Preview

45th Annual Hardwood Classic Preview

Last year, the Libertyville Wildcats won the 44th Annual Hardwood Classic over Glenbrook North 64-59 in an outstanding Championship Game. The Wildcats were led by Tournament MVP Will Buchert (15 points & 10 rebounds) and All-Hardwood Selection Aidyn Boone (Game High 21 points & 12 rebounds). The defending champs open up against Niles Notre Dame (2021 Champs) on Wednesday, December 27th at 530pm.     

The Spartans of Glenbrook North are the odds on favorite to win the 45th Annual Hardwood Classic behind one of the best point guards in Illinois, Josh Fridman. Fridman, a 2x All-Hardwood Selection, leads a GBN team that includes Senior big man Patrick Schaller (Northwestern Football Commit) and Senior wings Sam Lappin and Owen Giannoulias. Other favorites to make the Final Four at the 45th Hardwood include Neuqua Valley led by returning All-Hardwood guard Luke Kinkade, Fremd led by Ryan Cox and Sophomore forward Jordan Williams, and Prospect led by Senior guard Drew Terpins.

Other players to watch in a very talented field include Carter Webb (Antioch), Connor Woodin (Buffalo Grove), Jake Pollack & Charlie Robin (Deerfield), Nick Louis (Hampshire), Bryce Wegrzyn (Libertyville), David Hutchinson (Maine West), Brady Sehlhorst (Notre Dame), Deshawn Nolan (Oak Forest) Henry Marshall & Dayvion Ellis (St. Viator), Dakota White (Streamwood), Braeden Carlsen and Cayden Mudd (Wauconda) and Brent Collar (Wheeling).  

Wheeling is excited to welcome Hardwood newcomers Oak Forest and Wauconda to the 16 team field. Streamwood is also back in the mix after taking a few year hiatus. These three teams will add great balance and competition to the tournament.  

As you can see, the 2023 Hardwood Classic will have another competitive field with some of the top teams, players, and coaches in the Chicagoland area. The 2023 Players to Watch list and game updates can be found here and on our Twitter page (@WHS_HWClassic).  WCAT Live will also be broadcasting most of the games via a live stream. The link for those streams can be found at https://links.d214.org/wcatlive. 

The Wildcats of Wheeling are looking forward to hosting the 45th annual Hardwood Classic. We will see everyone on December 27, 28, 29, & 30th.  

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!