 57 </i></p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
<ul class="RelatedList-items">
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/4/22917261/amari-bailey-sierra-canyon-glenbard-west-high-school-basketball" target="_blank" >Will Glenbard West spoil Amari Bailey’s homecoming?</a>
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<p></p><h3>Curie (20-4) vs. Glenbrook South (23-2), Wintrust Arena, Saturday</h3><p>Don’t forget the undercard of this terrific night of basketball at Wintrust Arena. This clash brings together two highly-ranked teams for a late-season showdown. And it’s another city vs. suburban matchup in a growing list of ones that have taken place this season. </p><p>When it comes to Glenbrook South, it’s always going to start with the much-talked-about tandem of 6-7 Nick Martinelli and scoring guard Cooper Noard. They are a load and complement one another well, but they were neutralized a week ago by New Trier in a CSL South loss. Can Curie do the same?</p><p>Big man Chikasi Ofoma will try and hold down the crafty and extremely effective Martinelli, who is just so unique in finding ways to score in the paint. The big, physical backcourt of Phoenix Bullock and Carlos Harris is a talented one on the perimeter for the Condors. </p><p>Glenbrook South discarded Simeon two weeks ago at the When Sides Collide Shootout, while Curie has lost twice to Simeon. </p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Glenbrook South 61, Curie 57</i></p><h3>Brother Rice (21-2) at Leo (16-3), Friday</h3><p>This is arguably the biggest game of the year in the Chicago Catholic League. Who would have guessed that when the season began?</p><p>Both teams are a perfect 10-0 in league play.</p><p>Leo can sometimes be described as “sneaky good.” But when your only three losses are to Curie, Glenbard West and Hillcrest — three teams with a combined record of 67-6 — you shouldn’t be sneaking up on anyone anymore. </p><p>With the foursome of Cam Cleveland, Austin Ford, Jakeem Cole and Jarrod Gee, Jr., Leo is capable of beating teams with balance, quickness and some opportune shooting. Leo is also a play-hard team that competes and has a unique home gym that’s always challenging for opponents.</p><p>Brother Rice is a team that seems to be on cruise control, winning 11 straight — and winning the close ones while they’re at it. The losses are by a combined five points to top 10 teams Curie and Wheaton Warrenville South. </p><p>Junior Ahmad Henderson continues to make the Crusaders go. His value to this team is off-the-charts important at the point guard position, while juniors Nick Niego and Khalil Ross feed off the attention Henderson draws. </p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Brother Rice 58, Leo 53</i> </p><h3>New Trier (24-2) vs. Evanston (16-8) at Northwestern, Friday</h3><p>This has lost a little pizzazz of late with Evanston fighting through some struggles. The Wildkits have lost two of their last three. But it’s still New Trier-Evanston, one of the best rivalries in the Chicago area. </p><p>It’s a rivalry Evanston has owned of late, winning six of the last seven meetings and 15 of 17 between the two familiar foes. </p><p>But this is New Trier’s year. The Trevians have a massive advantage inside with Jackson Munro. The Dartmouth recruit is playing at a very high, all-state level. Surrounded by multiple shooters, Munro and New Trier could take out its Evanston frustrations in this one — and again three days later when the two play Monday night. </p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: New Trier 65, Evanston 52</i></p><h3>Oak Forest (20-5) at Hillcrest (22-2), Friday</h3><p>A pair of 20-win teams familiar with one another square off.</p><p>Hillcrest is back to its dominating ways in conference play. The nicely balanced Hawks are unbeaten in the South Suburban Blue but must be ready for Oak Forest and highly-productive big man Robbie Avila — and not get caught looking ahead to a huge test Saturday night against Kenwood. </p><p>This is a measuring stick for an Oak Forest team that could see Hillcrest again in the sectional in a few weeks. </p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Hillcrest 65, Oak Forest 55</i></p><h3>Kenwood (18-6) vs. Hillcrest (22-2) at UIC, Saturday</h3><p>Is Kenwood’s confidence rattled after barely getting by Longwood and Morgan Park last week in Public League play and then losing to Yorkville Christian last weekend? And if it isn’t, the obvious question is which Kenwood team will show up? Hillcrest has consistently been good and is a team where Kenwood will have to bring its A game. </p><p>Kenwood has endless weapons with Trey Pettigrew and juniors Darrin Ames and 6-7 Davius Loury to name a few. </p><p>Hillcrest, meanwhile, is beaming with confidence. The Hawks have won 11 in a row, including a win over highly-ranked Wheaton South. Also in their back pocket is knowing they played top-ranked Glenbard West so well back in December, losing 51-48.