Scouting boys basketball: Class 4A and 3A sectionals
Class 4A Elk Grove sectionalWho: No. 1 Fremd (29-0) vs. No. 2 Conant (27-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Robert Morris University (Arlington Heights)
Venue: Elk Grove officials, who are hosting the event, have received tremendous praise not only on their work but for the Robert Morris facility. The court has college dimensions a bit larger than high school floors, and the gym features a comfortable and large seating area. This could be a regular destination for sectional play.
Advancement: Winner plays on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates against the winner of the Elgin sectional (Jacobs vs. Larkin).
Previous meetings: Fremd won both games this year, 48-37 on Dec. 9 and 42-41 on Jan. 20.
Past sectional meetings: Conant holds a 2-1 advantage, winning in 1990 and 1998, while Fremd won in 1992.
How they got here: Fremd defeated Schaumburg 52-40, Hersey 56-41 and Grant 53-24. Conant defeated Palatine 54-32, McHenry 51-36 and Lake Park 33-23.
It's all about the guards: Both teams feature top guards that have been three-year starters who can shoot and pass. Jimmy Sotos leads Conant with a 17-point average and 4 assists per game. Fremd has Kyle Sliwa, who is averaging 18 points and converts better than 45 percent from outside the arc.
Bigger is better: Conant features a pair of 6-foot-8 forwards in senior Michael Downing and junior Ryan Davis. Fremd will counter with 6-5 Brian Dompke and 6-4 Shaan Patel, who plays taller than his size.
Coaches say: Fremd coach Bob Widlowski: "I think this is good for the MSL. They are very familiar with us and we are very familiar with them."
Conant coach Tom McCormack: "These are two teams that know each other's personnel real well. And we both know what each other likes to do. It will be a matter of who executes better and toughs it out."
Outlook: As mentioned, there are not many secrets between these teams. Expect a deliberate pace between a pair of local heavyweights. The key could come down to how well Fremd defensive specialist Ryan Martin can contain Sotos, who scored 16 points in the first meeting and just 2 points in the last game.
Class 3A Antioch sectionalWho: No. 3 St. Viator (13-15) vs. No. 1 North Chicago (20-8)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Antioch High School
Advancement: Winner plays on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates against the winner of the Fenwick sectional (Fenwick vs. North Lawndale).
Previous meeting: None
Past sectional meeting: St. Viator defeated North Chicago in 2010
How they got here: St. Viator defeated Vernon Hills 70-42, Payton 70-34 and Foreman 68-33. North Chicago defeated Intrinsic Charter 82-40, Lake View 59-42 and Antioch 81-59
Don't be fooled: Viator's record may be under .500 but the Lions have beaten highly-regarded Benet, St. Patrick and Marian Catholic while playing an extremely tough schedule.
Quote: St. Viator coach Quin Hayes: "Defense and handling their pressure will be the key. If we take care of the basketball and remained poised we will be OK."
Outlook: The Lions are young and start four underclassmen, including sophomore Jeremiah Hernandez. But they have grown up the past few weeks, have a healthy Marc Clark back and can play at any pace. They will face a North Chicago team which loves to run, run, run.