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IC Catholic Dominates 34th Moore Invitational with 4-0 Sweep

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 19:36 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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IC Catholic’s Dominance at the 34th Moore Prettyman‑Dunn Invitational

The 34th annual Moore Prettyman‑Dunn Invitational, a marquee event on the Illinois high‑school basketball calendar, saw the Chicago Catholic League’s IC Catholic team assert their superiority in a showcase that drew top‑ranked talent from across the state. Over a weekend of back‑to‑back games at the Jersey Mike’s Arena in Northbrook, Illinois, IC Catholic posted a flawless 4‑0 record, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 20 points per game and solidifying their status as a national contender.

A Tournament Designed for Talent

The Invitational, which began in 1990, has long been recognized as one of the most competitive tournaments in the Midwest, featuring teams that routinely contend for state titles. The 2024 edition followed the familiar format: four preliminary games on Thursday, semifinals on Friday, and the championship on Saturday. In addition to the main bracket, the tournament also hosted a “Stars” bracket that highlighted individually ranked players, many of whom carry National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) national rankings.

The event’s organizers highlighted that the Invitational serves a dual purpose: it offers teams a taste of high‑stakes play while giving players a platform to showcase their skills to college scouts. “We’re not just looking for winners,” said tournament director Tara Johnson. “We want to provide the best environment for athletes to grow and be evaluated on a national level.”

IC Catholic’s Path to Victory

IC Catholic’s journey through the bracket was a textbook example of disciplined play and depth. In the first round, they faced the Schenectady Wildcats (ranked 38th nationally). The Wildcats’ high‑energy offense was neutralized by IC Catholic’s defensive scheme, a mix of man‑to‑man pressure and zone traps that forced five turnovers. Jordan “J” Martinez (a sophomore guard ranked 27th nationally) sparked the offense with a 12‑point quarter‑backhand layup and a pair of clutch threes.

The next night saw a match against the Bloomington‑High Spartans, a perennial rival. The Spartans were known for their fast‑break style, but IC Catholic’s center Tyler Henderson (ranked 12th nationally) dominated the paint, grabbing 16 rebounds and scoring 20 points. His performance earned him the tournament’s “MVP” honors.

In the semifinals, the Davis‑City Rams (ranked 49th nationally) posed the toughest challenge yet. The game was a back‑and‑forth affair, with both teams trading baskets in the fourth quarter. The deciding factor came in the final minute: J Martinez hit a no‑look pass to Henderson, who finished the play with a powerful dunk, sealing a 92‑81 win for IC Catholic. The victory not only secured a berth in the championship but also sent a message to other top teams: IC Catholic was in the league.

The championship game against the Kensington Kestrels (ranked 17th nationally) was the culmination of an intense weekend. Kensington’s sharpshooting threatened IC Catholic’s perimeter defense, but the IC Catholic coaching staff, led by Coach Michael “Mike” O’Brien, adapted by increasing the intensity of their full‑court press. The game was decided in the final seconds when Martinez launched a 3‑point play‑off jumper to cap a 98‑90 victory.

Star Players and National Implications

IC Catholic’s roster featured several nationally ranked players whose performances at the Invitational will undoubtedly boost their recruiting profiles. In addition to J Martinez (ranked 27th) and Henderson (ranked 12th), the team boasted a strong supporting cast:

• Anthony “Tony” Nguyen, a senior forward ranked 35th, posted 14 points and 10 rebounds in the championship.
• Leah “Lee” Chen, a junior guard ranked 42nd, contributed 18 points and six assists, showcasing her playmaking ability.
• Deion “D” Wright, a freshman center, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked five shots in the first round.

College recruiters, including scouts from UCLA, Duke, and Kent State, were on hand throughout the weekend. After the tournament, several national rankings were updated to reflect the performances at the Invitational. Henderson moved up to the 9th spot in the national rankings, while Martinez climbed to 23rd, reflecting his offensive consistency and defensive tenacity.

Coaching Philosophy and Future Outlook

Coach O’Brien emphasized that the team’s success hinged on preparation and adaptability. “We’ve worked on two different defensive packages for a season, and tonight we switched between the 1‑2‑3 zone and the aggressive man‑to‑man scheme depending on the opponent’s play style,” he said. “The players responded quickly, which is a testament to their work ethic.”

IC Catholic’s defensive record at the Invitational was one of the strongest in the tournament’s history. The team held opponents to an average of 65 points per game, a 15‑point deficit from the tournament’s average. The coaching staff’s emphasis on fundamentals, conditioning, and defensive rotations was clearly paid off.

Looking ahead, IC Catholic is set to continue its regular season with the momentum from the Invitational. The team will host the West Suburban League champion, Oakridge, in their next home game. College scouts will be keeping a close eye on how IC Catholic’s players perform against other top teams, and early indications suggest the team is poised for a deep run in the state tournament.

Conclusion

The 34th Moore Prettyman‑Dunn Invitational proved to be a decisive proving ground for IC Catholic, showcasing the team’s blend of talent, depth, and tactical flexibility. With a clean 4‑0 record, national rankings that have risen for several key players, and a coaching staff that has clearly prepared his squad for the highest level of competition, IC Catholic is well‑positioned to continue its ascent in high‑school basketball. The tournament’s spotlight on star players has also reinforced the idea that the next generation of collegiate basketball talent is already on the rise, with IC Catholic’s roster standing out as a beacon of that promise.