Sun-Times puts three Tip-Off Classic teams in top 13

If you go by the Chicago Sun-Times, three of the 15 teams you'll see in action next week at the 205 Tip-Off Classic are state title contenders.

Michael O'Brien's preseason rankings were released yesterday and he placed defending state champion Chicago Whitney Young at No. 4, Elgin Larkin No. 10 and Chicago St. Rita at No. 13.

Here's what O'Brien had to say about each.

Whitney Young:

"Starters Xavier Castaneda, Javon Freeman and Justin Boyd all return for the defending Class 4A champs. Junior Myles Baker and sophomore Tyler Beard both flashed impressive potential last season and will be key figures. Elliott Sieger, a sophomore point guard, transferred in from DePaul Prep. The Dolphins will be fast and fun to watch."

Elgin Larkin:

"Senior guard Anthony Lynch leads a deep group of guards but 6-9 senior Jalen Shaw is the big difference-maker. He can be a force offensively and defensively. If he finds consistency, the sky is the limit for the Royals."

Chicago St. Rita:

"The Mustangs don’t have a breakout superstar, but they have all the right pieces. Senior guard and leading scorer Jordan Matthews returns. Sophomore guard Joel Watts can play and there is plenty of size with 6-6 Jeremiah Oden, 6-8 Cam Bartman and 6-5 Landen Gladney."

Here are the days, times and gymnasiums you can go to see each:

Monday, Nov. 20 at Auburn
6 p.m.: Chicago St. Rita vs. Freeport

Tuesday, Nov. 21 at East
6 p.m.: Hollywood (Fla.) McArthur vs. Elgin Larkin
7:30 p.m.: Rockford East vs. Chicago Whitney Young

Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Guilford
7:30 p.m.: Guilford vs. Chicago St. Rita

Wednesday, Nov. 22 at East
10 a.m.: Hollwywood (Fla.) McArthur vs. Chicago Whitney Young

Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Jefferson
5:30 p.m: Chicago St. Rita vs. Belvidere
7 p.m.: Chicago Whitney Young vs. Jefferson

Friday, Nov. 24 at Guilford
1 p.m.: Chicago Whitney Young vs. Elgin Larkin

Friday, Nov. 24 at East
5:30 p.m.: Elgin Larkin vs. Rockford East

Friday, Nov. 24 at Auburn
7:30 p.m.: Auburn vs. Chicago St. Rita

Saturday, Nov. 25 at Jefferson
10 a.m.: Chicago St. Rita vs. Jefferson
1 p.m.: Jefferson vs. Elgin Larkin

Saturday, Nov. 25 at Auburn
5:30 p.m.: Auburn vs. Whitney Young