High School Lites has a loaded show on Friday night as we have some holiday tournaments beginning as well as highlights of games all over the area. Highlights are a given, but we have some great features in store as Niles North's Damaria Franklin is this week's Wintrust Athlete of the Week.
Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs
Lakes vs. Cary-Grove, 3:00 p.m. -- Action begins at the Hinkle Holiday Classic as Lakes takes on Cary-Grove as both teams try to turn things around. The Eagles (3-5, 1-2) have dropped two straight as they try to build some early momentum in the tournament. Cary-Grove (4-4, 1-3) has lost three consecutive games after a promising 4-1 start.
Streamwood vs. Grant, 4:30 p.m. -- Another matchup of two teams off to sluggish start but both of these teams could be picking up steam. Streamwood (4-6, 0-4) picked up a win against Juarez on Monday. Grant (2-5, 2-1) has played a very tough schedule to start this season as they've already played North Lawndale, Waukegan and Boylan. After five losses in a row to open the season, the Bulldogs have won two straight.
Barrington vs. Jefferson, 6:00 p.m. -- This should be an intriguing first game at Jacobs as the Broncos battle one of Rockford's best teams. Barrington (6-2, 2-1) is off to a solid start this season as they try to bounce back from a loss to Palatine. Jefferson (8-2, 5-1) is looking like one of the better programs in the state this season as they own early wins over local teams like Larkin and St. Rita.
Jacobs vs. Marian Central, 7:30 p.m. -- The host school takes on a nearby rival in this one. Jacobs (6-2, 3-0) once again looks like one of the best teams in the Fox Valley while Marian Central (4-4, 0-2) is off to at tough start in the very difficult ESCC. The Golden Eagles are trying to extend a three-game winning streak. The Hurricanes have lost four of five games as they try to figure things out at Jacobs.
Other Matchups
Proviso West at Downers Grove North, 6:00 p.m. -- This one is an intriguing matchup in the West Suburban Silver. Downers North (7-2, 2-1) won seven consecutive games to start the season before recent losses to Glenbard West and Downers South. Junior guard Semaj Henderson has received some buzz early this season. Proviso West (2-1, 0-1) has a recent win over Brooks as they try to prepare for their own holiday tournament next week.
No. 2 Whitney Young at Lincoln Park, 6:30 p.m. -- An interesting matchup in the Public League Red-North/West as the Dolphins travel to the North side. Whitney Young (10-1, 3-0) is coming off of a strong weekend in Texas as senior Javon Freeman has played like a Player of the Year candidate. Lincoln Park (5-3, 2-1) has won three straight games as they've played a competitive schedule that already includes games against Orr and Loyola.
St. Joseph at De La Salle, 7:00 p.m. -- The Catholic League Blue gets a good one on Friday night as the Chargers go on the road to play De La Salle. St. Joe's (7-2, 1-0) is coming off of a loss to Evanston but they are an experienced, senior-laden team that is off to a solid start. De La Salle (4-2, 1-0) has played well so far as they own a win over St. Patrick and Mount Carmel.
No. 18 Marian Catholic at Waukegan, 7:00 p.m. -- A fun non-conference matchup before the holiday tournaments begin. The Spartans (6-1, 1-1) is young and talented as juniors Malik Tidwell and Chris White are notable players to watch while sophomore point guard Ahron Ulis has shown positive flashes as well. Waukegan (5-3, 2-1) has had some early slip ups but they have the talent to
St. Edward at Timothy Christian, 7:30 p.m. -- The top two teams in the Metro Suburban Red collide in this one. Timothy Christian (7-1, 4-0) has rattled off seven consecutive wins since losing its opener to unbeaten Westmont as they're one of the hottest teams in the area. St. Edward (9-1, 3-0) is coming off of its own five-game winning streak, including recent road wins at Ridgewood and Elmwood Park.
Viewers' Choice Game of the Week
Brother Rice at Loyola, 7 p.m. -- A really good one in the Catholic League Blue is our Viewers' Choice Game of the Week. Loyola (6-2, 0-1) has played a tough schedule to start the season as they try to pick up another quality win here. Brother Rice (6-4, 0-1) lost a tough one to Fenwick but will try to bounce back in this one.