High School Lites kicks off the holiday season with a show filled with holiday tournament action. With games in the Public League, Jacobs, the Catholic school shootout and a top-25 non-conference clash, Saturday's show has plenty of great highlights to keep an eye on.
Saturday at 11:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Chicago is when High School Lites airs this week. It will be a holiday-tournament filled show with a ton of ranked teams.
No. 18 Orr vs. Crane at Quest, 2:00 p.m. -- The three-time defending Class 2A champions face an upstart in this intriguing Public League matchup. Orr (5-3) has already played one of the state's toughest schedules with matchups against Danville, Lincoln Park and Pinckneyville. Crane (8-1) is atop the White-West with an unbeaten conference start. For a program trying to make a leap to the Red Division for next season, this will be a major test for the Cougars, who already beat Lindblom.
No. 3 Curie at No. 25 North Lawndale, 3:30 p.m. -- Two Public League powers meet in a non-conference clash before the holidays. Curie (6-0) earned a tough road win at Simeon in conference play Thursday night to stay unbeaten. Senior Ramean Hinton is a huge All-Area threat and he's surrounded by numerous weapons for the Condors. North Lawndale (8-1) only has a loss to unbeaten Mundelein during the season as they're a team to watch in the Public League Red North/West. This is a nice test for the Phoenix to see how they stack up against one of the state's elite teams.
No. 14 DePaul vs. St. Viator at St. Patrick, 4:30 p.m. -- Tons of talent on the floor in this Catholic League/ESCC matchup at St. Pat's. DePaul Prep (7-1) is getting big-time production from junior guard TY Johnson as he's turning into an offensive weapon who can really score. The Rams have only lost to top-ten Notre Dame this season as knocking off the Lions would be another strong profile win. St. Viator (7-2) is led by senior Connor Kochera (William & Mary) as he's one of the top senior stars in the area. The Lions are riding a five-game winning streak and look dangerous heading into Wheeling next week.
No. 7 Loyola at St. Patrick, 6:00 p.m. -- The final CCL/ESCC matchup at St. Pat's features the talented hosts battling one of the area's top teams. Loyola (9-0) earned a recent big win over Notre Dame as they remain unbeaten on the season. The Ramblers are one of the area's top defensive teams with multiple players who can also get hot on offense. The Shamrocks (7-1) are mostly led by junior guards. Senior Dominic Galati and junior Nicholas Galati are both capable scorers while junior Caleb Corro has also earned praise. St. Pat's opened eyes with a win over Benet earlier this season and will be a strong test for Loyola.
No. 13 Lake Park at No. 20 Mundelein, 6:00 p.m. -- A rare matchup of unbeaten, top-25 teams in non-conference play here. The Lancers (8-0) have a balanced roster that includes Luke Sgarbossa, Trevor Montiel and Mundelein (9-0, 3-0) also is undefeated as the junior duo of point guard Conor Enright and big man Scottie Ebube is one of the state's top 2021 combos. The Mustangs have a chance to prove they're worthy of their lofty preseason expectations with a home win here.
Cary-Grove vs. Streamwood at Jacobs, 3:00 p.m. -- The Hinkle Holiday Classic kicks off play with a former top-25 team trying to prove itself during the holiday season. Cary-Grove (7-1) has only lost to York so far this season as the Trojans have the talent to win the event. Senior guard Beau Frericks and big man Frank Jakubicek (Belmont) can both take over. Streamwood (4-4) earned a double-digit win over Elgin earlier this week as they're an intriguing .500 team in this Jacobs field.
Waubonsie Valley vs. Prairie Ridge at Jacobs, 6:00 p.m. -- Staying at Jacobs we have an unbeaten team facing a winless team. Waubonsie Valley (7-0) has been a pleasant surprise behind a balanced team. Junior Ben Schwieger has drawn buzz and could be making the leap into an important player. Prairie Ridge (0-8) is still looking for its first win of the season.
Viewers’ Choice Game(s) of the Week
Mother McAuley at Kenwood, 1 p.m. -- One of two Viewers' Choice games features a matchup of two strong city teams. The Mighty Macs (8-4) beat Loyola last weekend as they've won back-to-back games. Defense has been a recent key for Mother McAuley after stopping a two-game losing streak. Kenwood (11-0) is undefeated on the season with only one win that wasn't by double digits. The Broncos will be one of the favorites in the Bloomington State Farm Holiday Classic.
Lincoln-Way West at Plainfield North, 1 p.m. -- The other girls matchup this week features one of the area's strongest teams going on the road. Lincoln-Way West (10-1) has only fallen to Benet this season as they have two wins since the loss. The Warriors won on the road at Lincoln-Way East earlier this week. Plainfield North (6-4) beat Oswego East last weekend as they try to earn a tough home win.