SEASON PREVIEW
Head coach Pat Ambrose is surrounded by seniors (left to right) Parker Nichols, Matt Johnson, Jalen Brunson and Connor Cashaw.
Photo by John Rowland
Stevenson will be involved in four showcase games that will have a profound impact on how they are viewed nationally. On back-to-back nights (Jan. 2-3) at the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia, the Patriots will take on preseason No. 20 Chaminade and perennial Washington Catholic Athletic Conference contender Gonzaga.
Ambrose's team will then travel to the prestigious Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts to take on No. 3 Findlay Prep on Jan. 17.
And finally in a bit of a budding local rivalry, Stevenson will face No. 13 Simeon for the third time in the last three years at the City-Suburban Showdown on Feb. 21. The teams met for the 4A state title in 2013 (won by Jabari Parker and Simeon) and also squared off at the same event last season.
Tournament time: The Proviso West Holiday Tournament is arguably the most prestigious high school basketball event in the state of Illinois. Entering its 54th year of existence, names like Mark Aguirre, Kevin Garnett, Juwan Howard, Marcus Liberty and Isaiah Thomas have taken the floor at the event over the decades.
Stevenson beat Morgan Park in the title game last season and will be back to defend its title Dec. 22-27.
