Mission Statement
Promote, Support, and Preserve Hellenism through competition and fellowship.
NHIBT Inc.
NHIBT
PO Box 5093
Wheaton, IL 60189
P: 630-277-7641
Email to: NHIBT.INC@gmail.com
[CHICAGO, IL, USA) For about a half century, the first face you saw upon entering a gym hosting the annual National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament was that of Lynne Bouzeos. She was waiting at the front desk – whether it be Cicero Stadium or Fenwick High School or a few other gyms throughout the years – with a wide smile and warm embrace. In our hearts, she was the “First Lady of the NHIBT.”
On January 23, at the age of 97, she passed peacefully in South Florida. She will be sorely missed.
Phil and Lynne (c. 1980’s)
Lynne was married for 63 years to Phil Bouzeos, a former Champion athletic apparel account executive and equipment manager for the then Chicago Cardinals NFL team. Phil and his brother Tom Bouzeos ran the tournament on and off and/or together for the last half of the 20th century and into the second decade of the 21st. The Bouzeos brothers are synonymous with all-things NHIBT. Both were present at the inaugural tournament in 1933 and both are NHIBT Hall of Famers and Honorary Stewards.
While Tom and Phil (both now deceased) were the public faces of the tournament, everyone associated knows Lynne was instrumental to operations. From taking 20 to 50 phone calls, forwarding messages and accepting packages and other items, working the front desk of course and also cooking for a dozen or more guys and gals once a year as we took hours upon hours to finalize brackets, game times and gyms, little would have been accomplished without Lynne’s devotion and literally thousands of hours of volunteer work throughout the decades. She became a defacto mother figure to hundreds of NHIBT players and others.
Born Russian Orthodox Christian, Lynne and her Greek American husband Phil had three children of their own – Dean, Dawn, and Darcy. Each went on to become high achievers and outstanding members of the community. Combined, they produced five grandchildren and six great grandchildren for Phil and Lynne.
The only shot Lynne ever took at an NHIBT tournament. Fenwick H.S. (c. 2015). We coaxed her into it, for posterity. Glad we got the shot
A “Celebration of Life” memorial service for Lynne is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 at 11 am at Riverside Country Club, 2520 S. Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL.
May Lynne’s memory and loving spirit cast a giant beacon for all eternity.
The 2025 NHIBT is scheduled for March 28-30 in Lombard, IL.
[CHICAGO, IL, USA] The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament in late 2024 lost another of its bright lights with the passing of NHIBT Hall of Famer George Demos. The committee deeply mourns his passing as George was beloved by all and could light up a meeting or a scoreboard lightning quick with his wide smile, lively conversational style, merry demeanor, and pinpoint long-range accuracy.
George receiving a trophy in a 1990’s tournament
A graduate of Sullivan H.S. on Chicago’s far north side in the late 1960’s, George was an absolute phenom his senior season, averaging 39 points per game and earning top All-City honors. In an era before the three-point line, George routinely launched 20 to 24-foot long-range shots and piled up points at a rapid pace. Glance at the crowd for a minute and boom, George just added another 8 points. Had the three-point line been in effect, he likely would have averaged 45 his senior year. George went on to star at the University of Illinois Chicago when it was located at Navy Pier.
George made many headlines back in the day
After college, George worked as a Chicago Park District facilities supervisor for 20 years. He also became a prolific referee, working his way up to officiate major NCAA Division I hoops. Additionally, for four decades all the way through his last days, he served on the NHIBT board and was in charge of officiating assignments.
George played in various recreational leagues well into his 60’s. Very few loved the game or were a more devoted hard-court junkie than George. If there were a game being played, chances are George was behind it or out front. You always got the sense of action with George around.
In the early 2000’s, the NBA tinkered with its rules and the Chicago Bulls brought in George to officiate practices and better acquaint players with rules philosophy. Two of George’s closest friends were former Bulls center Dave Corzine and Joe Ponsetto, former chief of Special Prosecutions for the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Both men were DePaul University basketball stars and local area products who played with George in various tournaments and leagues.
