High School Lites Preview: It's playoff time!

Share

It's playoff time on High School Lites.

The IHSA boys and girls basketball state playoffs are in full swing as we have a lot of great matchups on this week's show. We'll check in on Class 3A and Class 4A boys basketball regional finals from around the area while also seeing if three-time defending Class 2A state champion Orr can win another sectional in Class 2A. 

And we also have highlights from the Class 3A and Class 4A girls basketball state semifinals from Redbird Arena as more state-title hardware will be crowned this weekend.

High School Lites airs at 11 p.m. on Friday night on NBC Sports Chicago with replays airing at 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NBCSPreps for all of the latest IHSA state playoff coverage.

Class 2A Sectional Championships, 7:00 p.m.

Orr vs. Clark -- Two Public League teams face here for the Marshall Sectional Title. Orr (20-7, 7-2) is trying to win its fourth consecutive Class 2A state title as the Spartans are rolling through the IHSA State Playoffs so far. Orr has won all three of its playoff games by at least 27 points each. Clark (22-6, 8-1) won the Public League's White-West Division this season as they've had some impressive playoff wins over rival Crane and a blowout win over Wells in the sectional semifinals. Although the Eagles come in as underdogs, they won't be phased by playing a ranked team. They've earned quality wins over Niles North and Rich East during the regular season.

Class 3A Regional Championships, 7:00 p.m.

Morgan Park vs. Tinley Park -- One of the state's best teams battles a young and talented team with the state's top sophomore in this one. Morgan Park (20-9, 6-2) has expectations to reach Peoria behind the trio of Adam Miller (Illinois), Marcus Watson Jr. (Wake Forest) and Brandon Weston. The Mustangs are the No. 1 seed in the Thornridge Sectional. Tinley Park (18-11, 6-7) is led by the state's best sophomore in forward A.J. Casey. Although the Titans are talented, their youth has cost them a few games this season. This is a chance for Tinley Park to pick off a state title contender early.

Riverside-Brookfield vs. Glenbard South -- This should be a fun No. 4 versus No. 5 seed matchup in the Hinsdale South Sectional. Glenbard South (25-4, 16-2) claimed the Upstate Eight title this season. The Raiders are riding a 14-game winning streak as they haven't lost since Jan. 14. Riverside-Brookfield (21-10, 9-3) is led by an underrated senior in Paul Zilinskas as he's coming off of a recent career-high 31-point performance. The Bulldogs will be playing this matchup at home, so it gives them an advantage in this one.

Hillcrest vs. Rich Central -- Does Rich Central have another big upset in them? The Olympians knocked off No. 5 seed Richards in the regional quarterfinals in one of the bigger upsets of the opening round. Rich Central (11-19, 7-9) struggled to open the season but has played significantly better down the stretch. Hillcrest (22-8, 12-1) will be heavily favored as the home team and No. 4 seed in the Thornridge Sectional. The Hawks are led by a strong core of juniors, including Division I prospects Jacobi Heady and Julius Rollins while guard Mar'Keise Irving has been a dynamic playmaker. With recent wins over Homewood-Flossmoor and Oak Forest, Hillcrest appears to be peaking at the right time.

Class 4A Regional Championships, 7:00 p.m.

Evanston vs. New Trier -- One of the state's most storied rivalries goes down for with a regional title on the line. Evanston (27-4, 9-1) is trying to make it back to Peoria after last season's Class 4A runner-up finish. Juniors Jaylin Gibson and Blake Peters have been outstanding this season as both were key players for the Wildkits during last season's run. New Trier (19-10, 6-4) lost both regular-season matchups to the Wildkits by a combined total of 16 points as they seek revenge here. This No. 3 seed versus No. 6 seed matchup will take place at Maine East. 

Glenbrook South vs. Maine West -- Maine West tries for another upset in this Class 4A regional title. Glenbrook South (28-4, 9-1) has put together a strong season behind senior Dom Martinelli, as the prolific scorer recently surpassed the 2,000-point mark for his high school career. Maine West (13-16, 5-5) just knocked off Rolling Meadows and star junior Max Christie in the regional semifinals. The Warriors have played a tough schedule to prepare them for this, including close losses to ranked teams like York and Niles North. 

