Joe Henricksen’s City/Suburban Hoops Report

Updated: May 9, 2012 10:11AM

Bogan Under the radar

Due partly to the fact Bogan traveled to Rock Island for Thanksgiving and to Centralia for Christmas, the Bengals haven’t been talked about as much as other ranked teams in the Chicago area. But coach Arthur Goodwin’s team, which features tough, experienced seniors, should be. The Bengals play with a sense of urgency and a distinctive style. They were built to employ all-out pressure on both ends of the floor — attacking on the offensive end with five players capable of scoring in double figures and a combative defense. Bogan will get its shot at No. 1 Simeon next week. The teams square off Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Simeon.

contested conferences

There are a couple of south suburb showdowns Friday that will go a long way in determining league championships. Thornwood, led by Loyola-bound guard Darrell Combs, will host unbeaten Andrew and junior star Jubril Adekoya. Both teams are a perfect 5-0 in the SouthWest Suburban Red. Thornwood hasn’t won a conference title since capturing the old SICA East in 2002. Bloom and Crete-Monee were expected to battle for the Southland Conference title, but surprising Rich South is in the mix as all three are tied for the top spot. Crete-Monee travels to Rich South Friday night.

MAROONS SEEK REVENGE

There will be plenty of intrigue when Elgin and Huntley collide Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. This is a rematch of last year’s sectional semifinal, where Huntley ended Elgin’s tournament run. This season, without much fanfare, the teams are a combined 29-2. Huntley (14-1) has a blossoming prospect in Amanze Egekeze. The 6-6 sophomore and Division I prospect makes this Red Raiders team more dangerous than last year’s 25-win squad that fell to Rockford Auburn in the sectional final. Elgin (15-1) and star Kory Brown will be looking for a little payback in this rematch.

Big-TIME REINFORCEMENT

Glenbrook North has suffered a variety of injuries this season, yet the Spartans are an impressive 13-3 and, as always, remain the team to beat in the Central Suburban North. No injury was more significant than the loss of 6-foot-8 forward/center Andrew McAuliffe, one of the top prospects in the Class of 2013. McAuliffe, who was averaging over 17 points a game before injuring his knee in a win over Niles North Dec. 6, has missed the last nine games but is set to return soon. Adam Chick (8 ppg), Mark Johnson (13 ppg) and junior guard Kurt Karis (10 ppg) have stepped up in McAuliffe’s absence.

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