Left photo: Geore posing courtside with civil rights activist Jesse Jackson in the 90’s. Right photo: George along with close friends and Chicago basketball icons Dave Corzine (white shirt) and Joe Ponsetto
In his private life, George was married to first wife Mary Jane and the two produced two children, daughter Nicole and son Tom. George later married Bonnie, a former world-class martial artist, and the two were inseparable throughout the remainder of his days.
A friend and mentor to many, a generous soul and warm human being, George will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, shooter. May your memory be eternal.
Click here for obituary
[BOSTON, MA, USA]: The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament congratulates the Papaflessas women’s team! We’re proud to announce that they are the 2024 Women’s Open Division champions at the Teddy-K Classic Tournament that took place May 8-12, 2024 at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA.
Team Papaflessas at the Teddy K Classic
The team made history as the first team from Chicago to win and the first team outside the east coast! Basketball continues to unite them, but their bond off-court is what truly shines.
Thank you to all players for representing our Chicago Hellenic basketball community with pride, and a shout-out to the tourney committee! We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Warmly, we are sincerely yours, NHIBT Board Members
NHIBT, Inc. from Chicago, IL, USA
George Andrews (in suit and tie) watches his client Magic Johnson celebrate the Los Angeles Lakers’ 1981 NBA title
[CHICAGO, IL, USA] The Chicago Greek community is beaming with pride this week as one of our own was recently selected to play for the National Juniors basketball team for Greece! At just 15 years of age, Deerfield High School (Ilinois) All-State player Nicolette “Nikki’ Kerstein, a National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament (NHIBT) standout as well, traveled to New York this Spring for the Greek SuperLeague Athletic Academy basketball showcase event, organized by James Pristouris. Members of Federation of Greece Athletics were on hand to scout players whom they hope will one day represent Greece in the highest levels of international competition. Nikki was the only player, male or female, chosen to join the national team at this time.
Already the news has hit the Motherland, with Nikki getting featured on ANT TV in Greece. “I was really excited to be selected, and also being the only player picked,” Nikki told us. “It’s an awesome opportunity.”
Nikki, A 5’8 point guard, is a lightning-quick, silky-smooth ball handler, deft passer, ferocious defender, and as an added bonus is arguably the best shooter in the entire state of Illinois, having gone downstate her freshman year for the annual three point shootout. She’s so advanced, both physically and talent-wise, for her age group, we’ve been informed Greece might even play her at times with squads two to three years above her age level.
“That girl puts in the work,” said Deerfield girls head coach Nicole Keith. “She could have a bad shooting night and then go right back in the gym. She’s determined to shoot 1000 shots in and above what’s required in practice. She’s the first one in the gym, her and her sister, and last ones to leave. Nikki won the 100% effort award at our school. She truly embodies that you play how you practice. She’s going 100%. She deserves all that she’s receiving. I’m so incredibly honored to have her.”
We asked the coach about demeanor. “She’s very stoic so you’d never know the emotions going on in her,” revealed Keith. “Nikki was quiet in her own right. She led by her play. But there were moments when someone said something and Nikki knew when she was right and she’d correct it. She’s the quiet assassin. Even last year as a freshman, you’d never know, in close games, she’s never shaken.”
The coach continued with effusive praise. “She also has a very high IQ. Sees the floor incredibly well. She can play the point and shooting guard. She’s hitting at a high percentage of her shots. Knows where to be with or without the ball. I think she’s got so much untapped upside.”
Nikki and her older sister, Alexis “Lexi” Kerstein, this past winter led Deerfield to its first-ever trip to the Final 4, playing in one of the state’s most talent-rich regions. Lexi, also an All-State selection, graduated high school in May and will continue her basketball career at the University of Vermont this Fall. She may at some point join Team Greece but for now her college commitment, which begins in August, precludes her from competing.
