Now that day one is complete; let’s take a look at day two of the tourney…
#3 Homestead vs #6 Bishop Luers, 10:45 a.m.
These are the only two teams to not take the court opening day of the tourney but did play each other just 6 days ago with Homestead winning 68-57. Homestead comes in as one of the favorites to win the title and it starts with Luke Goode. The talented guard is averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds team 6 games and will look to impress in the Sparty’s opening game. When you add the playmaking Zak Krueger, the shot-making ability of Grant Simmons and inside play of Alec Grinsfelder you have another group ready for another tourney run. Bishop Luers is a team knowing they can beat Homestead and DO have the talent to pull the upset. The tremendous duo of Demarcus Hudson and Naylon Thompson have opposing teams on high alert with the ability to score the ball not to mention both pull-down nearly eight rebounds a contest. Mix in Jalen Causey who has ton over SAC experience and talented freshman Nick Thompson and can be a recipe to play at a high level.
Match up to look for: Jake Archbold (Homestead) and Demarcus Hudson (Bishop Luers)
#1 Wayne vs #8 Northrop, 2:15 p.m.
Qualen Pettus is officially back for Northrop and they do look different with him on the floor. With Pettus, they add a tremendous playmaker and rebounder that can make things easier for his teammates on both ends of the court. The Bruins defeated Concordia in the opening round and that had a lot to do with the team defense in the half-court and the continued growth of Khamani Smith. Add in more solid minutes off the bench and Northrop has the momentum on their side. In their way is the host team and the #1 seeded Wayne Generals. Everyone was well aware of Michael Redding and Quincy Myles coming into the season and rightfully so but the shooting ability of Janard Freeman has been a huge reason for Wayne to start the season. With him prowling the 3 point line it does open the lane even more for the dribble drive and a chance to put the defense in foul trouble.
Match up to look for: Jenard Freeman (Wayne) and Nick Haines (Northrop)
#2 Snider vs #7 Bishop Dwenger, 5:45 p.m.
Snider was another one of the favorites heading into the tournament even with an early conference loss and that is because they can flat out put the ball in the hoop. Dillon Duff and Michael Eley are both averaging over 22 points a game and are just one play away from stealing the momentum in a game with one of their patented alley-oops. With Isaac Farnsworth hitting timely threes this year and the continued defensive ball control from Jayshawn Underwood you might be looking at the most dangerous team in the tourney. Dwenger advanced from the opening round after defeating a game North Side team 59-45. Once again it’s Brenden Lytle leading the Saints in scoring and assists but the play from Xavier Nolan was also impressive. He continued to not settle for jump shots and kept the pressure on Concordia’s defense, This continued confidence from Nolan and the rest of the Saints will be needed for them to pull the upset over their arch-rival Snider.
Match up to watch for: Jayshawn Underwood (Snider) and Brenden Lytle (Bishop Dwenger)
Boys Bracket
[mstw_tourney_bracket tourney=’2019-boys-sac-holiday-basketball-tournament-bracket’]
