Outlook: Eisenhower joins a conference that has been dominated by Hillcrest for seven years. Thornton Fractional North was expected to challenge Hillcrest for the title, but North and T.F. South have been closed by a teachers’ strike in District 215 and will not compete in athletics until the strike is resolved.
Top players: Hillcrest G Greg Simmons, 6-1, sr., G Wally Lesure, 6-1, sr., F Emmitt Smith, 6-3 sr.; T.F. South G Charles Even, 6-2, sr; Eisenhower C Andre Shelby, 6-6, sr., F/G Jeremy Holmes, 5-11, jr., G Quincy Lewis, 5-11, sr.; Oak Forest G Tim McFarlane, 5-11, sr., F Larry Zimont, 6-4, sr., ; Tinley Park G Asa Slaughter, 6-1, jr.
Quotable: Hillcrest coach Tom Cappel: “If we play defense, we will be all right.”
Key games: Hillcrest at T.F. North, Jan. 5; T.F. North at Hillcrest, Feb. 9. Both games pending settlement of teachers’ strike.
Defending champion: Hillcrest
Predicted finish: Hillcrest, T.F. North, Bremen, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, T.F. South