The Kerstein sisters were sensations from their freshman year on, gaining All-State recognition. As a freshman and sophomore, Nikki accomplished something no other player in the state matched: She’s the only player to record 500 or more points, shoot 50-percent or better, record more than 125 assists, more than 125 steals, more than 125 rebounds, and less than 2.0 turnovers per game. Nikki also maintains a 3.9 GPA out of 4.0. She plays for Illinois Elite in the AAU, and has already been offered 31 college scholarships and counting.
The two girls come from a rich athletic tradition. Their father, Greek American William Kerstein, was an All-American football running back at Deerfield in the late 80’s who signed to play at Miami University in Florida. “It’s like a family reunion on the walls of our school, with all the pictures of dad, Lexi, and now me too,” said Nikki, who’s also played a few games at her mom’s alma mater. Her dad was also MVP of the high school division of the Harry Agganis Memorial Basketball Tournament in Massachusetts, the nation’s second-largest and second longest-running national Greek tournament. William’s grandfather, Pakia native John Kaulentis, is an NHIBT Hall-of-Famer. The girls’ mother, Anastasia “Tasia” Georganas Kerstein, is a former state champion and All-State basketball player at Maine West High School who went on to become a four-year starter at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Tasia is also well-known for singing in her father Ionnis “John” Georganas’ popular Greek band, the Opa Orchestra. John, who hails from Icalia, was one of the finest bouzouki players in the states.
Back to hoops, Nikki relates the experience playing with, and sometimes competing against her older sister. “We’re always pushing one another to be better. It’s definitely competitive. It’s good to push each other. Brings out the better sides of our games. But we’re always supporting each other at the same time. She promotes me and I love talking about her too.” Their coach chimed in, “There’s a rivalry. They’re very competitive. There’s some sister moments where I had to step in on a couple occasions. But they have great respect for each other on that court.”
Favorite thing about Greece? “It looks amazing,” Nikki said. “The art and temples and relics. The culture going back thousands of years, the great thinkers and philosophers, is really inspirational. And my mom told me so much about Mykonos I just have to visit. My favorite movie is Mama Mia. Me, Lexi and my mom have seen it maybe 100 times and the scenes in Greece are incredible. We can sing every line of the movie. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is another go-to film. Once you see those images, you think wow I just have to go there.”
As most youngsters are wont to do at her age, she likes to hang out with friends “driving around, movies, social media.” But what does Nikki love most about basketball? “It’s really a place where I can let everything go,” revealed Nikki. “It’s almost like I’m stress free, not a care in the world.”
In preparation for Greece and European tournaments, Nikki has hit up Google translate “a lot, trying to figure out common sentences. At least the main words so I can try to communicate and interact better in the native language. That’s going to be a big part of my experience. Since New York, I’ve made an effort to read up on basketball in Europe too. I feel like it’s going to be a different style and I’m bringing a different style. Hopefully I can bring something new to them and we can we can all learn from each other.”
The Kerstein girls played for Papaflessas in the NHIBT and at the Detroit Pan Orthodox Tournament.
