Wharton Field House @ Moline
The biggest HS gym in Illinois! Built in 1928, Wharton was definitely ahead of its time. Moline does an amazing job of preserving their history throughout the arena! Very comfortable. Why not hold the state tourney here 🤷♂️
@MolineBoysBball
@WB6history
Top 5 Underrated Suburban Guards
(Senior Edition)
🏀 Zach Russell-DeKalb
🏀 Floyd Bailey-Zion-Benton
🏀 Grant Niego-Lyons Township
🏀 Kobe Adams-Oswego
🏀 Billy Durkin-Hinsdale South
Who’s on your list?
After the game today, Coach Gary Tidwell spoke to both teams about the importance of living life for Jesus and how both Dylan and Drew were great examples of this.
Afterward, the whole gym gathered in a word of prayer. It was beautiful! ❤️
This is more than just a game ✝️
Kingman Gym @ Ottawa
A MUST 👀 Super-Sectional! One of the loudest gyms I’ve ever been to! Over 2,500 in attendance. The Pirates are outstanding hosts. There’s a reason Kingman is one of Best Gyms in Illinois. You want that rowdy March Madness atmosphere, you come to Ottawa 🔴⚫️
Main Gym @ Brother Rice
Old school Chicago gym. One of the best environments to experience in the Catholic League. The National Anthem was very unique 🇺🇸 loved every bit of it! They host Marist and Mt. Carmel this year! Crusaders will be one of the top contenders in the CCL.
Wharton Fieldhouse @ Moline
One of those gyms when you walk in, you stop and go… Woah 😳 Wharton is a MUST see gym. This is the year to go, the Maroons are stacked!! Oh by the way, they host a Sectional Final this year 🏀 Can only imagine what that atmosphere will be like ⚡️
Top 5 Underrated Suburban Guards
(Underclassman Edition)
🏀 Yogi Oliff-Niles North
🏀 Adri Malushi-Waubonsie Valley
🏀 Cooper Noard-Glenbrook South
🏀 Drew Gaston-Indian Creek
🏀 Connor Davis-Neuqua Valley
Who’s on your list?
Wharton Fieldhouse @ Moline
Electric atmosphere against Rock Island!! Best student sections I’ve seen all year 🔥 Pep band played fight songs for both teams during pregame. Never seen that before, was very cool. Over 5,000 in attendance!! A must see for any basketball fanatic 🏀
Top 5 Underrated Suburban Forwards
(Underclassman Edition)
🏀 Jack Mielke-Downers Grove North
🏀 Donald Coates III-Thornton Twp.
🏀 Chase Bonder-Libertyville
🏀 Nick Martinelli-Glenbrook South
🏀 Braden Huff-Glenbard West
Who’s on your list?
2A Players to 👀 PT. 2
Al Brooks Jr. (Chicago Hansberry)
Ayden McGinley (Beecher)
Elijah Dougherty (Rockford Chris.)
Isaac Billington (Benton)
Paxton Giertz (Seneca)
Ryan Tucker (Byron)
Sebastian Hill (Macon Meridian)
Tyler Curl (Prairie Central)
Vontez Dent (Rockford Lutheran)
Love this display of Varsity Letters from the schools/communities that dissolved into what Prairie Central is today. The schools represented starting at the top clockwise are Fairbury-Cropsey, Cropsey, Chatsworth, Strawn, Forrest-Strawn-Wing, Forrest, Chenoa, & Fairbury. 💪#️⃣
Big Gym @ Prairie Central
One of the more underrated basketball communities. The new gym floor really pops with the wood bleachers on the floor & permanent balcony seating! Hawks have a fun pregame intro 👏👏👏 Very tight knit community, one of my favorite places to catch games!
Duster Thomas Gym @ Pinckneyville
Built in 1951, Dick Corn Court in Duster Thomas Gymnasium is a fantastic venue for Holiday Tournament action. All great seating, some box seats around the court. This gym provides a cool ambiance for a field of fun teams. Had a blast 😎🏀🤙
Hinsdale Bank Gym @ Hinsdale Cent.
Classic Sectional atmosphere from last year! Love the red banners wrapped around the gym and hanging on the ceiling. They host a really well run Holiday Tournament, with a great lineup of teams. Highly recommended going if you haven’t already!
🎄🏀Wheeling HC Preview🏀🎄
Underdog: Wauconda
(Braeden Carlsen can fill it up!)