Homewood-Flossmoor vs. Oak Lawn -- A fun one in the south suburbs in the Bloom Sectional. Homewood-Flossmoor (24-5, 7-1) has been ranked in our Preps Power Rankings the entire season as they're led by senior forward R.J. Ogom (College of Charleston) and senior guards Josiah Palmer and Joel Watts. The Vikings had a blowout win over Shepard in round one to bounceback from a late regular-season loss to Bolingbrook. Oak Lawn (24-7, 10-3) should be a formidable challenge for H-F. Sami Osmani and Trey Ward are two seniors who can really score as both are capable of 30-point games and getting hot from the perimeter. The Spartans have embraced challenges all season as they shouldn't be intimidated.

Morton vs. York -- We check out a West Suburban Crossover battle for the Morton Regional Title here. York (28-4, 11-1) has been ranked in our Preps Power Rankings for most of the season until a late-season loss to Hinsdale South in the West Suburban Championship game. The Dukes have senior guard Nate Shockey back in the lineup after he missed five games at the end of the regular season battling mono. Morton (22-7, 10-2) is a dangerous team at home this season. The Mustangs have a dangerous perimeter threat in Manny Rodriguez while Jesus Perez and Kendall Nichols can also make plays.

Bloom vs. Thornwood -- The No. 1 seed Bloom Blazing Trojans try to claim a regional title over Southland rival Thornwood here. Bloom (27-5, 15-1) has five senior starters who are all Division I prospects as Dante Maddox Jr., Donovan Newby, Keshawn Williams, Christian Shumate, and Martice Mitchell are one of the most talented teams in the state. Thornwood (14-16, 7-9) hosts this one as they're already played Bloom multiple times this season -- falling in each contest. Although the Thunderbirds were sluggish to close the regular season, they earned a small upset over Eisenhower in an impressive regional semifinal victory. 

Marian Catholic vs. Brother Rice -- Two 20-win teams face here in another No. 4 vs. No. 5 seed matchup. The Spartans (23-8, 8-1) are hosting this one as Ahron Ulis and company have been consistently ranked in our top 15 throughout the regular season. After making it to Peoria two seasons ago, Marian Catholic is hoping for another deep playoff run in a tough Bloom Sectional. But Brother Rice (21-10, 11-4) shouldn't be counted out in this one. The Crusaders have recent wins over DePaul Prep and Loyola Academy, so beating another top-20 team shouldn't be out of the question.

IHSA 3A & 4A Girls Basketball Semifinals

Class 3A

Simeon vs. Montini, 11 a.m. -- Two juggernauts clash in this semifinal opener. Simeon (32-3) captured a Public League Playoff title this season as junior Aneesah Morrow (26.7 ppg) is having a monster season. Although Simeon has a rich boys basketball tradition, this is the second time the Wolverines' girls team has made it to state. Montini (32-4) has only lost to two Illinois teams all season as the Lady Broncos return to state after making it eight times the previous decades --winning in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. A balanced outfit, this is a young roster that features waves of players. 

Morton vs. Lanphier, 1 p.m. -- Will unbeaten Morton get tested here? The Potters (36-0) have been the No. 1-ranked Class 3A girls team in the state's AP poll this season as they try to capture their fifth girls state title in six seasons. The 2019 champs are led by senior Lindsey Dullard (14.9 ppg). Lanphier will be the underdog as the No. 2 seed in the Champaign Central Sectional has advanced to Peoria with some big wins. This is the first girls basketball state appearance for the Lady Lions as they're led by senior guard Martice Brooks (16.2 ppg).

Class 4A

Fremd vs. Lake Park, 5:30 p.m. -- A newcomer to the girls basketball final four faces a program familiar with Redbird Arena in this one. Lake Park (26-8) is led by DePaul commit Darrione Rogers as the senior is averaging 25.9 points per game. This is the first time the Lancers have made it to state in girls basketball. Fremd (28-7) is back at state after three straight appearances from 2015-2017. The Vikings are still looking for their first girls basketball state title as senior guard Emily Klaczek (12.6 ppg) leads the charge. 

Lincoln-Way West vs. Bolingbrook, 7:15 p.m. -- Can Lincoln-Way West continue a dream season? Or will state tournament veteran Bolingbrook spoil the party? The Warriors (31-3) are going to state for the first time behind four double-figure scorers. Lincoln-Way West is led by senior Taylor Gugliuzza (17.5 ppg) as they are riding a seven-game winning streak. The Raiders (25-7) are back to state for the first time since 2011 when the program made it an astounding seven consecutive times and won four state titles. Kennedi Perkins (14.1 ppg) and Treasure Thompson (13.5 ppg) are the double-figures scorers to watch for Bolingbrook in this one.

Contact Us