</p><p>There is no one player to focus on when it comes to the balanced Hawks, who are led by guard Bryce Tillery (11.5 ppg) who is one of four players in double figures. There is some size and activity in a pair of bigs, Darrion Baker (10 ppg) and Marcus Glover (10 ppg), while sophomore Isaiah Green (10 ppg) has provided some offensive punch in the backcourt. </p><p>This could be a barnburner, particularly if Kenwood can regroup and bring it the way it did the first half of the season. Coach Mike Irvin’s Broncos need this one.</p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Kenwood 68, Hillcrest 65</i></p><h3>Oak Lawn (18-4) vs. Mount Carmel (21-3), Sunday at Evergreen Park</h3><p>A busy day at the Evergreen Park Shootout where there will be six games played. But this one is the most intriguing. </p><p>Both are enjoying terrific regular seasons with win totals these two programs aren’t exactly accustomed to putting up. </p><p>Oak Lawn could use a signature win, particularly one week before sectional seeding time. The Spartans are trying to inch their way up the seeding ladder in what will be a rough-and-tumble Thornwood Sectional. Oak Lawn will be hosting a regional and would like to take full advantage of that as a 4-5 seed rather than six of seven seed. </p><p>The senior trio of Johnny McGowan, Nico Reyes and Davion Lawrence have led Oak Lawn to its first conference championship in four decades. A win here would signal that the Spartans can start dreaming of adding the first regional title since 1988. </p><p>Mount Carmel, led by junior standout DeAndre Craig, is fresh off a nice win over DePaul Prep. The Caravan are pretty well locked in as the No. 2 seed in the Hinsdale South Sectional, looking up at only highly-ranked Simeon. But it’s a chance to regain and build momentum in the midst of a rugged Chicago Catholic League slate.</p><p><i>Hoops Report pick: Mount Carmel 62, Oak Lawn 55</i><br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/4/22917765/high-school-basketball-glenbard-west-sierra-canyon-preview-predictionsJoe Henricksen2022-02-04T05:00:00-06:002022-02-06T11:43:40-06:00High school basketball: Will Glenbard West spoil Amari Bailey’s homecoming?
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<img class="Image" alt="Amari Bailey of Sierra Canyon dribbles against the Minnehaha Academy at Target Center on January 4, 2020." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7fed870/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1803x1012+0+1/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FFALCmeOmDvc8gyhFfQnXpeGEVnM%3D%2F0x0%3A1803x1014%2F1803x1014%2Ffilters%3Afocal%28963x434%3A964x435%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23217222%2FGettyImages_1198118861.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ab2b099/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1803x1012+0+1/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FFALCmeOmDvc8gyhFfQnXpeGEVnM%3D%2F0x0%3A1803x1014%2F1803x1014%2Ffilters%3Afocal%28963x434%3A964x435%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23217222%2FGettyImages_1198118861.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Amari Bailey of Sierra Canyon dribbles against the Minnehaha Academy at Target Center on January 4, 2020.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Getty Images</p></div></div>
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<p>On the surface, Amari Bailey is all Los Angeles.</p><p> The No. 2-ranked player in the Class of 2022 plays at Sierra Canyon with LeBron James’ son Bronny. The team is one of the biggest sports attractions in California. Drake regularly comes to games and even dated Bailey’s mother, Johanna Leia.</p><p> But Chicago still is “home” to Bailey. He was born here and was a junior high star at Skinner West before moving to California.</p><p> Things are going well out West. Bailey signed with UCLA in November, so he isn’t leaving California anytime soon. He even bought his mom a Porsche for Christmas.</p><p> Bailey’s last regular-season high school game is back home in Chicago on Saturday. Sierra Canyon will play undefeated Glenbard West at Wintrust Arena. That isn’t by accident.</p><p> “I expressed interest [to Sierra Canyon] in wanting to come back home because I haven’t been back in so long,” Bailey said. “It’s really sweet that it will be my last game.”</p><p> Bailey and his mom were fixtures at high-profile Chicago high school basketball events when he was in eighth grade. Every high school in the city wanted him. Bailey committed to DePaul when he was 13. That didn’t stick. He said he probably would have gone to Morgan Park if he had stayed.