Something to Prove: St. Viator
(Struggled that last 2 games)
Who’s🔥: Prospect
(Beat GBN)
Sleeper: Neuqua Valley
(Beat Metea V. & Marian Catholic)
My Pick: Glenbrook North
(Spartans are a load!)
🚨🚨🚨BIG ANNOUNCEMENT🚨🚨🚨
We are doing a Podcast this season!! Aaron Britton joined in to go over his rankings for class 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A.
Tomorrow, we will be releasing four different parts going over each class. Over 100 schools mentioned.
You won’t want to miss this!!
Had Mundelein on the schedule for Tuesday, but got a request from Lindblom to come see them on Tuesday. I’m torn... when in doubt, give the people what they want!! Where should I go?
@basketball_lmsa
@mustangsboysbb
Gordon Kerkman Gym @ West Aurora
A must see atmosphere for HS Basketball in IL. West does a great job preserving traditions and school history. Easily the best pep band around. Professionally run. A great community event. Blackhawk Basketball is as good as any.
@CoachJohnson20
Vergil Fletcher Gym @ Collinsville
A true basketball community! Collinsville is home to one of the most competitive holiday tournaments in Illinois. Tons of old pictures, trophy’s, and old gym flooring throughout Fletcher Gym!! Lots of room to walk around watch the game 🏀🥛
Duff-Kingston Gym @ Eldorado
Very tough to beat the final session at the EHT. Duff-Kingston Gym is incredible. Bowl style, great sight lines. But the buzz of the crowd & the rich tradition is what makes it special. Well worth the 4+ hour drive, thank you for a night to remember!
Big Gym @ Prairie Central
What an atmosphere!! Cool gym, tight all the way around. Tons of students and locals out to cheer on their undefeated Hawks. PCHS is on their way to another 20+ win season, and are a legit 2A State Contender. Thanks for everything, well worth the trip!
Main Gymnasium @ Pontiac
This place is simply the best when it comes to Holiday Tournament Basketball. The people of Pontiac are the ones who make it great, and it has continued to impress since 1926. A bucket list stop for any HS Hoops fan! Thanks for having us out!
@PHTonline
Titan Dome @ Glenbrook South
Since the arrival of Phil Ralston
17-18: 9-19
18-19: 24-9
19-20: 29-5
20-21: 16-2
21-22: 33-3
Memorable Titans⚡️🏀
Will King
Mac Hubbard
Jimmy McMahon
Dom & Nick Martinelli
Cooper Noard
Stevon Boyd
The Titan Dome NEEDS to be on your bucket list!
Final
Batavia 67
Huntley 66
Batavia
Trent Tousana 30
Ethan Ivan 17
Huntley
Ben Ahmer 23
Aiden Wieczorek 19
Tousana with the 3 wins it for the Bulldogs!!
@BataviaBBBall
@HuntleyHSBball
Chuck Dayton Gymnasium @ DeKalb
Love this gym!! Barbs have a very cool pregame intro, with a 🔥 pregame hype video. Diverse group of teams in the Chuck Dayton Classic… City, Suburban, Rural, Big, Small, Private. Started in 1928, DeKalb has been going strong for 96 years 💪🏀🎄
🎄🏀Williamsville HT Preview🏀🎄
Underdog: Tremont
(Turks have a fun squad!)
Something to Prove: Williamsville
(Dropped a tough one to West Central)
Who’s 🔥: Unity
(9-0 Start!)
Sleeper: Calvary
(Brown/Blackford Show 🎪)
My Pick: Prairie Central
(Tyler Curl is a snipper 🎯)
Dolph Stanley Court @ Taylorville
One of the best gyms in the state! The history is preserved well. A must visit if you’re a HS Basketball Fan. Nice group of teams here, they also have a shot clock. Great opportunity to see a bunch of games in a Top 10 HS Gym in the state of IL!
🏀 Plano Preview 🏀
Favorite: Ottawa Township
(Beat Rock Island, Metamora)
Cinderella: Northridge Prep
(Young Team/Could play spoiler)
Dangerous: Burlington Central
(Would love to knock off Ottawa)
Who’s Hot: Newark
(Won last 9 of 10 Games)
@PlanoBBKclassic
Gymnasium @ Joliet Central
This entire school is breathtaking. Not only is the gym cool, but the school preserves its history really well. Love the upper level track above the court. Had a great time covering Steelmen Basketball
@CoachWikert
@SteelmenAD
Top 5 Underrated Suburban Forwards
(Senior Edition)
🏀 Kayman Hopkins-Fremd
🏀 Trevor Montiel-Lake Park
🏀 RJ Holmes-Stevenson
🏀 Rithik Ganesan-Oswego East
🏀 Joe Owens-DeKalb
Who’s on your list?
Tom Winiecki Gym @ DePaul Prep
One of the coolest gyms in Chicago. Rams are 1st class. Great basketball community. If you’ve never made the trip to Tom Winiecki Gym, make it a priority. 2021 will be there final season here. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
@DePaulPrepMBB
@DePaulPrepAD
Contest Gym @ Geneva
The most state of the art gym I’ve been to!! Between the sound system, PA Announcer, Student Section and staff, GHS is a great place to watch HS Basketball. Thanks to Geneva Basketball for letting me cover their game!
@GHS_ILathletics
@GHS_BBasketball
Final
Fremd 55
Barrington 54
Fremd
Eli Schoffstall 28
Chris Smyros 12
Barrington
Daniel Hong 21
Evan Jno-Baptiste 16
Schoffstall with the winner! What a finish!!!
@Fremdhoops
@BHS220Athletics
3A Players to 👀 PT. 2
Alanas Castillo (Lemont)
Andre Klaver (Sterling)
Cale Cosme (Brother Rice)
Eli Cox (Rochester)
Isaiah Green (Thornton)
Jonathan Harrison (Herrin)
Kelton McEwen (St. Francis)
Lucas Austin (Sterling)
Lyncoln Koester (Mt. Zion)
Nathaniel Marshall (Fenwick)
Main Gym @ Pontiac
Fantastic crowds here at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Fans of the respective school, locals, & other surrounding community HS basketball players/coaches came in bunches to watch. The History is unmatched! The new bleachers and a renovated lobby look great🏀
Main Gym @ Lindblom
Finally made the trip to Lindblom and it didn’t disappoint! This school is nuts about their basketball team, and for good reason. The Eagles have a true home court advantage!! Great people!! Go watch Chicago’s most underrated basketball team!
@basketball_lmsa
Main Gym @ Fremd
You get the complete package for an ideal Friday Night. Student sections turned out, pep band was solid, tons of parents, staff, and community members were in attendance for both the boys and the girls game. One of the nicer gyms in the MSL. Had a blast tonight!
Jim Roeschley Gym @ Waverly
The Waverly Holiday Tournament has it all. A cool old school gym, history room, & rich tradition. But what really makes this tournament is the community, they show out each day! MIGHT BE THE BEST IN THE STATE. Don’t believe me, come see for yourself!!
Frank Sports Complex @ Bloomington
One of my favorite gyms in the Bloomington/Normal area. “The Frank” is big, spacious, has lots of parking, and gives an old school feel! The 🍿🍿🍿 is their specialty. This would be one of the top venues to host a sectional in Central Illinois.
Central Gym @ Lockport
Has to be on of the coolest Throwback Game venues the state of Illinois has to offer. The Lockport Central campus gym is stunning. So much originality that you feel like your stepping back in time. A must see gym for any high school basketball fanatic!
🎄🏀Jack Tosh HC Preview🏀🎄
Underdog: Yorkville
(Don’t let the Foxes get hot!)
Something to Prove: Downers North
(Jack Stanton💰)
Who’s🔥: Riverside-Brookfield
(Haven’t lost since 🦃)
Sleeper: Bolingbrook
(Nice Road for the Raiders!)
My Pick: Metamora
(Defending 3A Champs)
Main Gynmasium @ DeKalb
The gym is beautiful! Brand new jumbotrons on both ends of the court make a great viewing experience for starting lineup intros. Very helpful staff. Great crowds for host! Would check it out for the semis and championship!
@chuck_dayton
@dekalb_bball
Main Gym @ Lincoln-Way West
By far one of my favorite modern gyms I’ve been to this season! Very affordable concession prices, nice sight lines, and a clean environment. Fun matchup of teams this year. Would love to see this place full. Thanks for having us tonight!
@LWW_Cagers
Trey Calvin is something else!! He knocks down another 3 at the buzzer!!! St. Viator leads Deerfield 61-41 heading into the 4Q. Trey Calvin has 36 pts for the Lions. Brandon Lieb has 16 pts for the Warriors.
@WHS_HWClassic
@DHS_WarriorsBB
@stviatorbball
3A Players to 👀 PT. 1
Aaron Cook (St. Francis)
Brayden Trimble (Mt. Zion)
Chase Abraham (Thornton)
Kyrese Lukens (Herrin)
Luke Hopp (Metamora)
Masen Johnson (Jacksonville)
Ryan Runaas (Lemont)
Tavie Smith (Richwoods)
Ty Macariola (Fenwick)
Zavier Fitch (Brother Rice)
Main Gym @ Metea Valley
This gym is one of the more solid modern gyms in the Aurora area. Clean, nice lighting, and the bleachers arent too far away from the court. Tons of parking right near the gym entrance. The school is right off I-88. Mustangs have a fun team this year 🐎🏀
Main Gym @ Joliet West
Solid gym with some character. The scoreboards near the top of the bleachers are a nice touch for fans. Pep Band was excellent. An unbelievable atmosphere in Joliet! Wish they had more high profile home games, the community would definitely turn out 🐅🏀
Final
Prairie Central 54
Bismarck-Henning 53
Hawks
Tyler Curl 23
Levi Goad 12
Blue Devils
Micah Stanford 12
Keison Peoples 11
Ayden Ingram 10
Chaz Dubois 9
Tyler Curl nails the 3 to win it for the Hawks! Great battle 🏀
Duster Thomas Gym @ Pinckneyville
Fantastic venue! Legeman Gym’s are the best. PVille has one of the best in the state. Not a bad seat in the house. There’s a really nice assortment of teams at this tournament. Next time I’ll have to get down here for a packed house 🏟️🔥🏀
Main Gymnasium @ Wheeling
Once again, the Hardwood Classic makes the case as one of the best Holiday Tournaments in the area. Solid crowds from 9 AM, all the way to the night cap. Great food, great people, great atmosphere! A must see tournament for HS Hoop fans!
@WHS_HWClassic
Vergil Fletcher Gym @ Collinsville
Really like the vibes here. Tons of history throughout. It’s a community that loves to cheer on their Kahoks! Collinsville really knows how to run a tournament. Will have to get back here for a big Southwestern Conference game or a Sectional 🏀
Waverly High School Gymnasium
If you like an electric atmosphere ⚡️ the Waverly HT Championship is the place for you. There is nothing else like it! The fans & staff are amazing, really made the experience memorable ❤️ Thank you for everything! Will be back again next year🏀🏆🇺🇸
🎄🏀Effingham/T-Town CC Preview🏀🎄
Underdog: Seneca
(Paxton Giertz is the guy ☘️)
Something to Prove: Lincoln-Way East
(Struggled lately)
Who’s🔥: St. Anthony
(Beat Newton & Olney)
Sleeper: Teutopolis
(Beat Columbia & Bloomington CC)
My Pick: Oak Lawn
(Dante Montgomery 🍿)
Competition & South Gyms @ York
The Jack Tosh HC is a 5 Day, 32 Team Tournament at York HS. Two gyms where you can bounce back and forth between games. Excellent teams, unique setup, nice crowds, and even better people! This is a tourney that’s quickly rising up the ranks!!
Dolph Stanley Gym @ Taylorville
A rich tradition of basketball resides in T-Town!! Historic Stanley gym is the centerpiece of it all. Super cool venue that played host to a fun shootout. Was well worth the trip down!! Thank you for having us out!!
@tville_sports
@CoachRyanBrown
Gordy Kerkman Gym @ West Aurora
One of the best HS basketball environments in Illinois! Tons of history and tradition. Hard to beat the experience at a West High basketball game. Thanks to Coach Johnson for letting us cover Blackhawks Basketball
@CoachJohnson20
@WAHSBlackhawks
Main Gym @ Lane Tech
One of my favorite gyms in Chicago! Built in 1934, the 2nd floor gym is one of the loudest in the state of Illinois. Permanent seating on the north end, and a balcony seating on the south. The best is attending a Red NW game here. A can’t miss atmosphere 💥
The Holiday Tournament Preview w/
@NestoHoops
is here!
Previews on over 20 Tournaments
including Collinsville, DeKalb, Eldorado, Marquette, Pinckneyville, Pontiac, The Big Dipper, State Farm, Waverly, York, and many more!
Happy Holidays Everyone 🏀🎄
🏀 Wheeling Preview 🏀
Favorite: St. Viator
(The Calvin/Hernandez Show)
Cinderella: Waukegan
(How good are the Bulldogs?)
Dangerous: Glenbrook South
(Beat ETHS/Now win Wheeling)
Who’s Hot: Geneva
(Bombs Away for the Vikings/9-0)
@WHS_HWClassic
AHS Gym @ Altamont
The Tribal Council was outstanding!! Love everything about this gym! The main level box seats are for season ticket holders. Indians host the NTC Tournament. That is the biggest draw of the season! Coach Niebrugge’s squad will be ready to roll again this year!
Biester Gym @ Glenbard West
Really fun atmosphere on Pack The Place Night! Pep band was good and the student section came in bunches to support the Hilltoppers! Easily 1500 in attendance. GWHS does nice job preserving their history. Unique gym with great sight lines
@HoopsGBWest
🏀 Maine East Preview 🏀
Favorite: Lane Tech
(Beat Uplift and North Lawndale)
Cinderella: Maine East
(Beat Maine West, Highland Park)
Dangerous: Crane
(Hungry/Nothing to lose)
Who’s Hot: Oak Forest
(Won last 4 of 5/Beat Richards)
@MEHSBlueDemons
@bluedemonsbball
St. Viator hangs on to beat Oswego East 72-69!!! Jeremiah Hernandez (36), Treyvon Calvin (21), and Connor Kochera (10) led the way for the Lions. RayJ Dennis (34), Sam Schultz (16), and Demari Grant (11) were the leading scorers for the Wolves.
@OEWolvesbball
@stviatorbball
Beardsley Gym @ Evanston
Whats not to like about an Evanston Basketball Game? Beardsley is one of the best. A Must See! The upgrades theyve received have made the experience more special. Their PA man does it all announces and sings the nation anthem!
@ETHSports
@CoachMikeEllis
🎄🏀Plano CC Preview🏀🎄
Underdog: Hinckley-Big Rock
(👀 out for Martin Ledbetter)
Something to Prove: Kaneland
(Troyer Carlson is a scoring🤖)
Who’s🔥: Streator
(Won their last 8 of 9)
Sleeper: Northridge Prep
(🔒⬇️ Defence)
My Pick: Burlington Central
(Defending Champs 🚀)
Made it down to Taylorville!! Home of the 1944 State Champion Boys Basketball Team!! The Tornados were 45-0 that year... most wins in IHSA basketball history 🏀
@tville_sports
@CoachRyanBrown
Main Gym @ Hinckley-Big Rock
Cozy gym, full of school spirit! Students and the community come out in bunches to support their boys. The Royals have a fun team coming back this season and should be one of the favorites to win the Little Ten! Top notch 🍿🍿🍿
DePaul takes down Farragut 69-37. TY Johnson (26), Rasheed Bello (14), and Brian Mathews (11) led the way for the Rams. Malik Williams led all Admirals w/ 20 pts. Congrats to DePaul Prep on the 3A Regional Title.
@DePaulPrepAD
@DePaulPrepMBB
Fieldhouse @ Maine East
Tons of up and coming teams/Individual Stars at Maine East for Christmas. Coach Sergio doing a nice job elevating the tourney. Staff is excellent and very friendly. Will make this a regular stop during holiday tournament week going forward 🏀🤙🎄
Duff-Kingston Gym @ Eldorado
You could make the argument that this is the BEST HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT IN THE STATE. The Final session of the EHT is absolutely electric ⚡️ Over 3,000 people in attendance from the start of the 3rd Place Game. Pep Band, Atmosphere, & 🍿 are top notch!!
The Dog Pound @ Waukegan
Has to be one of the top gyms in the state! Unbelievable atmosphere, followed by a very helpful and friendly staff. Definitely coming back again. Thanks to Waukegan Basketball for a letting me cover their rivalry game!
@WaukeganAthl
@waukHS
Final
Beecher 55
St. Joseph-Ogden 53
Bobcats
Adyn McGinley 28
Zack Johnson 13
Spartans
Tanner Siems 18
Luke Landrus 12
Tanner Jacob 11
Zack Johnson the hero in the final minute for the Bobcats! Beecher remains unbeaten at (12-0).
The Stable @ Mundelein
This is the place to be in Lake County for high school basketball!! Always a great atmosphere here at The Stable. Great people, student section, and popcorn 🍿 Make it a priority to catch a game here this season! Mustangs are for real!!!
@mustangsboysbb
The Wolves Den @ Indian Creek
One of the top gyms in the Little Ten! You get a smooth combination of new school style in an old school gym. The shootout lineup the last few years has been excellent! Shootout program was top notch. Great 🍿 Will definitely be back next year 🤙🏀
Glenbrook South takes down Mundelein 71-63. Dom Martinelli (36) and Cooper Noard (12) led the way for the Titans. Conor Enright (18), Scottie Ebube (14), Jack Bikus (13), and Chris Rooney (11) led all Mustangs.
@lzhsboysbball
@TitanBoysHoops
@mustangsboysbb