Twitter: @nikkikerstein Instagram: @nikki_kerstein
3-point shootout downstate 2022
[CHICAGO, IL] Two weeks to go until the 93rd annual National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament (NHIBT) tips off, March 30-April 2 in Chicago. Last week we featured local area boys high school varsity players. This week, it’s the girls and they’re giving the boys all they can handle! Again, NHIBT brackets will be stacked for the foreseeable future.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know on the NHIBT facebook page. We’re mostly familiar with the Chicago-Northwest Indiana region but please do send note of kids outside the NHIBT geographic area
(NOTE: All are Illinois high schools unless otherwise designated; 31 girls and counting, including 7 Fresh/Soph…)
Pictured: L-R top row: Canellis, N. Kerstein, L. Kerstein; L-R bottom row: Karagianis, Sotiropoulos, Maridis
Anastasia Andrianopoulos, SR., Glenbard West
Demetra Antonopoulos, SOPH., Buffalo Grove
Demi Antonopoulos, SOPH., Buffalo Grove
Athena Arellanes, JR., Larkin
Josie Canellis of Sandburg eclipsed 1000 points for her high school career
Josie Canellis, SR., Sandburg (1000 points for career)
Kritika Chitnis, Naperville Central
Katerina Christofalos, SR., Libertyville
Julia Economous, Penn, Northwest Indiana
Christina Eliopoulos, Andrew
Grace Collins, St. Ignatius
Maria Fronimos, SR., Rolling Meadows
Marissa Kalamaris, SR., St. Charles East
Dina Karamagianis FR., Sandburg
Amanda Karavites, SR., Glenbrook South
The dynamic all-state duo of sisters Lexi and Nikki Kerstein. Senior Lexi will be playing at the University of Vermont this coming Fall
Lexi Kerstein, SR., Deerfield (All-State first team; 3-time All-State selection; 2000+ career points); Team went downstate to Final 4)
Nikki Kerstein, SOPH., Deerfield (All-State second team; Team went downstate to Final 4)
Lola Kolovos, SOPH, Mather
Christina Korompilas, JR., Glenbrook South
Demetrra Kyriakopoulos, New Trier
Margie Kyriakopoulos, JR., Roselle
Alexis Maridis, JR., St. Charles East
Gia Marousis, JR., St. Viator
Magdalene Mikroulis, FR., Lemont
Diana Nanos, SR., Mundelein
Sophia Palmer, New Trier
Angelina Panos, JR., Lincoln Way Central
Elena Papanicolaou, Addison Trail
Mila Photopoulos, SR., Mundeilein
Tia Poulakidas, SR., Nequa Valley
Frances Poulos, SOPH., Vernon Hill
NHIBT Inc. NHIBT.com
[CHICAGO, IL] As the NHIBT gets set to tip off it’s 93rd annual tournament March 30-April 2 in Chicago, we take a look at local boys high school hoops. It’s been a solid year for Greeks on the local prep level. NHIBT brackets will be stacked for the foreseeable future.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know on the NHIBT facebook page. We’re up to 24 and counting. We’re mostly familiar with the Chicago-Northwest Indiana region but please do send note of kids outside the NHIBT geographic area
L-R in image: Hadjistamoulou, A. Vassilakis, Sotos, Giannoulias
Alex Georgakas, SR., Prospect
Chris Arvanidis, SOPH., Rolling Meadows
Athan Berchos, SOPH., Andrew
Jacob Diamantos, SR., Downers Grove South
Alex Engro, SR., Loyola Academy
Owen Giannoulias, JR, Glenbrook North
Matt Hatzapoulos, Lockport
Enestis Hadjistamoulou, SOPH., Glenbrook South
Tony Illiopoulos, Sr., Palatine
Ethan Kakavetsis, Rolling Meadows
Evan Kanelos, SR., New Trier. All-Conference selection. Advanced downstate
Dimitri Karamagianis, Sandburg
Harper Krolak, JR., St. Patrick’s H.S.
Panayiotis Malamis, SR., York
Brandyn Michaels, SOPH., St. Viator
John Nikitas, Lake Forest
Joey Pantazis, JR., Niles West
Jonathan Pappas, SR., North Shore Country Day
Panayiotis Sotos, FR., Maine South
Pavlos Stamatopoulos, SR., Niles West
Drew Terpins, JR., Prospect
John Vassilakas, Lockport
Adoni Vassilakis, FR., Marist
Tim Vlahos, SR., Lyons Township
COACHING
Conte Stamas, Head Coach, Brother Rice
The 2023 NHIBT is scheduled for March 30-April 2 in Chicago. Roster deadlines are fast approaching. The committee can also place “free agents” on various teams. See home page for more information.
Girls varsity report in the coming few days.