Chicagoland Prep–Providence-St. Mel (19-3, 8-0) has scored at least 100 points four times. Second-place St. Gregory (14-6, 6-2) lost 79-75 to St. Mel Feb. 2.
Des Plaines Valley–Leyden (19-1, 10-0) is three games in front of Riverside-Brookfield and Downers Grove South with four left. Credit center Mike Griffin and guard Dino DiVenere for helping turn it into a runaway.
East Suburban Catholic–Only a stunning upset will prevent Carmel (18-3, 10-1) and St. Joseph (16-4, 10-1) from winding up in a first-place tie. Each has decisively beaten the other at home. Carmel won 77-64 thanks to Bryan Muellner`s efforts; St. Joseph won 68-52 behind guard Tony Freeman and center Brian Molis.
Independent School League–Elgin Academy had its 33-game league winning streak broken last month by Lake Forest Academy, but the Hilltoppers (18-4, 10-1) are still one game in front of University High (12-8, 9-2). Elgin`s James Brant and Matt Watkins may be the best 1-2 punch in the league.
Northeast–Westmont (16-5, 7-1) is in control. The Sentinels play Minooka (13-8, 4-3) Friday and Evergreen Park (15-8, 5-3) in their regular-season finale Feb. 22. Minooka handed Westmont its only conference loss, 60-57.
Private School–Chicago Christian (21-1, 11-0) hasn`t been challenged. The Knights have a four-game lead over Providence (10-8, 7-4). Chicago Christian faces Providence Friday.
Public Red-Central–After stumbling at Christmas, King (18-2, 7-0) is riding high again. The Jaguars have won nine in a row, behind big men Marcus Liberty and Levertis Robinson. King will get a stern test Thursday against Robeson (13-4, 6-2). King won the first meeting 66-62.
Red-South–Turn out the lights, the party may be over. With the addition of Nelison Anderson, defending state champion Simeon (19-1, 8-0) looks invincible. The Wolverines` toughest challenger will be Carver (14-4, 7-1)
with guard Tim Hardaway. Simeon won the first meeting 63-58 without Anderson. Simeon and Carver meet Feb. 22.
Red-North–Taft (15-5) and Foreman (10-6) are tied for the lead with 6-2 marks. They play Feb. 21 at Taft. Foreman won the first game 41-38.
Red-West–Even with 6-foot-6-inch John Ousley back, Manley (15-4, 8-1)
may need help to overcome Collins (11-7, 7-2), which has won six in a row, and Crane (17-2, 7-2). Crane, led by guard Tony Manuel, lost forward Kirk Wilson at midseason.
Blue-North–Von Steuben (15-3, 9-0), which hasn`t lost since December, is two games in front of Amundsen (11-7, 7-2) and three in front of Clemente and Roosevelt.
Blue-West–Only one official showed up for Friday`s showdown between Cregier (9-3, 7-1) and Near North (8-3, 7-1), so the game was postponed and will be rescheduled. Near North won the first meeting 70-68. Cregier scored 100 or more points in five of its six games following the loss.
Blue-South–South Shore is the Blue Division`s best team so far. The Tars (17-4, 9-0), led by 6-6 senior Mark Fowler, hold a two-game lead over Kenwood (9-8, 7-2).
Blue-Central–This race is far from over. Bogan (14-6, 8-1) is a game in front of Gage Park (7-9, 7-2). Harper (8-6, 6-3) and Hubbard (9-7, 6-3) could also cause trouble. Gage Park will be pulling for Hubbard to beat Bogan Feb. 19.
SICA North–Argo (16-2, 8-0) has clinched a tie for the title. The Argonauts lead Shepard (12-9, 6-3). Guard Joe Griffin is the biggest reason the Argonauts won`t be challenged until their regional, which includes Leo and Mt. Carmel.
West Suburban–Proviso West (22-0, 11-0) has turned out the lights early in this prestigious league. The Panthers clinched the championship with a 70-62 decision over Proviso East Saturday night thanks to Michael Ingram`s 21 points and 16 rebounds and Robyn Davis` 20 points.