</p><p> “It was a huge loss to Chicago when he left,” said Kenwood coach Mike Irvin, who coached Bailey during the club season. “He’s a great player that can do it all. We don’t technically have a local McDonald’s All-American, but we still consider Amari a hometown kid.”</p><p> Bailey was the Los Angeles Times Player of the Year last season and helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal in the 2019 FIBA U-16 world championships in Brazil.</p><p> His game has a smooth athleticism. He plays with grace and power. It’s easy to see his NBA potential when he effortlessly glides to the basket over high school players.</p><p> “He can play the one through four,” Irvin said. “He has the toughness to guard a four. He thrives off of defense and is kind of a throwback that way.”</p><p> Aaron Bailey, Amari’s dad, is from Ann Arbor and was an NFL wide receiver for six seasons. Bailey learned basketball at Foster Park and Robert Taylor Park, two spots he said he’d like to show his Sierra Canyon teammates this week.</p><p> “That’s where basketball started for me,” Bailey said. “And, of course, I have to go back to Harold’s, Lou Malnati’s and Jerk Villa. All the regular spots.”</p><p> Bailey doesn’t know much about Glenbard West other than the fact that the Hilltoppers “have a Gonzaga recruit.” Sierra Canyon plays in college arenas and on ESPN regularly. So it’s just another game for Bailey, other than it being in Chicago.</p><p> Sierra Canyon originally was scheduled to play Simeon. That game fell apart, and undefeated Glenbard West, which has become a local sensation, stepped in.</p><p> “It definitely would have been good to play against Simeon since I grew up playing with or against almost everyone on that team and how historic Simeon is,” Bailey said. “That would have given a crazy vibe for the city.”</p><p> Bailey and Sierra Canyon might not be prepared for the scene that awaits them at Wintrust Arena. Glenbard West fans sold out the event in fewer than 10 minutes. The game might be taking place in Chicago, but it will feel like Glen Ellyn East.</p><p> The Hilltoppers are unbeaten but haven’t traveled the country playing high-level teams. They haven’t even played a game on a college court. But some of the national rankings now have Glenbard West slightly ahead of Sierra Canyon.</p><p> Both teams played Young this season. Sierra Canyon beat the Dolphins 81-47; Glenbard West beat them 74-59.</p><p> The Hilltoppers have overwhelmed local teams with their size. Braden Huff, the Gonzaga recruit, is 6-10. Princeton recruit Cade Pierce is 6-4. Seniors Bobby Durkin (6-7), Paxton Warden (6-4) and Ryan Renfro (6-8) round out the starting lineup.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Bronny James of Sierra Canyon handles the ball during Hoophall West.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Getty Images</p></div></div>
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</div><p> Sierra Canyon probably won’t have an issue with Glenbard West’s length. Bailey is 6-5, and James, a rapidly improving junior, is 6-3. Nebraska recruit Ramel Lloyd Jr. is 6-6. That’s just the backcourt. Senior forward Jeremiah Nyarko is 6-8, and USC recruit Kijani Wright is 6-9.</p><p> Sophomore guard Isaiah Elohim is another standout for the Trailblazers, who are essentially an all-star team of players who transferred to Sierra Canyon from around the Los Angeles area.</p><p> Bailey might be hoping for a warm welcome or at least a nice round of applause when he’s introduced. There’s a reason he came home for his last high school game.</p><p> “I want to let the city know I’m still from here and these are my roots,” Bailey said. “It doesn’t matter where I go.”</p><p> That sentiment goes a long way with Chicago fans. A Public League-heavy crowd likely would have embraced Bailey.</p><p> But Glenbard West fans don’t care which Harold’s Chicken location Bailey used to frequent. They want to continue their undefeated dream season and prove themselves on a national stage. The game will air live on ESPN+.</p><p> “He’s coming home to play in front of a bunch of fans that didn’t follow him in grammar school or back in AAU,” Irvin said. “This is a different crowd that is coming.”</p><p> Expect a madhouse at Wintrust. It’s the biggest high school basketball game in the area in several years: the Los Angeles All-Stars vs. a few kids from Glen Ellyn.<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/4/22917261/amari-bailey-sierra-canyon-glenbard-west-high-school-basketballMichael O'Brien2022-02-03T10:51:18.519-06:002022-02-06T11:41:05-06:00High school basketball: Can undefeated Glenbard West run the table?
