Scouting DuPage County and Fox Valley holiday hoops: Some new faces in different places
Tis the season to be jolly — especially for high school basketball fans.
High school basketball holiday tournaments are a tradition of sorts across the area, considering the oldest event — DeKalb’s Chuck Dayton Holiday Classic — enters its 97th year.
Here’s a look at some of the top holiday tournaments to watch for teams in the Daily Herald’s DuPage County and Fox Valley areas:
Boys
St. Charles East, Hinsdale Central and first-time participants Burlington Central and Wheaton Academy will play in the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic Dec. 26-28, 30.
“It was real tough leaving Plano,” said Rockets coach Brett Porto, whose team was a long-time fixture at the Plano Christmas Classic, winning the tourney title recently in 2021 and 2022. “Great fans, great administration — a great environment. It felt like a second home for our program.
“It just felt like it was time for us to try something different. Hinsdale Central is a top-tier tournament. We’ll see a lot of tough teams and a lot of different playing styles.”
The Rockets open against Marian Catholic at 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 26.
“You learn a lot about yourself in a short amount of time,” said Porto.
Earlier in the day, St. Charles East faces Brother Rice (11 a.m.), while Wheaton Academy takes on Rockford Auburn (2 p.m.).
“Hinsdale is a great tournament,” said Saints coach Rob Klemm. “I love the fact that there are 16 teams from 15 different conferences, so we see opponents that we won’t see at other points during the regular season.
“We drew a tough first-round matchup in Brother Rice, which set the tournament record for most points scored last year.”
“We’re thrilled to join the field at Hinsdale Central to have the chance to play against some of the best basketball programs in the Chicagoland area,” said Warriors coach Daniel Smith, whose team is off to an 8-0 start. “I want our guys to test their resolve and play against a variety of styles and matchups to launch us into the second half of the season.”
Geneva (8-0) and Naperville North join the 16-team field along with Bartlett, Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South, Jacobs, Larkin, South Elgin, and Waubonsie Valley at Jacobs’ Hinkle Holiday Classic Dec. 21, 23, 26-27.
“Jacobs was able to accommodate all levels,” Vikings coach Scott Hennig said of his team’s move from DeKalb. “We have had a lot of success at DeKalb and are grateful for their hard work in running a fantastic tournament.
“I think the Jacobs tournament will prepare us for the second half of the season. We’re looking forward to a great week of basketball.”
Waubonsie Valley (8-0) looks to defend its Hinkle tourney title.
“We want to keep working toward our full potential,” said Warriors coach Andrew Schweitzer. “This year’s motto is, ‘No Limits,’ meaning there are no limits to what we can accomplish as a team.
“Any chance you get to play for a championship helps prepare you. Tournaments yield higher stakes with short prep times.”
The 50th annual Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York is a 5-day, 32-team extravaganza (Dec. 26-28, 30-31) that includes Batavia, Glenbard East, Glenbard North, Glenbard West, Hinsdale South, St. Francis, Wheaton North, Timothy Christian, and the host Dukes.
Dundee-Crown, Huntley, Naperville Central, and Neuqua Valley compete at DeKalb (Dec. 26-28).
“It has been a great tournament for almost 100 years,” said Wildcats coach Todd Sutton. “It’s closer for us than Wheeling, and it is also a chance for our younger players to improve.”
Other holiday tournaments will be held at East Aurora, Elgin, and Pontiac.
Girls
Defending champion Waubonsie Valley, Bartlett, Downers Grove North, Elgin, Hinsdale Central, Jacobs, Glenbard North, Glenbard South, West Aurora, Willowbrook, and host Wheaton North are among the 16 teams participating at the 40th annual Bill Neibch Holiday Classic (Dec. 23-26-28).
“The Falcon Classic is one of the best tournaments in the state because of how it is run, from the seeding meeting to the hospitality — it’s top tier,” said Warriors coach Brett Love.
“Winning is of course always the goal, but we treat this tournament like a mini-postseason situation. Our game day preparation and mindset must be win or go home.
“Plus, we also get an opportunity to honor our AD, Chris Neibch, and his dad, with the tournament named after (former Falcons AD and tourney founder) Bill Neibch, which is important to us.”
At Dundee-Crown, the 41st Komaromy Classic includes Hampshire, Huntley, Lake Park, Naperville Central, South Elgin, St. Charles North, and the host Chargers (Dec. 26-28, 30).
“The four back-to-back games is definitely a grind, but you learn a lot about yourselves as a team through times like that,” said North Stars coach Mike Tomczak, whose team entered the week with an 11-0 mark. “We are just trying to grow a little bit every game. Being so young, all these experiences are happening to most of our kids for the first time — and they’re invaluable.
“Dundee-Crown is such a great atmosphere. We love the tradition that comes with the tournament. They also have a phenomenal hospitality room — best in the state.”
At Montini, the tourney field includes Benet Academy, Burlington Central, Geneva, Hinsdale South, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley, St. Charles East, St. Francis, York, and the defending champion/host Broncos (Dec. 23, 26-28).
“We hope to make a name for ourselves at the tournament that includes some highly ranked teams in the state,” said Saints coach Katie Claussner. “Outside of winning, our team hopes to continue to strengthen our tenacious defense, transition offense, and mental toughness on the floor.”
Geneva placed third in the 4A state tournament two years ago.
“We want to learn and grow with every game we play,” said Vikings coach Sarah Meadows, who guided the program to back-to-back 4A state titles in 2017 and 2018.
“It is a great atmosphere at Montini for our girls, and great competition. We want to play the best.”
Batavia's girls, who just handed St. Charles North its first loss on Monday, are participating in the Loyola Academy Christmas Classic Dec. 23, and Dec. 26-28.