All games on WPWR-Ch. 50 (TV), at foxhiliteschicago.com (online) and on WJOL-AM 1340 (radio).
FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE
Evanston (29-3) vs. Zion-Benton (31-3)
*Tipoff: 6:30 p.m.
*Head coach: Bobby Locke
How they got here
*Defeated Niles North 75-49
*Defeated Prospect 63-56
*Defeated Loyola 59-54 (OT)
*Defeated Hersey 50-38
*Defeated Mt. Carmel 50-40
Zion-Benton Zee-Bees
*Head coach: Donald Kloth
How they got here
*Defeated Libertyville 60-35
*Defeated Mundelein 79-74
*Defeated Buffalo Grove 88-67
*Defeated Schaumburg 54-41
*Defeated Elgin 64-50
Inside stuff
*Zion-Benton has emerged as the favorite in Class 4A behind its balanced lineup. Five players are averaging in double figures, including forward Quintrell Love at 12.5 points off the bench. Evanston would like to stay in a zone defense to negate the Zee-Bees’ edge in quickness. Two of the best clutch players in the tournament are Evanston guards Zachary Morton and Stephen Rudnicki.
*Bob Sakamoto’s pick: Zion-Benton
Lockport (24-6) vs. Richards (28-4)
*Tipoff: 8:15 p.m.
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*Head coach: Lawrence Thompson Jr.
How they got here
*Defeated Providence 56-52
*Defeated Stagg 53-49
*Defeated Thornton 65-38
*Defeated Bloom 58-45 (OT)
*Defeated O’Fallon 50-47
Richards Bulldogs
*Head coach: John Chappetto
How they got here
*Defeated Eisenhower 62-60
*Defeated Hinsdale South 64-51
*Defeated Brother Rice 67-61
*Defeated Lyons 70-57
*Defeated Neuqua Valley 63-42
Inside stuff
*If Richards can overcome early jitters, the Bulldogs have the talent to advance with 6-5 Carl Richard (15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds), 6-7 junior Shaun Pratl (above) and explosive guard Tommie Thomas. Lockport lost to O’Fallon in the Class AA quarterfinals last year and will be more comfortable in the Carver Arena atmosphere. Lockport guard Brian Bradley is the player to watch in crunch time.
*Bob Sakamoto’s pick: Lockport
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE
*Third-place game, 6:30 p.m.
*Championship game, 8:15 p.m.