CSN Chicago will have cameras covering the biggest high school basketball games across Chicagoland for another basketball edition of High School Lites. Catch the show live at 11 p.m. Friday on CSN and streaming at CSNChicago.com
This week's show features some huge matchups between ranked teams as we'll have monster games from the Public League and Catholic League.
No. 3 Simeon and No. 2 Morgan Park will play in the Red-South in a game that will determine the true No. 2 team in the area trying to compete with Curie for city supremacy.
The Catholic North also has a matchup between unbeaten teams as No. 19 De La Salle goes to No. 9 Fenwick. The South Suburbs is represented by a quality game as No. 16 Bloom goes on the road to Homewood-Flossmoor in a great non-conference matchup.
We'll also have action from some other great local rivalries as well as a look at Noble Athletics and talented senior guard Marvin Nesbitt.
Thursday's Games
No. 3 Simeon at No. 2 Morgan Park, 5:00 p.m. -- The best rivalry in the state puts two state title contenders together in the first part of the Battle of Vincennes. The No. 3 Wolverines (4-0, 3-0) are hoping from a balanced effort from senior Evan Gilyard (UTEP) and juniors Kezo Brown and Talen Horton-Tucker. The No. 2 Mustangs (5-0, 3-0) are going to counter with junior guard Ayo Dosunmu, one of the area's best scorers, as he's got plenty of weapons and interior players at his disposal.
Baker at Butler, 7:00 p.m. -- This should be an intriguing battle in the Noble Athletic Gold as Butler (3-1, 1-0) hosts Baker (2-2, 1-0). Butler senior guard Marvin Nesbitt is one of the underrated stars in the area as the UMKC commit is an explosive playmaker.
Friday's Games
No. 16 Bloom at Homewood-Flossmoor, 6:00 p.m. -- Homewood-Flossmoor (6-1, 1-0) is trying to bounce back in the CSN Preps Power Rankings after dropping out with a loss to Farragut. The Vikings won the Chicago Heights Classic and beat Bloom in the title game during the first week of the season as they're led by Jeffrey Boyd. Bloom (5-1, 2-0) has been a pleasant surprise early this season as they look like one of the stronger teams in South suburbs. Marian Catholic transfer Austin Richie was a nice addition while Jalen Lee is a solid player.
Plainfield South at No. 5 Joliet West, 6:30 p.m. -- Joliet West (8-0, 2-0) has been one of the area's best teams early this season and they'll try to keep it that way in a Southwest Prairie game against Plainfield South. Senior Teyvion Kirk (Drake) and Trevian Bell (Green Bay) lead an experienced and balanced team that can beat you at a number of different spots. Plainfield South (1-5, 0-2) has struggled against elite teams so far this season as their only win came against Tinley Park.
No. 19 De La Salle at No. 9 Fenwick, 7:00 p.m. -- This should be a fun matchup of unbeatens in the Catholic North as De La Salle gets a real test from Fenwick. The Meteors are one of the area's biggest surprises with a 7-0 start as four senior starters have propelled them to wins over St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Fenwick is getting a monster start from seniors Jacob Keller and Jamal Nixon and they're once again a major factor this season for a state title.
Batavia at Geneva, 7:00 p.m. -- Geneva (8-0, 2-0) is off to an unbeaten start as they're inching closer to being in the CSN Preps Power Rankings. The Vikings are off to their best start since 2000. Rival Batavia (4-4, 1-2) has played a strong schedule to start the year as they'll rely on perimeter shooting to give them a shot in this one. The Bulldogs have back-to-back double-digit wins as they've defended and shot the ball well.
Wheaton-Warrenville South at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m. -- One of this season's biggest surprises is Wheaton-Warrenville South (8-0, 4-0) who proved they're for real with a big road win at Naperville North earlier this week. DuPage Valley conference rival Neuqua Valley (5-3, 3-1) should be a solid test as they have three straight wins.
Deerfield at Highland Park, 7:30 p.m. -- This Central Suburban North rivalry should be a good one as Highland Park (4-4, 2-0) hosts Deerfield (3-3, 1-1). Both of these teams are battling to keep with Maine West early in the conference race.
GIRLS: Evanston at New Trier, 7:00 p.m.-- Evanston and New Trier is one of the biggest rivalries in the area and this should be a fun one after the boys basketball teams played earlier this week. Evanston is a major contender in Class 4A as many have ranked them as a top-5 team this season. New Trier tries to spoil things at home coming off of a big win over Maine West earlier this week.
Viewer's Choice Game of the Week
Hinsdale Central at Lyons, 7:30 p.m. -- Another great rivalry in the Western suburbs grabs the spotlight in our Viewer's Choice Game of the Week as Hinsdale Central (3-4, 1-0) heads to Lyons (4-3, 0-2). The Lions are led by senior Connor Niego as he's one of the most talented forwards in the area. Hinsdale Central has a balanced roster that includes senior Jack Hoiberg, the son of Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg.