The preseason seems like a long time ago. It’s easy to forget that Young was expected to be Glenbard West’s equal back in November. Picking which team was the preseason No. 1 wasn’t an easy task.
The Hilltoppers have dominated from the start. Young struggled. Tyrone Slaughter’s team had to deal with injuries and some missing players in key games, but that has been the case for nearly every team in the state this season.
Young entered the city tournament with a resume that wasn’t worthy of being ranked at all. The Dolphins’ best win was a 73-70 victory against Proviso East and they weren’t competitive against Glenbard West. Young lost to St. Louis Vashon 58-50 on Feb. 5. Joliet West, with a freshman and two sophomores making varsity debuts, lost to Vashon by two points on the second day of the season.
Slaughter’s strategy over the last decade has been to travel around the country, play the best teams possible and not worry too much about his team’s record. It’s been an extremely successful formula. But just a week ago, it didn’t appear it was working with this group of players.
Things look different now. Young knocked off Kenwood, Curie, and Hyde Park to win the city title. AJ Casey and Dalen Davis, two players that have faced tremendous criticism and doubts over the past two years, have a city championship that cannot be denied. It was a sweet moment of redemption for the pair.
The city title win isn’t enough to crack the suburban stranglehold on the top two spots, but it’s clear the Dolphins are a major threat in the Class 4A state tournament.
The brackets are set up to allow a Young vs. Glenbard West matchup in the state championship. That would be a fantastic finish to the season.
For most of the season, it appeared that Brother Rice, Mount Carmel, and St. Rita were the best teams in the Catholic League. The Caravan and Crusaders amassed large win totals and the very young Mustangs went through some highs and lows.
Over the past few weeks, it has become clear that Leo and DePaul Prep, two Class 2A schools, are right there with the Catholic League powers. Leo won the league title this week, finishing a perfect 13-0. DePaul, which has always looked the part, picked up wins against St. Rita and Brother Rice.
This is as deep as the Catholic League has been in recent memory. Tom Livatino’s Loyola team doesn’t have its usual stellar record, but the Ramblers are still very dangerous. They knocked off Mount Carmel this week.
Slaughter took a moment to acknowledge Curie sophomore Carlos Harris after the city title game.
“[Harris] is a player that this state is going to know about the ensuing years,” Slaughter said. “He’s a superstar in the making.”
Harris plays with Meanstreets, the club basketball team the Slaughter is affiliated with, but that doesn’t make him wrong. Harris is one of the few sophomores that has made a major impact on a ranked team’s season. He’s athletic, confident, and fearless.
With record and last week’s ranking
Faces Simeon Saturday
At Deerfield Wednesday
City champs
Will be pumped for Hilltoppers
Hosts Thornton Wednesday
Isaiah Green is a force
Future is bright
Unbeaten in CCL
At Maine East Tuesday
Handled St. Francis
At Barrington Wednesday
Gave Young all it could handle
Earned top sectional seed
Can Ty Rodgers beat Kenwood?
Beat Lockport, Neuqua Valley
Christian Meeks is a difference maker
Will be a tough out in playoffs
Took Curie to OT
Beat Brother Rice
Survived Hinsdale Central
Beat Brother Rice, St. Rita
Struggling at the wrong time
Hosts Huntley Friday
Beat Marian Catholic
Hosts St. Ignatius Tuesday
The Taste of Chicago Festival is an iconic event that takes place annually in the…
The Beyond Wonderland Chicago festival is an exciting and immersive music and arts event that…
"Sueños Festival Chicago" is an annual cultural celebration held in the city of Chicago, Illinois.…
Discover the top festivals in Chicago 2025! From music and food to cultural celebrations, this…
Discover restaurants near Cadillac Palace Theater! From Randolph Tavern Chicago to Qdoba Mexican Eats, explore…
St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is one of the most festive and exciting celebrations in…