High School Lites Preview: Week 12

Share

High School Lites has a packed show this week as the final full week of the boys basketball regular season is here. The girls basketball IHSA State Playoffs are also here as we'll have important games from all over the area. High School Lites airs at 11 p.m. on Friday night on NBC Sports Chicago.

Public League Playoff Semifinals, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Curie vs. Orr -- This should be an intriguing matchup. The Condors (27-1) haven't lost to an Illinois opponent so far this season as they've been one of the top teams in the nation. Orr (19-10) just earned a huge win over Bogan in the quarterfinals as Sherif Kenney stepped up his play. Long and athletic, the Spartans have a chance to hang with Curie if they can limit the Condors from the perimeter.

Simeon vs. Morgan Park -- In another rivalry rematch, these two teams just played a few weeks back. Now the Battle for Vincennes is for a shot at the City Title. Simeon (16-13) is playing its best ball of the season after knocking off Whitney Young on Wednesday. Senior Antonio Reeves is playing very well as he makes his All-Area case. Morgan Park (25-3) hasn't lost since December as they are led by junior guard Adam Miller and versatile wing DeShawndre Washington. 

Friday's Games

3A Kaneland Girls BB Regional, 7 p.m. -- Sandwich will face Kaneland for a chance to advance to the Class 3A sectional semifinals. Sandwich (31-0) is the unbeaten No. 1 seed coming off of a win over St. Francis. Kaneland (19-11) is the No. 4 seed who dispatched St. Edward in the previous round.

Marian Catholic at St. Viator, 7 p.m. -- The ESCC could get decided in this one. Marian Catholic (24-3, 7-0) is atop the standings as junior guard Ahron Ulis and senior forward Chris White make up a strong one-two punch. St. Viator (21-5, 6-1) just saw point guard Trey Calvin return to the lineup as he had a broken left hand that sidelined him for a month. 

Providence-St. Mel at St. Rita, 7 p.m. -- Two top-25 teams from the Catholic League face here. Providence-St. Mel (22-6, 11-3) is the top Class 1A team in the state as they're led by a solid guard in senior Tim Ervin. St. Rita (21-7, 12-1) hasn't lost to an Illinois opponent since December as they've earned impressive recent wins over Leo and Mount Carmel. Senior Jeremiah Oden is starting to play well as he has a balanced group of veterans around him. 

Johnsburg at Burlington Central, 7 p.m. -- The Kishwaukee River's top two teams will play on Friday night. Johnsburg (16-10, 8-2) is led by senior Zack Toussaint as he's been one of the state's most prolific three-point shooters during his career. Burlington Central (18-8, 6-2) has dropped two straight games as they try to avenge a road loss to the Skyhawks back in January. 

Evanston at New Trier, 7 p.m. -- A classic rivalry in the CSL South. Evanston (24-4, 8-1) won the first matchup at home as they are led by a strong senior perimeter group that includes Lance Jones and Jaheim Holden. New Trier (22-4, 7-2) is trying to overcome some recent injuries as they lost in conference play to Niles North last week. 

Warren at Stevenson, 7 p.m. -- North Suburban leader Stevenson gets a test here from a familiar rival. Warren (13-14, 5-7) lost in the first matchup as they're stuck in a pack of teams tied for fourth in the conference. Stevenson (22-3, 11-1) is riding a 13-game winning streak after a notable overtime win over Waukegan earlier this week. 

Crystal Lake Central at Crystal Lake South, 7 p.m. -- Crosstown rivals also meet in a huge Fox Valley tilt. Crystal Lake Central (15-11, 9-4) won the first matchup between these teams as senior big man Alex Timmerman is a force on the interior. Crystal Lake South (21-6, 10-3) leads the conference with a surprising season. They have a balanced group that has the school's first 20-win season since 2015. 

Aurora Christian at Riverside-Brookfield, 7 p.m. -- The Metro Suburban Blue's top two teams play in this one. Aurora Christian (23-6, 9-2) won the first matchup between these teams in OT as junior Will Wolfe is a Division I prospect. Riverside-Brookfield (23-4, 10-1) is peaking at the right time as they try to hold on to the conference lead.

Homewood-Flossmoor at Bolingbrook, 7 p.m. -- A huge top-25 matchup in the Southwest Suburban Blue. Homewood-Flossmoor (19-5, 7-1) lost the first game between teams as they have seven consecutive wins since then. Bolingbrook (18-6, 7-1) has bounced back with four-straight wins after a three-game slide as they're led by a talented backcourt that includes Joseph Yesufu and Tyler Cochran.

Fremd at Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. -- An important clash in the MSL West division title. Fremd (18-4, 8-1)) has won six straight games since losing the first matchup as they come in hot. The Saxons (20-5, 8-1)) are playing even better ball as they're riding an eight-game winning streak. The winner of this game will represent the West in the MSL Title game next week.

Viewers’ Choice Game of the Week

This week's Viewers' Choice heads to the girls basketball Class 2A state playoffs in the Timothy Christian Sectional. Marshall (24-8) is a No. 1 seed trying to add to its legacy with another sectional title. Walther Christian (28-0) is another No. 1 seed as they haven't fallen yet this season.

Contact Us