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro signs an autograph after the Hilltoppers defeat St. Charles North." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3688298/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+139/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2F2GYwuRBum-MJ4S7dl7DpfvUOLyE%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1400%2F2000x1400%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281011x539%3A1012x540%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23215694%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2027.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/575f1de/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+139/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2F2GYwuRBum-MJ4S7dl7DpfvUOLyE%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1400%2F2000x1400%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281011x539%3A1012x540%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23215694%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2027.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro signs an autograph after the Hilltoppers defeat St. Charles North.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>The biggest story in high school basketball this season has been Glenbard West. The 25-0 Hilltoppers gain more admirers by the week and more chapters are added to the story. </p><p>As they roll through the season without a loss, the hype surrounding this team grows, along with a brighter spotlight and growing pressure to handle it all.</p><p>With just a couple of weeks left to play before the postseason, being an unbeaten team becomes a story of its own — at least to those on the outside of the Glenbard West program.</p><p>Somewhat surprisingly, there hasn’t been an unbeaten big school state champion since the 1993 King team ran the table.</p><p>So as an unbeaten, top-ranked team, Glenbard West remains on track to make history and become the first big school state champ without a loss in nearly 30 years.</p><p>How rare are unbeaten teams in the Chicago area? There have only been 19 big school (Class 4, Class 3 or AA) teams in the area to finish the regular season with a perfect record since 1980 — and only five since 2000.</p><p>Taking it a step further, just two of those 19 teams went on to capture a state championship. Those odds aren’t very good for the unbeaten Hilltoppers if they can maintain that unblemished record.</p><p>Glenbard West hasn’t quite finished the regular season undefeated yet. The Hilltoppers face a monstrous test against nationally-ranked Sierra Canyon, California. which features LeBron James’ son Bronny and Amari Bailey, the Chicago native considered the No. 2 player in the country.</p><p>In a little over four weeks from now we’ll know if Glenbard West can add its name to a short, illustrious list of unbeaten state champions. </p><p>Here’s a look at 19 big school teams that finished the regular season unbeaten since 1980 and how they fared in the postseason:</p><h3>2017 Fremd</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in state semifinals</p><p>Just three years after the Vikings lost as an unbeaten team in a 2014 sectional championship game, coach Bob Widlowski’s program did it again. Only this time the Vikings made it all the way to the state semifinals in Peoria, thanks to Kyle Sliwa’s 30-foot buzzer-beater to knock off Conant in the sectional final. </p><p>Fremd then found a way in the super-sectional for another dramatic win, edging Jacobs and all-stater Cameron Krutwig, before losing to Young 53-47 in the state semifinals. The Vikings finished 30-1.</p><h3>2014 Fremd</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in sectional championship</p><p>While the regular-season schedule may not have had the potential potholes other top teams faced, the Mid-Suburban League champs won a regional and reached the sectional championship, where it lost to Stevenson 63-48 to finish 28-1.</p><h3>2012 Proviso East</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in state championship</p><p>The Pirates rolled through the regular season, winning the Proviso West Holiday Tournament and finished with a perfect 26-0 record. </p><p>The Pirates, led by senior Keith Carter and junior Sterling Brown, reached the State Finals where it fell to Simeon, 50-48, in the Class 4A state championship game. That Simeon team featured the junior tandem of Jabari Parker and Kendrick Nunn. </p><h3>2011 Benet</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in sectional semifinal</p><p>In a classic late-season showdown with an unbeaten Simeon team at the UIC Pavilion, the Redwings won over everyone with a thrilling win. Behind big man Frank Kaminsky and point guard David Sobolewski, Benet finished the regular season 27-0. But the No. 1 team in the state was upset by Ryan Boatright and East Aurora in the sectional semifinals to finish 29-1. </p><h3>2003 Crane</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in regional championship</p><p>An all-senior starting lineup, featuring Lorenzo Thompson and Florentino Valencia, headed into the postseason with an unblemished 25-0 record. But in one of the bigger upsets in state history, St. Ignatius stunned Crane in the regional championship game and finished 26-1.</p><h3>1999 Westinghouse</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in Public League Championship (super-sectional)</p><p>The Warriors were fueled by the perimeter trio of senior David Bailey and juniors Martell Bailey and Cedrick Banks. The Public League champs finished the regular season 27-0 but fell one game short of reaching Peoria, getting walloped by King and big man Leon Smith, 59-39, in the Public League final to finish 30-1.