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Proviso West tournament ushers in new era
2012 PROVISO WEST HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
Dec. 22
Oswego vs. Lincoln Park, 9 a.m.
New Trier vs. Nazareth, 10:30 a.m.
Westinghouse vs. Downers Grove South, 12:15 p.m.
Homewood-Flossmoor vs. CSIS-Ellison, 1:45 p.m.
Benet vs. Urban Prep West, 3:45 p.m.
Morton vs. Dunbar, 5:15 p.m.
Proviso East vs. T.F. South, 7 p.m.
Auburn vs. Foreman, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 26
Hillcrest vs. Maine South, 9 a.m.
Glenbard East vs. Glenbrook North, 9:15 a.m.
Stevenson vs. Hinsdale Central, 12:15 p.m.
St. Charles East vs. Von Steuben, 1:45 p.m.
Proviso West vs. Fenwick, 3:45 p.m.
Morgan Park vs. Wheaton Academy, 5:15 p.m.
Crespi Carmelite vs. Bogan, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph vs. Brooks, 8:13 p.m.
Updated: December 8, 2012 12:00AM
HILLSIDE — The history and tradition of the Proviso West Holiday tournament was too good to pass up for coaches Tony Lavorato Jr. and Jay Baum.
Maine South and Downers Grove South left York’s Tosh Holiday Classic to become fresh additions to the expanded 32-team Proviso West tournament, which opens its 52nd year later this month.
The tournament has added an extra day. Half the field will open play Dec. 22 and the bottom half of the bracket begins Dec. 26. All teams are now guaranteed at least three games, instead of two. The tournament runs Dec. 22 and 26-29, with the championship at 4 p.m. Dec. 31.
Maine South is one of 13 schools that will be making their Proviso West debut.
“We would like to compete for the top spot in our conference (Central Suburban South) year in and year out,” Maine South’s Lavorato said. “We think this (tournament) will help us do that.”
Downers South returns to Proviso West for the first time in 24 years after playing there from 1983-88.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here,” Trojans coach Baum said. “I thought it’s a great tournament. There is a lot of history. We want to be here. They don’t ask just anybody (to play).”
Proviso East coach Donnie Boyce won last year’s title in his first season as coach. The former Proviso East star played at the Proviso West tournament from 1988-91. The Pirates, coming off their first tournament title in 20 years, open at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 against T.F. South.
“I think it’s great idea (to expand),” Boyce said. “I thought this was long overdue. I always thought this should be a national tournament.”
Teams will use two different courts. The first round will be conducted at the school’s Sports Arena, while many consolation games will be played at a temporary court with seating in the school’s fieldhouse.
“It’s going to be very nice,” tournament director Joe Spagnolo said of the new venue. “I feel confident about that. I think you will like it.”
Notebook
Nazareth sophomore Tyler Jackson will become the third 7-footer to play in Proviso West tournament.
Oswego becomes the inaugural entry from the Suburban Prairie Conference.
New Trier will make its 35th consecutive appearance.
CICS-Ellison is the initial charter school invited.
Glenbard East last played in 1962, when the tournament expanded from eight to 16 teams.
Chris Head of Brooks becomes the first coach to lead three different teams in the tournament (Westinghouse in ’98-’99; Proviso West ’02).
Crespi Carmelite of Encino, Calif. represents the first out-of-state school.
