There’s a new team at the top after Notre Dame’s loss to Mundelein.
The season is off to an interesting start. The atmosphere at some games is dismal. It isn’t anyone’s fault, it is just the way things are right now.
It makes it hard for the players to get going and is a rough, lonely watch. I’m lucky to get to see high school basketball in person right now, so I won’t be complaining.
But the last two games I covered, St. Rita at Rolling Meadows and Mundelein at Notre Dame, were fantastic. Two non-traditional powerhouses began living up to the hype they’ve received. It was a ton of fun to be at both games and gives me some hope for the season.
Although I have to admit that on the drive home last night I started to feel a little cheated that we won’t get a chance to see Max Christie end his career in Champaign. Same for Mundelein, a team and community that would relish a trip to state. There are so many mixed feelings this season.
New additions:
Lyons (3-0): Everyone is raving about junior Tavari Johnson. The guard helped the Lions open the season with wins against Morton, York and Downers Grove South.
Fremd (3-0): The Vikings are off to a nice start with wins against Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Conant.
Dropping out:
Waubonsie Valley (3-1):: Overall a successful start to the season, but the loss to Wheaton-Warrenville South knocks out the Warriors for now.
St. Ignatius (2-1): Losing to Loyola on the road is clearly not an indication that the Wolfpack is overrated. Expect them to make it back in soon. They have a great chance to get a resume-building win on Monday at St. Rita.
With record and last week’s ranking
1. Simeon (0-0) 2
Very high expectations
2. Young (0-0) 3
Preparations are underway
3. Evanston (3-0) 4
At Loyola on Monday
4. Mundelein (4-1) 5
Scottie Ebube is a load
5. Notre Dame (5-1) 1
Lost without Anthony Sayles
6. DePaul Prep (1-0) 6
Hosts St. Ignatius Saturday
7. Hillcrest (2-0) 7
Hosts Oak Lawn Monday
8. Curie (0-0) 8
Nick Owens will lead
9. Fenwick (3-0) 9
Hosts Montini Tuesday
10. St. Patrick (2-0) 10
Faces Notre Dame Tuesday
11. Glenbard West (3-0) 11
Dominating teams
12. Glenbrook South (6-0) 15
Nick Martinelli opening eyes
13. North Lawndale (0-0) 12
Exciting young backcourt
14. Rolling Meadows (4-0) 14
More than the Christie brothers
15. Bolingbrook (3-0) 16
Kyonte Thomas is a show
16. Homewood-Flossmoor (2-0) 17
Earning rave reviews
17. Thornton (0-0) 18
Opens Tuesday at Bloom
18. Clark (0-0) 20
Earned respect last season
19. Lake Forest (3-1) 21
Beat Mundelein
20. Kenwood (0-0) 22
Fans want to see JJ Taylor
21. Kankakee (1-0) 24
Beat Rich
22. St. Rita (1-1) 23
A future power
23. Lyons (3-0) NR
Tavari Johnson blowing up
24. Fremd (3-0) NR
Vikings always get it done
25. Neuqua Valley (3-1) 19
Lost without Poulakidas