Scouting Fenton vs. Ridgewood

Class 3A Ridgewood sectional semifinals

No. 7 Fenton (11-19) vs. No. 3 Ridgewood (19-9)

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ridgewood High School in Norridge.

Road to the sectional: Fenton beat No. 10 Chicago Academy, 71-47, and No. 15 Senn, 69-55. Ridgewood beat No. 14 Elmwood Park, 47-46, and No. 6 Lakes, 81-47.

Outlook: Fenton made history last week by claiming the program's first regional title in 35 years. The Bison may have benefitted from playing two lower seeds on their home court, but don't underestimate the fact that Fenton is playing its best basketball of the season. Six-foot-three forward Dan Montano scored a total of 46 points last week, but winning the regional took a total team effort. That's the effort the Bison need in their third showdown of the season against Metro Suburban Conference rival Ridgewood. The Bison split with the Rebels, winning the second meeting 69-62 behind Montano's 33 points. It's a different Ridgewood team from the start of the season. Two of the team's five returning starters are no longer on the team, and it took time for the Rebels to develop a new team identity. The Mroz brothers, Pete and freshman Anthony, combined for 35 points in Ridgewood's regional final win. With John Caravia and Andy Mazurczak, the Rebels hit 10 3-pointers to give the program its first regional title since 1998. While the Rebels present a smaller, quicker lineup, Fenton hopes to take advantage of an inside advantage. At 6-foot-2 Kyle Moriarty had a big rebounding game against Senn. As for defensive pressure from the Rebels, Bison guard Rob Palumbo did a nice job taking care of the ball in the regional final. Montano is the clear focal point for Fenton's offense, but the Bison also need contributions from players like Jeremy Shimanek, who scored a total of 26 points in the regional.

Advancement: Winner advances to play No. 1 North Chicago (15-13) in Friday's sectional final.