High School Lites Preview: IHSA State Playoffs

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High School Lites has a huge show in store this week as we feature IHSA Boys Basketball State Playoff highlights from all over the state. The Class 1A and 2A state semifinals begin on Friday while sectional finals in Class 3A and 4A will also be something to watch for.

If you have any crazy highlights or buzzer-beaters on video, be sure to share it with us on Twitter @NBCSPreps as we'll try to feature as many highlights as possible on Friday's show.

Class 1A and 2A State Semifinals

1A: Cissna Park vs. Central A&M, 11 a.m. (NBCSCH) -- Two 30-win teams meet in the opening Class 1A semifinal. Central A&M (32-3) has three capable scorers in junior guards Connor Heaton (19.9 ppg) and Jacob Paradee (14.0 ppg) and senior forward Griffin Andricks (16.4 ppg). Cissna Park (31-4) counters with 6-foot-7 senior Christian Stadeli as he's averaging 17.1 points per game on the season. 

1A: Providence-St. Mel vs. Triopia, 1 p.m. (NBCSCH) -- Another great Class 1A semifinal in this one as Providence-St. Mel remains the state title favorites. The Knights (28-6) have been one of the Chicagoland area's best teams this season (regardless of class) as they're paced by Tyriel Nelson and Deion Jackson. Triopia (33-3) is making its first trip to state as Garrett Snow and Shawn Bell are the team's leading scorers.

2A: Corliss vs. Orr, 5:30 p.m. (NBCSCH+) -- A matchup of Public League teams in the first Class 2A semifinal. Orr (23-11) is the two-time defending Class 2A champs as they are a balanced team led by guards Sherif Kenney and Greg Outlaw and forward Tujautae Williams. Corliss (20-8) lost to Orr on Feb. 7 in the Public League Playoffs as they've been hot ever since. Senior guard Dhason Dyson is having a standout season for the Trojans. 

2A: Nashville vs. GCMS, 7:15 p.m. (NBCSCH+) -- Another matchup of 30-win teams in this one. Nashville (34-2) is led by the duo of Carson Parker and Bryson Bultman as they've won 19 straight games. GCMS is led by Minnesota State commit Ryland Holt (14.4 ppg) as he's having a strong senior campaign. 

Class 3A Sectional Finals

Farragut vs. North Lawndale -- Two Public League teams battle in this one. North Lawndale (17-11) won when these two teams played on Dec. 12 as senior Demetrius Douglas leads the charge. Farragut (20-7) has improved greatly since the start of the season as senior guard Aaron Strong is an All-Area candidate.

Morgan Park vs. Bogan -- A classic rivalry game takes stage once again. The former Red-South (now Red/South-Central) rivals always seem to be on a collision course in Class 3A as they meet once again. Morgan Park (29-4) had a comeback win over Bogan on Dec. 4 as junior Adam Miller had a monster performance. Bogan (27-3) counters with its own Player of the Year candidate in senior big man Rashaun Agee, a double-double threat putting up monster numbers. 

St. Viator vs. DePaul Prep -- Another Class 3A sectional final that fans have been clamoring for all season. St. Viator (26-6) is healthy and thriving at the right time as seniors Jeremiah Hernandez and Trey Calvin lead the charge. DePaul Prep (24-9) also comes in with a veteran team as Perry Cowan is an All-Area candidate. 

Class 4A Sectional Finals

Curie vs. Whitney Young -- Two of the state's most successful programs battle for a sectional title at Proviso West. Curie (32-1) has been the best team in Illinois this season as they haven't lost to an in-state opponent yet. Senior DaJuan Gordon is looking like a Player of the Year threat as he's surrounded by a balanced supporting cast. Whitney Young (25-7) has been plagued by slow starts during the state playoffs, but junior guards D.J. Steward and Tyler Beard are as talented as any duo in the state. 

Homewood-Flossmoor vs. Simeon -- This one has a chance to be special as Class 4A has another rematch from earlier this season. Simeon (19-14) has found its footing after a tough start as senior guards KeJuan Clements and Antonio Reeves will be players to watch. Sophomore Ahamed Bynum and freshman A.J. Casey have also stepped up as the season has gone along. Homewood-Flossmoor (23-7) has knocked off two consecutive top-20 opponents in the state playoffs as the Vikings feature a tremendous amount of balance. Isaac Stanbeck, R.J. Ogom and Trace Williams are only a few of the options H-F relies on every game. 

Geneva vs. Downers North -- Top-seeded Geneva tries to add to its school-record win total in a tough matchup with Downers North. The Vikings (31-1) are led by seniors Jack McDonald and Mitch Mascari as they've been one of the state's best teams all season. Downers North (23-11) is peaking at the right time behind some talented senior guards of their own in Semaj Henderson and Trey Boston. 

Evanston vs. Loyola -- A rematch on the North Shore in this one. Evanston (29-4) won the first matchup on Jan. 29 as they are led by senior guards Lance Jones, Jaheim Holden and Ryan Bost. Loyola (22-12) has picked things up since the playoffs started as senior Connor Barrett has had the hot hand throughout the last few games.

Rockford East vs. South Elgin -- Can South Elgin knock off the top seed in this sectional? The Storm (25-8) have been one of the fun surprises of the Class 4A bracket as senior Vince Miszkiewicz is starting to impress college coaches. Rockford East (32-2) have been one of the state's top teams this season as Chris Burnell and Sincere Parker are a potent one-two punch. 

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