</p><h3>1997 Thornton</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in state semifinals</p><p>After a second straight unbeaten regular season, the Wildcats again reached the Elite Eight for the third straight season. The star-laden group of Antwaan Randle-El, Melvin Ely, Erik Herring and Napoleon Harris fell to their old March nemesis, Peoria Manual, which beat Thornton in the state semifinals as coach Rocky Hill’s team finished 32-1.</p><h3>1996 Thornton</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in state championship</p><p>A perfect regular season and a long tournament run left the Wildcats 31-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state heading into a classic state championship matchup with Peoria Manual. Thornton, in the midst of a pretty magical and high-profile four-year run, lost 57-51.</p><h3>1994 Joliet</h3><p><b>End result: </b>Lost in state quarterfinals</p><p>After rolling through the regular season without a defeat, the Steelmen headed into the Elite Eight in Champaign 30-0 behind Gary Bell and Ty Calderwood. The dream ended in the quarterfinals with a 92-80 loss to Carbondale. </p><h3>1994 King</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in Public League Championship (supersectional)</p><p>Coach Sonny Cox’s team finished the regular season 25-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. The Jaguars, led by star guard Michael Hermon, lost a heartbreaker in the Sweet Sixteen to Westinghouse, 59-58.</p><h3>1993 King</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Won Class AA state championship</p><p>The last unbeaten big school state champion. A dominant King team manhandled foes all season, including in the postseason en route to a state championship and perfect 32-0 record. King won three games in Champaign by 28, 31 and 37 points. </p><p>Rashard Griffith and Thomas Hamilton were a pair of dominating 7-footers while DeWarren Stewart was the unsung hero. </p><h3>1992 Proviso East</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Won Class AA state championship</p><p>A year after winning a Class AA state championship behind the “Three Amigos” — Sherrell Ford, Michael Finley and Donnie Boyce — the Pirates went unbeaten. Coach Bill Hitt’s team won a second straight title to finish 33-0 behind Kenny Davis and Jamal Robinson. </p><h3>1991 Nazareth</h3><p><b>End result</b>: Lost in sectional championship</p><p>This was a true Cinderella story as Nazareth won its first-ever Private League title and entered state tournament play as the second smallest Class AA team in the state. It then beat coach Gene Pingatore’s St. Joseph team led by William Gates on the road in a regional championship that was featured in the film “Hoop Dreams.” </p><p>Another dramatic moment, an overtime win over Oak Park in the sectional semifinals, followed. </p><p>All-stater Sean Pearson, who is now the head coach at Nazareth, led the Roadrunners to a 28-0 record before an absolutely loaded Proviso East ended Nazareth’s dream season in the sectional. That Proviso East team featured the “Three Amigos” — Donnie Boyce, Michael Finley and Sherrell Ford — and went on to win a state championship. </p><h3>1990 King</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Won Class AA state championship</p><p>The state’s best player, Jamie Brandon, led a King team that was No. 1 from wire to wire and considered to be one of the all-time great teams in state history. The Jaguars beat West Aurora and East St. Louis Lincoln to reach the Class AA final, where it then knocked off Tom Kleinschmidt and Gordon Tech, 65-55, in the state championship to finish 32-0.</p><h3>1989 Simeon</h3><p><b>End result: </b>Lost in Public League Championship (supersectional)</p><p>Led by Deon Thomas and guard Cody Butler, Simeon rolled through the regular season with a 24-0 record. But waiting for the Wolverines in the city final was talented King. Junior Jamie Brandon led King to a 67-57 win over Simeon in the super-sectional en route to a third-place Class AA finish. </p><h3>1986 Simeon</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in Public League Championship (supersectional)</p><p>The Wolverines were the team to beat in the state and city after finishing the regular season 21-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. However, Simeon had to face No. 3 ranked King, led by Marcus Liberty and Levertis Robinson, in the Sweet 16 and fell to the eventual state champs 49-46.</p><h3>1985 Proviso West</h3><p><b>End result: </b>Lost in sectional championship</p><p>With the Chicago area Player of the Year, big man Michael Ingram, the Panthers were 25-0 and the No. 1 ranked team in the state heading into March. But Leyden and future Michigan Wolverine Mike Griffin pulled off a sectional title game upset.</p><h3>1984 Evanston</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in Class AA state championship</p><p>All-stater Everette Stephens led the Wildkits to a 25-0 regular season. After reaching the Elite Eight in Champaign, the state’s top-ranked team beat Benton and St. Joseph to reach the state championship game with a 32-0 record. But Stephens and Company fell to Simeon and the late Ben Wilson, 53-47, in the title game.</p><h3>1980 Rich Central</h3><p><b>End result:</b> Lost in supersectional</p><p>The Olympians headed into the postseason with a perfect 25-0 record but ranked No. 2 in the state — behind No. 1 Proviso East. However, it was unranked Downers Grove South that upset Rich Central in the super-sectional, stunning the Olympians 54-52.<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/3/22916163/glenbard-west-high-school-basketball-undefeated-kingJoe Henricksen2022-02-01T12:04:31.185-06:002022-02-06T11:45:00-06:00High school basketball: Previewing Glenbard West-Sierra Canyon and the city tournament | No Shot Clock, Episode 133
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<p>Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien break down the week in high school basketball. The episode opens with a mailbag and then Mike and Joe give their Two Takes.</p><p>This week’s feature segment is all previews. We take a look at the recently revealed Public League playoff bracket and then talk all about the two big shootouts this weekend at Wintrust and UIC.</p><p><b>The podcast is on </b><a class="Link" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-shot-clock/id947571011" target="_blank" ><b>Apple Podcasts</b></a><b> and </b><a class="Link" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2pmeJqzZusnzjQy7lXfP3m?si=ILyseKvYTxqjcoYRo3tMuA" target="_blank" ><b>Spotify</b></a><b>, so please subscribe.</b></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/1/22912692/no-shot-clock-high-school-basketball-podcast-ihsa-illinois-chicago-glenbard-west-sierra-canyonMichael O'Brien2022-01-29T21:18:54.788-06:002022-02-06T11:45:41-06:00High school basketball: Glenbard West takes down St. Charles North
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<img class="Image" alt="After Glenbard West’s Caden Pierce, left, got pulled down on a hard foul, Ryan Renfro, right, gives him a hand up" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/59c7beb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FP-BwMGoszWBO-rvKFNzo6a82ISs%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281000x600%3A1001x601%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23204492%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2007.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed115bb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1122+0+39/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FP-BwMGoszWBO-rvKFNzo6a82ISs%3D%2F0x0%3A2000x1200%2F2000x1200%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281000x600%3A1001x601%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23204492%2FCLARK_CST_013022_2007.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>After Glenbard West’s Caden Pierce, left, got pulled down on a hard foul, Ryan Renfro, right, gives him a hand up</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>In 16 years of watching film of upcoming opponents, St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin has never seen anything quite like Glenbard West.</p><p>“I’m not sure I’ve scouted a better team,” Poulin said. “Maybe there have been better teams out there, but I haven’t scouted them.</p><p>“It’s not just the length, not just the size but the unselfishness, the basketball IQ. They’re very impressive.”</p><p>The No. 1 Hilltoppers did nothing to change Poulin’s mind or anyone else’s on Saturday evening. Before a standing-room-only home crowd and a TV audience, Glenbard West spotted St. Charles North an early lead before shifting into high gear and cruising to a 62-30 win.</p><p>When Brady Rasso hit a three-pointer from the left wing with 6:43 left in the second quarter, the North Stars led 14-13. The Hilltoppers ran off the next 11 points and finished the half on a 19-3 run to go ahead 32-17.</p><p>It was 51-25 after three quarters and 60-25 when Glenbard West’s starters left the game with 6:05 remaining,</p><p>Two stats illustrate why the Hilltoppers are 23-0. In the last minute of the first half, three of them — Caden Pierce, Paxton Warden and Braden Huff — blocked a North Stars shot. And four of them shared the team scoring lead at halftime with seven points each: Pierce, Warden, Huff and Bobby Durkin.</p><p>When opponents don’t know who to attack offensively or who to try to control defensively, it’s going to be a long night.</p><p>That was the case for other reasons too on Saturday. It was a TV game, which meant longer-than-usual timeouts, and the tip was delayed when the previous game in Glenbard West’s Pack the Place event — the Hilltoppers girls’ loss to Schaumburg — went to overtime.</p><p>But nothing could take the Hilltoppers’ focus off the task in front of them.</p><p>The defensive numbers were no accident, according to Pierce.</p><p>“It was a game where our main focus was just to try to get as many tips, deflections, steals as we could,” he said. “We knew that St. Charles North is a great defensive team. So we knew it was going to be hard to score in the halfcourt. We just tried to get the ball out in transition with our defense causing that. I think we did a good job of that.”</p><p>Pierce finished with 16 points, five steals, five rebounds and a block. Durkin had 13 points and seven rebounds, Huff had 13 points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal, and Warden added 11 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block. Ryan Renfro, West’s fifth starter, had seven points and six rebounds.</p><p>“Those steals got us energy throughout the entire game,” Warden said. </p><p>On the offensive side, the balance shows that the Hilltopers aren’t much concerned about who scores the points as long as someone does.</p><p>“Whenever we get a pass, we look ahead to the next person,” Warden said, “We’re all unselfish players and look for other people to shoot as well.”</p><p>Max Love led the North Stars (11-11) with 11 points and Ethan Marlowe finished with nine. North had seven three-pointers and just three two-point baskets along with three free throws.<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/1/29/22908536/glenbard-west-high-school-basketball-st-charles-northMike Clark2022-01-25T10:42:23.652-06:002022-02-06T11:41:35-06:00High school basketball: It’s time to fully appreciate top-ranked Glenbard West
