Southland's elite eight set for battle

Updated: March 24, 2011 3:58PM

When the boys basketball playoffs began in Classes 3A and 4A, the Southland was represented by 39 teams.

Just eight days later, eight remain.

Regional competition proved unpleasant for many of our teams.

True, in many instances, local teams were eliminating each other from the March Madness experience.

But that wasn't always the case.

Three sectional sites are hosting teams from the area today, Wednesday and Friday: Argo and Thornwood in 4A and Rich South in 3A.

Here's a breakdown:

ARGO SECTIONAL

Simeon (No. 1 seed) vs. Mount Carmel (4), tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Records: Simeon 25-2; Mount Carmel 21-6

The lowdown: The Wolverines like to run. Somehow, someway the Caravan must prevent a track meet from occurring. Not that the Caravan doesn't have the ability to play uptempo. By slowing down the pace, however, Mike Flaherty's club has a better chance at frustrating the Wolverines. The Caravan has three offensive threats in Illinois-bound Tracy Abrams, Alex Austin and Malcolm Hill-Bey. The trio combined for 71 of the Caravan's 84 points against St. Rita on Friday. If you've never heard of Simeon's Jabari Parker, you've been living under a rock. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has been compared to Derrick Rose and is regarded as one of the best players in the country. A match-up against Abrams should be fun to watch.

THORNWOOD SECTIONAL

Thornton (1) vs. Lockport (4), tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Records: Thornton 25-2; Lockport 21-8

The lowdown: Thornton has three players averaging 10 points per game in Brian Greene Jr., Antonio Levy and Jay Parker. Each is capable of pulling up and hitting a 3-pointer as well as taking the ball to the rack. Big men Bernard Brame and Stefan Beard, however, could prove to be the difference. Brame took over against Lincoln-Way East in the fourth quarter Friday, netting 12 of his 18 points. Lockport's relied heavily on Karrington Ward and younger brother Kyle. The Porters likely will need contributions from others to derail the Wildcats. Karrington Ward is one of the more athletic players in the area and has the ability to alter momentum by way of a sensational dunk.

Crete-Monee (2) vs. Homewood-Flossmoor (3), Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Records: Crete-Monee 23-3; H-F 23-5

The lowdown: The last time the two area powers played back in January, Crete-Monee walked away with a 67-62 win. The game wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicates. The Warriors enjoyed a 20-plus point lead in the second half. The Vikings likely will slow the pace down this time and try to keep the Warriors' transition game in check. Any one of H-F's starters - Tyrone Sherman, Julian Lewis, Delvon Rencher, Tim Williams and David Fatoki - is capable of producing a 20-point performance. Sherman would be wise to keep his emotions in check against Crete-Monee point guard Michael Orris. DePaul-bound Jamee Crockett (21 ppg) has the ability to take over and 6-9 big man Greg Mays is a load inside for the Warriors.

RICH SOUTH SECTIONAL

Brooks (1) vs. T.F. North (5), tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Records: Brooks 25-3; T.F. North 20-5

The lowdown: The Meteors have been practically unstoppable since falling to Hillcrest in January, having won 10 of 11. T.F. North is a patient bunch, with Montero Rice and Sylvester Tolliver capable of filling up the hoop. Point guard DeAndre Lowery can't allow his emotions to get the best of him. Expect Brooks to pound the ball inside to brothers Kevin and Keith Gray and allow George Marshall to let loose on the perimeter.

Morgan Park (2) vs. Hillcrest (3), Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Records: Morgan Park 20-5; Hillcrest 21-6

The lowdown: The perception that as defending SouthtownStar Player of the Year Wayne Blackshear goes, so go the Mustangs isn't entirely accurate. Case in point Friday. Blackshear scored only nine points but Morgan Park still claimed a 10-point victory. Jerome Brown and Billy Garrett Jr. possess star power as well for the Mustangs. But with a chance to knock off the defending 3A champion Hawks, expect the Louisville-bound Blackshear, averaging 28 points and 11 boards, to bring his "A" game. Hillcrest would do itself a great service by getting off to a strong start. No way the Hawks want to play catch-up against the Mustangs. Point guard Julius Brown (19.6 ppg) has been phenomenal. The Toledo recruit won't be able to do it alone though. Hillcrest is going to need strong contributions from Kadeem Thornton, DeShawn Wash, Jemel Kent and LeBarron Hull to garner the win.

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