Amann, Elk Grove shoot past Rolling Meadows

In a game of spurts, Elk Grove made its advantage in the second half hold up.

After jumping out to 8-0 and 12-2 leads, the host Grenadiers found themselves trailing against Rolling Meadows 19-17.

But terrific shooting from Austin Amann and a solid all-around floor game led by Kishan Patel and Bryan Alcazar made the difference in the second half as Elk Grove grabbed a share of the Mid-Suburban East lead with a 52-46 victory.

Amann finished with a game-high 27 points, a season-best for the senior guard, with five 3s.

Rolling Meadows climbed back into the game, according to Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman, by patiently running its offense through junior Matt Dolan and senior Brian Sabal.

“They were really pounding it inside to those two,” he said, “and it takes a lot of patience to do that effectively. They did a nice job of sticking with their game plan.”

Senior guard Jack Milas led Rolling Meadows with 16 points; he canned four 3s.

Elk Grove overcame an oddity at the foul line, as Rolling Meadows finished 0-for-5 — but on three occasions, the Mustangs were able to get rebounds from missed free throws for quick putbacks.

“I feel like we did a nice job in most statistical categories,” said Furman, whose team was 11-for-13 on foul shots, “but that’s the kind of thing that can really change a game. Any time it’s a divisional game, it’s going to be tough, so we’re pleased to come out of it with a win.”

Elk Grove (4-3, 2-0) has a share of the MSL East lead with Prospect. Rolling Meadows falls to 1-6, 0-2.