Some of the most highly ranked players in the state were on the court when New Trier hosted Kenwood on Monday in Winnetka. There were seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen ranked in the top five in their classes. They all attend Kenwood.
The Trevians countered with a solid core of players from a team that reached the Class 4A semifinals last season: junior Colby Smith and seniors Will LeeMaster, Logan Feller and Ian Brown.
But a New Trier sophomore stole the show. Christopher Kirkpatrick scored 21 points to lead the No. 14 Trevians to a 59-49 victory against the No. 21 Broncos.
‘‘Watching Christopher grow up in a game like this is awesome,’’ Feller said. ‘‘It was a really special game for him, and we are all looking forward to more of it.’’
The rapid improvement and substantial impact Kirkpatrick and fellow sophomore Danny Houlihan (13 points) have made this season have elevated the Trevians (17-3) from another ranked team to a group that could do damage in March.
‘‘Twenty-one against Kenwood? That’s amazing for me,’’ Kirkpatrick said. ‘‘But without [Feller, LeeMaster] and everyone creating for me, that doesn’t happen.’’
Kirkpatrick didn’t expect to play such a major role on the team this season. Both of his older brothers were good players at New Trier.
‘‘I thought I might start but just be a guy that contributes,’’ Kirkpatrick said. ‘‘And as the season has gone along, I’ve realized I can do a lot more.
‘‘It was definitely helpful to learn from my brothers’ mistakes and really just play against them. They were different types of players, and I’ve tried to take the best parts of both of them.’’
The Trevians led 26-18 at halftime. The Broncos (12-6) cut their deficit to five points early in the third quarter, but New Trier responded with consecutive three-pointers from Kirkpatrick, Brown (16 points) and Houlihan.
The Trevians’ student section chanted, ‘‘Overrated,’’ at Kenwood, and Mike Irvin, the coach of the preseason No. 1 Broncos, called a timeout. Kenwood never seriously threatened again.
‘‘Feller played a great game,’’ New Trier coach Scott Fricke said. ‘‘We made the extra pass and gave up an open shot for a better shot.’’
Feller has been the key connector — on the court and in the locker room — who has helped to make the transition from the 2022-23 group to this younger Trevians team so successful.
‘‘Other guys on the team are making all-tournament at Pontiac,’’ Fricke said. ‘‘But Feller is the guy doing a lot to get those guys shots. He’s unbelievable. He does everything for us.’’
Senior BJ Duling led the Broncos with 16 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Rajan Roberts added 11 points and highly regarded junior Aleks Alston nine.
But DePaul recruit Chris Riddle was scoreless, Arizona State recruit Jaden Smith was limited to three points and six rebounds and standout freshman Devin Cleveland was held to six points.
There is still plenty of time and several opportunities for Kenwood to turn its season around. The Broncos face Mount Carmel at Benet on Saturday and could get another shot at top-ranked Curie in the Public League playoffs.
