The Big Dipper Holiday Basketball Tournament has traditionally been one of the top holiday tournaments. This year does not appear to be an exception. This year’s tournament features the previous two Class A state champions as well as some of top teams from Class AA. This tournament has been known to jump-start the careers of great players as they get the opportunity to showcase their talent for the first time on a huge stage. Last year, Rich Central’s Justin Taylor burst onto the scene and solidified his name as a top player in the class of 2007. We will wait and see who grabs the spotlight this year.

The top team according to MidState Hoops is Thornton. They enter the tournament holding the number two ranking only behind Hillcrest. They have recently come off decisive victories against Chicago Simeon, and Glenbrook North. In the Simeon game, they muzzled the top player in the class of 2007, Derrick Rose to a season-low 11 points. Then against Glenbrook North, Thornton forced the number one player in the class of 2006, John Scheyer to go 5-17 from the field including 0-9 from three-point range. Thornton is a team that has a plethora of scoring talent from all angles of the floor. They are lead in scoring by Joevan Catron. He is averaging 14.5 points per game to go along with 7.2 rebounds per contest. Donnell Lyons provides 12.5 points and 5 rebounds per game. The backcourt is led by a pair of Brandons. Dagans and Long are both averaging 13 points per game respectively.

The tournament also features a pair of Class A past and present champions in the form of Leo and Hales Franciscan. Hales Franciscan is led by the top player in the tournament, Nate Minnoy. Minnoy is committed to play for the Purdue Boilermakers of the Big Ten conference after his high school days are over. Also providing power for the Spartans will be Jerome Randall. Randle is coming off a strong 26 point effort in Hales’ recent victory of St. Rita.

The reigning champions of Class a, Leo is looking to make a big splash at the tournament. This team has a bright future. They are expected to do big things in the coming years. However, look for this tournament for the Lions to show a taste of things to come in the future. Sophomore Mario Allen is coming off a strong performance at the Hillcrest Shootout at the Hill. Look for him to continue his strong play. Also keep an eye out for Kevin Woods, Diante Gaskew, and Tony Topps.

Lincoln Park brings a number of talented players to the holiday party. Enter sophomores, Jonathan Montgomery and Michael “Juice” Thompson. Montgomery is coming off a strong 19 point performance in Lincoln Parks trouncing of Robeson. “Juice” Thompson poured in 23 points in a hard fought defeat to Crane in the Chicago Public League Holiday Tournament. The loss to Crane is only Lincoln Park’s second of the year as they carry a 5-2 record into the tournament. This year’s tourney should be another classic



First Day Tournament Pairings for Monday, December 27, 2004
9:00am Leo vs. Crete Monee 10:30am Thornton vs. Juarez 12:00pm Hales Franciscan vs. Hinsdale South 1:30pm Peoria Woodruff vs. Rich East 4:00pm Lincoln Park vs. Marian Catholic 5:30pm Rich South vs.Shepard 7:30pm Bloom vs. Hinsdale Central 9:00pm Rich Central vs. Eisenhower