Hold on tight.
Real tight.
March Madness is upon us, promising a wild, 19-day journey filled with unforgettable moments. Depending on your rooting interest, that may result in joy or heartbreak.
The Class 4A and 3A boys basketball playoffs tip off on Monday, and my advice to fans is to sit back and enjoy the ride through the state finals in Peoria on March 20-21.
Last season, it was more like March Sadness for the Southland. Forget the state finals. The area failed to advance a team to the 4A or 3A supersectionals.
That won’t happen again this season.
In 4A, all eyes are on Bloom. Can this talented, experienced senior class boasting four Division I recruits bring home the program’s first state championship?
(The answer is at the end of this column).
Thornton, Homewood-Flossmoor and Marian Catholic might have something to say about that.
In 3A, Morgan Park is the team to beat, but Oak Forest, Kankakee, Hillcrest and Richards loom large.
Here’s my list of local favorites, along with a few sleepers.
Class 4A favorites
Bloom (25-5): It’s now or never for seniors Dante Maddox Jr., Keshawn Williams, Donovan Newby and Martice Mitchell. The addition of 6-foot-6 forward Christian Shumate, a transfer from Plainfield East, provides inside muscle the Blazing Trojans lacked in previous seasons.
Thornton (28-1): Not having a post presence is a concern, but the chemistry and unselfishness between seniors Ari Brown, DaMarco Minor, Derrick Williams and Brandon Hall and junior Sean Burress should not be underestimated. Plus, the Wildcats get after it on defense.
Homewood-Flossmoor (23-4): Seniors RJ Ogom, Joel Watts and Josiah Palmer are a lethal three-headed monster. And the Vikings’ schedule has them ready for the playoffs.
Marian Catholic (22-8): Senior Ahron Ulis, an Iowa recruit, is a candidate for player of the year. Senior Elijah Jones delivers muscle inside. With senior Joe Green no longer on the team, it’s imperative Yemi Elutilo and sophomore Jeremiah Jones step up.
Class 4A sleepers
Brother Rice (20-10): Senior Deandre Hagan must take charge and rise to the occasion. Senior Rico Powell can shoot and junior Luke Moustakas offers a versatile threat.
Eisenhower (23-6): Senior Jemel Jones is automatic from 12 to 15 feet. Senior Ivan Oliva is an underrated point guard who doesn’t easily get rattled.
Oak Lawn (23-7): Spartans have a pair of difference-makers in seniors Sami Osmani and Trey Ward and a pass-first point guard in senior David Reyes, who has the ability to knock down 3-pointers.
St. Rita (20-10): Senior Alec Millender has put up monster numbers. Connor Serven and Kevin Murney are fearless in the post. Will it be enough to unseat Curie, Simeon or Whitney Young in the Lyons Sectional? Unlikely.
Class 3A favorites
Morgan Park (20-9): It has been said guards win championships. In seniors Adam Miller, an Illinois recruit, and Marcus Watson, a Wake Forest commit, the Mustangs have two of the best.
Oak Forest (26-2): Senior Jayson Kent is a big-time talent and senior Juan Avila is the team’s glue. Robbie Avila, a 6-9 sophomore, is a handful. Senior point guard Devin Tolbert must make good decisions and handle ball pressure.
Hillcrest (20-8): I can’t put my finger on it, but something is missing from this team. The Hawks upended H-F, but struggled mightily to put away T.F. North, a team with a below .500 record. On both occasions, junior Mar’Keise Irving came to the rescue.
Richards (19-8): Seniors KaJuan Wines and Albert Jones are a dangerous one-two punch, but senior Burtron Harper and junior Anthony Taylor will need to carry some of the scoring burden.
Class 3A sleepers
Tinley Park (17-10): Four sophomores in the starting lineup suggests the Titans are a year or two away. But when one of those sophomores is 6-8 AJ Casey, all bets are off. He can carry the Titans a long way.
Rich East (14-15): Has stumbled down the stretch, but juniors Gary Clay Jr. and Devonta Blevins and senior post Christopher Smith should not be taken lightly.
With all that said …
I’ll take Bloom advancing to the 4A state finals and Morgan Park in 3A.
