Not sure what's gotten into the Tri-Cities boys basketball scene, but no complaints from Coach Sly.
St. Charles East and St. Charles North, both in the championship game of St. Charles East's Thanksgiving Tournament? Guess there's a first time for everything, but this is quite a contrast from the way things usually play out for the locals at this traditionally stacked tourney.
St. Charles East had some preseason buzz, but Sly doesn't imagine too many people would have anticipated the Saints breezing past St. Joe.
But the real surprise is St. Charles North. The North Stars lost their best player from a below-.500 team last year, but kudos to North – the returning guys seem to be raising their games, and the Stars have a few newcomers who look like they're going to be nice pieces to the mix.
And how about Geneva? The Vikings have played some great ball at West Chicago this week, despite bringing back only one starter. The Vikings aren't known for being a high-scoring operation, but they have been winning by big margins, which tells you something special might be brewing.
Teams want to be playing their best in March, but winning in November is pretty sweet, too. Enjoy it, boys.
On the other side of the coin, bummer what's happened with the Geneva girls basketball team this week. Michaela Loebel can really ball, and had a huge role for her team - sad to see a great program continue to be snakebitten on the ACL front.
To end on a happier note, congrats to the Aurora Christian football team on winning its second straight state title. Any team that consistently rises to the occasion in the fourth quarter is a team you've got to admire.
