Scouting area boys basketball sectional semifinals
Class 3A Freeport sectional
No. 2 St. Francis (20-7) vs.
No. 2 Sycamore (19-10)
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Outlook: St. Francis won its second straight regional with only 3-point ace Andrew Kimball averaging double figures. All St. Francis players have that potential, however, making every player, including, off-the-bench banger Killian Brown, impossible to ignore. As all Bob Ward-coached teams, St. Francis will hit Sycamore (also the Spartans) with sound fundamentals and a strong defensive base. Taller St. Francis players Brown, Jason Pisarski and Kevin McShea may give up an inch or two to post Scott Nelson, Devin Mottet and Ben Niemann, “a load in the paint,” according to Kaneland coach Brian Johnson, a common foe. Expect a game in the 40s.
Class 4A Schaumburg sectional
No. 1 Proviso East (26-3) vs. No. 4 Glenbard East (20-6)
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Outlook: This may be the Rams’ toughest opponent since 2010 when they fell to eventual Class 4A champion Simeon in the state semifinals. Matchup problems abound trying to slow the Pirates’ Division I tandem of Sterling Brown, committed to SMU, and Illinois State-bound Paris Lee. Glenbard East showed in the Hoffman Estates regional, however, that it can be a tough match with multiple scoring options. Proviso East’s primary focus must be the playmaking ability of DVC player of the year Tahron Harvey and fellow guard JaRon Hall. Competitors like Marvin Grant-Clark will do whatever it takes to achieve a giant upset.
Class 4A Schaumburg sectional
No. 2 York (22-7) vs. No. 3 Oak Park (19-9)
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Outlook: It’s hard to say either team has an edge in this third meeting of the season. York won in the first round of West Suburban Silver play behind Colorado State-bound guard David Cohn’s 28 points. Oak Park claimed the second-round win with Erick Locke’s 19 points. While the idea of those guys locking horns is intriguing, the post play may determine the outcome. York’s 6-foot-8 combo of Justin Kurash and Frank Toohey clashes with 6-9 Virgil Allen and 6-7 Tacourrus Mattox of Oak Park. How even is the matchup? The teams finished tied for second in the Silver and won their regional final games in overtime. Expect a close one.
Class 4A Bolingbrook sectional
No. 1 Benet (26-5) vs. No. 2 Neuqua Valley (28-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Outlook: As Benet showed during regional play, it’d be a mistake for Neuqua Valley to focus solely on 6-foot-9 center Sean O’Mara. The Redwings pelted Naperville Central with eight 3-pointers including, four from Pat McInerney. As always Benet plays airtight defense that held both regional opponents under 40 points. This is also among Neuqua’s all-time best defenses. Unsung grinders Trevor Davis and Brad Mikulecky bolster 6-5 Pat Kenny, 6-3 Darien Miskel and point guard Jabari Sandifer. Sandifer can do it all, scoring 20 of 22 points in the second half against Waubonsie Valley. His ability to get to the foul line may concern the Redwings.