Tag Archive for: nhibt
[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.
[CHICAGO, IL] Veteran basketball coach Conte Stamas was appointed head coach of the boys team at Brother Rice High School in 2022 and this season led the Crusaders to a 29-5 record and a trip through the third round of the state playoffs, before falling 72-67 to Kenwood Academy this past Friday.
On the prep level, Stamas has coached at Hinsdale Central High School, Lyons Township H.S., and Evanston H.S. – all in Illinois. On the collegiate level, Stamas was assistant head coach at Xavier University, and held positions at Stetson University, Thornton Community College, Morton Community College, and Elmhurst College.
Stamas is also a member of the NHIBT Hall of Fame playing for Garfield AHEPA.
Speaking of the NHIBT, the 2023 tournament is slated for March 30-April 2 in Chicago. Roster deadlines are fast approaching.
(01/09/2023; CHICAGO, IL USA) The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament today released brackets, rules and regulations, and roster and waiver forms for the various divisions of play in the Junior Tournament, to be held January 13-15, 2023 in the greater Chicagoland area.
2023 JR NHI Rules + Regulations
2023 NHIBT - 3 - 4 Division
2023 NHIBT - 5 - 6 Division
2023 NHIBT - 1-2 Division 1
2023 NHIBT - 3 - 6 Girls Division
2023 NHIBT - 1-2 Division 2
For more information contact Frank Korbos 708.691.8500
NHIBT mission: Promote, Support, Preserve Hellenism Through Competition and Fellowship
(CHICAGO, IL, USA; WEDS DEC 28, 2022): The National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament – America’s oldest and biggest Greek basketball tournament – will be hosting its annual Junior Division tournament on the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, January 13 to 15, 2023. Deadline to register is January 4, 2023.
Games will be held at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, St. Nicholas GO Church in Oak Lawn, and other parish locations throughout Chicagoland, as needed. Fee schedules in PDF image.
The Junior Division Tournament has been growing in popularity in recent years and in early 2022 fielded a record number of teams and players. With that, NHIBT officials request parents, parishioners and coaches to begin the process of registration at the earliest their schedules allow.
Inquiries to Frank Korbos 708.691.8500
NHIBT mission: Promote, Support, Preserve Hellenism Through Competition and Fellowship
Mission Statement
Promote, Support, and Preserve Hellenism through competition and fellowship.
NHIBT Inc.
7933 W. 77th Street
Bridgeview, IL 60455
p: 708.691.8500
Email to: NHIBT.INC@gmail.com