The Oak Park Boys’ Basketball Regional, made up of Kelly, Gage Park, Curie and Austin, should be a breeze for John Quinn’s Friars, although the head coach isn’t looking past anyone, especially not a team out of the Public League.
“You never know what can happen,” said Quinn. “We could be off, and they could have an outstanding night.”
Fenwick (18-6), who are 11-2 behind Hales Franciscan in the Catholic League (North), will likely face Curie (19-9) in the regional title game on the Friars’ home court. The Condors are 19-9 and made a respectable run for the Public League tournament title last week. Darreon Ingram scored 16 points, while Daniel Taylor and Marcus Van each had 13 in a win over Lincoln Park to advance to the third round of the tourney.
But it’s the opener of the Morton Sectional where the Friars will have their work cut out for them. Whether it’s St. Joseph, who trounced all over Fenwick at the Proviso West Holiday tournament 74-50 or cross-town rival OPRF coming off a huge win over one of the best team’s in the state, the Friars will need to be prepared for a showdown. OPRF versus Fenwick games are always intense. Fenwick has won the last two playoff showdowns.
The highly-ranked Chargers have proved vulnerable of late, and the Friars have enough mesh of skill and talent with Kelvin Johnson, Blake Neilsen, Michael Alexander, Steve Marifjeren and Peter Flowers for a possible upset.
Flowers, a 6-foot-6-inch junior and Division I prospect, scored 18 points in a 63-56 overtime win against Gordon Tech on Feb. 15.
Fenwick wraps up the regular season at home with a CCL game against Mt. Carmel on Friday (7:30 p.m.).
Mon., Feb. 28
Game 1 at 7:30 p.m.: (16) Kelly vs. (18) Gage Park
Tue., Mar. 1
Game 2 at 7:30 p.m.: (4) Fenwick vs. Winner Game 1
Wed., Mar. 2
Game 3 at 7:30 p.m.: (5) Curie) vs. (13) Austin
Fri., Mar. 4
Game 4 at 7:30 p.m.: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3