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<img class="Image" alt="Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro (45) and Caden Pierce (3) embrace after winning the game against Young." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/659f9d3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2118x1189+0+112/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2F7vy_-qXpDFNcw6n5nLrBVHXPDfQ%3D%2F0x0%3A2118x1412%2F2118x1412%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281111x461%3A1112x462%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23193852%2Fob_CST_012322_118.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0092ae8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2118x1189+0+112/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2F7vy_-qXpDFNcw6n5nLrBVHXPDfQ%3D%2F0x0%3A2118x1412%2F2118x1412%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281111x461%3A1112x462%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F23193852%2Fob_CST_012322_118.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Glenbard West’s Ryan Renfro (45) and Caden Pierce (3) embrace after winning the game against Young.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>Glenbard West has been No. 1 since the season started and remains there. The Hilltoppers are a known commodity in high school basketball. </p><p>The star of the team, Braden Huff, signed with a college basketball giant. Huff is headed to Gonzaga next year and is arguably the state’s best college prospect. </p><p>And there are others headed to Division I programs, including Huff’s running mate, Princeton recruit Caden Pierce. </p><p>But you can’t get past the feeling this is still, collectively, a questioned and oddly overlooked unbeaten, top-ranked team — at least historically as far as unbeaten, top-ranked teams in late January go.</p><p>The easy takeaway for me from the When Sides Collide Shootout this past weekend is that Glenbard West is indeed No. 1. But it’s a No. 1 that should probably be more applauded for what it is. </p><p>The talent and size, highlighted by Huff, has been discussed. Throughout this season the 1-3-1 zone the Hilltoppers throw at opponents with their tremendous length and the variations they simply slide into has been nearly impossible for teams to attack. And it starts with a menacing Pierce, a long, athletic and active 6-5 defensive savant at the top of it. </p><p>The complete domination on the floor should count for something. </p><p>They’ve beaten 16 teams by 20-plus points with their starters sitting most fourth quarters, including 11 wins over teams that have been ranked this season.</p><p>They beat No. 12 Rolling Meadows by 18 points and No. 16 Lyons twice by a combined 69 points. They beat No. 14 Larkin by 21 and No. 8 Young by 15. They own wins over No. 2 Glenbrook South and No. 6 Hillcrest.</p><p>The 22-0 Hilltoppers have dominated.</p><p>With Huff, coach Jason Opoka has a star he can do — and does — so much with. Huff can handle it and beat big men off the dribble. He can take smaller defenders inside. He can draw attention, even double teams, and make others around him better and more effective with his uncanny passing and vision. Glenbard West can exploit mismatches in a way others aren’t able to do. </p><p>But this team has so much more than an impenetrable defense, multiple Division I players and a high-major recruit who happens to also be a 6-11 difference-maker. The Hilltoppers have so many intangibles that go with the aforementioned strengths. </p><p>Why people dismiss — or maybe just don’t appreciate? — the importance of “championship characteristics” is maybe why there is debate by some if this unbeaten team is No. 1 and, more importantly, whether it will ever vacate the spot or be there in the end? </p><p>The chemistry, continuity and unselfishness this team plays with is a total blast to watch. This is top-of-the-line stuff. There are no jigsaw pieces to make a puzzle; they already fit. </p><p>There is outstanding ball movement, something you simply don’t see all that often, and a group that plays together. There doesn’t seem to even be a hint of a single bad apple on this team. Even better, there doesn’t appear to be someone who doesn’t have an exact understanding of his role in the team’s hierarchy. </p><p>You have to applaud players like Paxton Warden and Ryan Renfro. Warden, who is committed to Illinois as a walk-on, and Army recruit Renfro, are ultimate dirty work guys. They provide the nitty-gritty plays — come up with loose balls, provide some physicality, rebound, tip a rebound to a teammate, keep the ball alive and provide scoring in a pinch. </p><p>Then there is the point differential. All season long it’s been a little eye-opening, including easy, double-digit wins over ranked teams. </p><p>They’ve beaten 16 teams by 20-plus points with their starters sitting most fourth quarters. They beat No. 12 Rolling Meadows by 18 points and No. 16 Lyons twice by a combined 69 points. They beat No. 14 Larkin by 21 and No. 8 Young by 15. They own wins over No. 2 Glenbrook South and No. 6 Hillcrest.