Henricksen: Simeon-Young, Fenwick-Benet in pre-holiday hoops showdowns

In what is a rather dull week leading up to the busy holiday tournament schedules across the state, there are two pre-holiday games that are very enticing. Here’s a quick snapshot of those two games in this mini-midweek forecast.

• Simeon vs. Young at UIC Pavilion • Wednesday, 8 p.m.

(Freshman game at 5:30 p.m. and sophomore game at 6:30 p.m.)

Before Simeon and Young head off to Pontiac and Proviso West, respectively, next week, these two top 10 teams meet in a pre-holiday showdown. And it should be a good one.

Unbeaten Simeon features a trio of players –– rising junior Talen Horton-Tucker, junior guard Kezo Brown and senior guard Evan Gilyard –– who have taken turns taking over.

Young is putting points up on the scoreboard at a high rate with senior Lucas Williamson leading the way. The 6-5 wing has been an assertive scorer (22 ppg) while still doing all the little things to help the Dolphins win. A pair of 6-3 juniors, Justin Boyd and Javon Freeman, have also emerged as scoring weapons.

With Simeon loosening the reins somewhat with its guard-heavy lineup and Young averaging 80 points a game in its last three wins, this could be the highest scoring Simeon-Young tussle we’ve seen.

Hoops Report pick: Simeon 71, Young 68

• Fenwick at Benet • Wednesday, 7 p.m.

A Catholic League-East Suburban Catholic Conference clash featuring two of the best coaches in the business: Fenwick’s Rick Malnati and Benet’s Gene Heidkamp.

While Fenwick is unbeaten on the season, Benet is looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The Redwings were stunned by St. Viator in a lackluster loss that featured, uncharacteristically, turnovers and cold shooting last Friday. Then Benet fell to a strong Conant team Saturday night.

Thus Benet, led by seniors Jack Nolan and Liam Lyman, comes in a little wounded and in need of step-up performance prior to heading to the Pontiac Holiday Tournament.

Fenwick has been impressive. But aside from an overtime win over Oak Park the Friars haven’t been tested. Fenwick does have a pair of senior anchors in 6-4 workhorse Jamal Nixon and athletic guard Jacob Keller.

Hoops Report pick: Fenwick 54, Benet 48