Wheeling Hardwood Classic pairings set

The pairings have been released for the 40th Wheeling Hardwood Classic, which brings together several of the top boys basketball teams in the suburbs.

The tournament begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26 when Waukegan (6-1) takes on Grayslake Central (3-4).

Defending champion Niles North (3-2) will finish up the first round action against Maine West (4-3) in the 8:45 p.m. game.

In between, the other six first-round games include:

•Fremd (5-2) vs. Libertyville (3-5), 10:30 a.m.

•Notre Dame (4-2) vs. Prospect (4-4), 12:15 p.m.

•Glenbrook South (8-0) vs. Chicago Taft (3-5), 2 p.m.

•St. Viator (8-1) vs. Ridgewood (3-4), 3:45 p.m.

•Buffalo Grove (4-3) vs. Deerfield (2-4), 5:30 p.m.

•Wheeling (3-4) vs. Geneva (6-0), 7:15 p.m.

The Hardwood Classic's Twitter page is an excellent source of detailed information on teams and players to watch.

The championship game of the tournament is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 29.