</p><p>Is Glenbard West unbeatable? Well, so far, yes. But the answer is no. This is high school basketball and as good as the Hilltoppers are right now, this team can lose in March. Adversity will arrive sooner or later. </p><p>Can they run the table? Sure. Though that hasn’t been done by a big school state champion since King in 1993. </p><p>However, through Jan. 23 of this 2021-22 season there is no debate. Glenbard West is No. 1, the best team in the state. However, being No. 1 as you approach the end of January doesn’t mean anything tangible.</p><p>There is talk of Glenbard West not having a traditional point guard, which is hardly an issue with the versatile Huff, Pierce and Bobby Durkin all being able to handle the ball enough to get them into their offense. </p><p>There is definitely a lack of depth that can’t be hidden. But that has yet to impact the Hilltoppers, particularly because of how it plays. </p><p>Big tests remain. Glenbard West will be an overwhelming sectional favorite and penciled in by everyone to be playing in Champaign this March. With that comes a lot of pressure, particularly for a team that has never done it before. The program has certainly been building towards this moment with this particular group, but it missed out on getting a taste of any meaningful run last season with no state tournament played.</p><p>But without those big-game experiences and chances to raise regional and sectional plaques to its fans last season, it’s certainly left a very talented and experienced team hungry. And, honestly, they all could use a little more love. </p><p>A player who doesn’t get a whole lot of love? Pierce. And by “a whole lot,” I basically mean “none.” At least for a key player on a top-ranked team headed to play Division I basketball. </p><p>Maybe it’s because he plays with a Gonzaga recruit. Maybe it’s because he signed with an Ivy League school for that combination of academics and basketball rather than a more basketball-minded mid-major college program. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t put up significant scoring numbers.</p><p>Pierce’s impact is felt in so many ways as a 6-5 do-it-all who, as already noted, is absolutely destructive defensively. He showed that all spring and summer playing man-to-man, guarding anyone at any position, while with the Illinois Wolves on the AAU scene. Now he’s doing it on top of that vaunted 1-3-1 with so many steals, deflections and simply making opposing team’s offenses so dysfunctional. </p><p>Pierce had his best game of the year, stepping up when the lights were bright in Saturday’s win over Young. He was assertive offensively, scoring 25 points in a variety of ways, while still impacting the game in his typical way. He’s the player who college coaches watch, no matter the level, and say, “Man, I love that kid and how he plays.”</p><p>Pierce is an Ivy League recruiting steal. </p><p>Following his de-commitment from Army, Durkin is one of the better uncommitted prospects in the senior class. Whether that ends up at the Division II level or low-major Division I level remains to be seen. But the 6-6 Durkin is a legitimate space-the-floor shooter who plays with a creative craftiness and who needs a college home. </p><p>Huff was labeled as a star in the making and bonafide high-major prospect by the City/Suburban Hoops Report as far back as the winter of his sophomore year. It took quite some time for many to both see him and warm up to him as he developed his body and his ultra-skilled game came together. </p><p>Anyone who knows Huff will unequivocally tell you he’s the rare kid who isn’t bothered by the lack of national attention. He’s not ranked in ESPN’s top 100. Rivals has him as a three-star prospect and not even in its top 150 while 247sports has him at 95th in the country.</p><p>Come on. It’s laughable. You simply don’t find players at his size with his all-around skill level, footwork and basketball instincts.</p><p>So many high-level players, their parents and their club coaches are consumed with all the national garbage of rankings. Not Huff. Maybe it’s an added good chip on the shoulder, but he gives zero indication that any of it impacts him by how he plays. The kid goes about his business and plays completely unselfish basketball while making his team better. </p><p>Nonetheless, despite being arguably the best player and prospect in the senior class, he’s without question one of the more underrated Illinois high school players nationally of the past 25 years. You simply don’t find players at his size with his skill level, footwork and basketball instincts. </p><p>And it’s not as if he hasn’t been seen or recognized. Huff played with the Illinois Wolves on the Under Armour circuit. That didn’t seem to matter a single bit in the national rankings. He had several high-major offers and ultimately chose powerhouse Gonzaga, which whether fair, unfair or just plain stupid, typically elevates the national ranking of a player.</p><p>Whether it’s Huff’s indefensible national ranking, under-appreciated Pierce, unsigned Durkin, overlooked glue guys War den and Renfro or the lack of understanding of just how good this team really is, Glenbard West has to like this: It’s a definitive No. 1 team with still plenty to prove.<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/1/25/22900867/glenbard-west-high-school-basketball-braden-huffJoe Henrickson