The Proviso East boys’ varsity basketball team came in third place in the 61st Annual Proviso West Boys Holiday Basketball Invitational, held Dec. 26 through Dec. 29 at Proviso West’s main gymnasium in Hillside.
The Pirates beat St. Rita 66-61 in overtime on Dec. 29 to capture the third-place prize. The victory came after a 78-50 loss to Kenwood on Dec. 28. A win over Kenwood would have put the Pirates in the tournament championship.
Proviso East Center, Bryce Coleman scores in the Pirates victory over Crete-Monee, 84-58 at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament on Monday, Dec. 26 in Hillside. | Shanel Romain 
Proviso East small forward, Byron Pullen drives to the basket in the Pirates victory over Crete-Monee, 84-58 at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament on Monday, Dec. 26 in Hillside. | Shanel Romain 
Proviso East Forward, Daye Alexander scores in the Pirates victory over Crete-Monee, 84-58 at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament on Monday, Dec. 26 in Hillside. | Shanel Romain 
Proviso East forward, Jaloni Johnson drives the ball up the court in the Pirates victory over Crete-Monee, 84-58 at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament on Monday, Dec. 26 in Hillside. | Shanel Romain
Kenwood would eventually lose a close game to Whitney Young in the championship 58-55. The clash between the two teams was a rematch of last year’s championship game, which Young lost. Young has won the West Holiday tournament six times. The last time they won it all was in 2016, tournament officials said.
The host team, Proviso West, lost in the tournament’s opening round 63-67 to Lincoln Park on Dec. 26 before defeating Bowman 75-50 on Dec. 27.
Whitney Young’s Daniel Johnson won Tournament MVP. Johnson led Young’s offense with 16 points in the championship game.
Two Proviso Township athletes were included in the Second Team All-Tournament Team: Rajan Roberts of Proviso West and Bryce Coleman of Proviso East.
For a summary of the championship game and other tournament highlights, visit: www.pwholidaytournament.com/news.aspx
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
