After two nonconference games were postponed last week, Leo beat Naperville North Monday 50-37 to open the first round of the 2021 Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York High School in Elmhurst.
Leo moved to 5-1 and advances to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. second-round matchup against Batavia, which escaped with a win over Stagg in overtime earlier in the afternoon.
Leo busted out to a 15-0 lead over Naperville North holding the Huskies scoreless until 3:42 of the second quarter. The Lions led at half 26-11.
In a contest that was never close, Leo was led by Jerrod Gee, Jr.’s 12 points, followed by Cameron Cleveland with nine and Tyler Smith with eight. Leo shot 53% from the field but only connected on two of 13 three-point attempts. Leo held a rebound edge of 27-16 but committed 21 turnovers.
The 32-team Tosh Classic probably boasts the strongest overall field in this year’s holiday tournament realm, with Glenbard West the unofficial top seed.
The undefeated Hilltoppers are the No. 1 team in the Chicago Sun-Times’ metro-area rankings, and 6-foot-10 senior Braden Huff is considered one of the state’s top college prospects.
Bolingbrook, Rolling Meadows and Lake Forest are among the Tosh Classic’s other top contenders.
Leo, in the same bracket as Glenbard North, faces a potential quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday, if both teams advance from the second round.
Leo’s nonconference basketball games at Bremen on Monday, Dec. 20, and vs. Fenger at Leo on Wednesday, Dec. 22, have been postponed.
COVID exposure continues to be a concern with the Leo administration taking all measures in keeping everybody safe.
We will keep you abreast of further developments, advise caution and continue to pray for your health and safety.
Games televised on YouTube can be found before gametime
—The Leo Team