Hayes' 30 points not enough for Glenbard West

Everyone was looking for Glenbard West sophomore guard Keith Hayes during Thursday's boys basketball game against Bolingbrook.

His teammates found him most, but it was the Raiders who found the second wind come crunch time and pulled out a 68-53 victory in Glen Ellyn despite 30 points from Hayes with five 3-pointers.

Hayes, whose season high is 31, was 9-of-18 shooting. Senior Dikiria Washington added 13 points and three 3s.

“I was feeling it and (Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder) gave me a lot of confidence on just shooting it, just shoot it when I'm open,” Hayes said. “I did well. My teammates did well. We got the loss, but it went good on the offensive end for me.”

Trailing 47-42 after three quarters, Glenbard West (6-2) closed to 49-47 with 7:14 left on a 3 by Washington, but Bolingbrook (7-2) responded with an 11-0 run with five steals on the Hilltoppers' six possessions. Glenbard West had 19 turnovers against several full-court presses and an aggressive 3-2 zone defense.

“I was pleased with how our kids battled. We just needed a few better possessions at crucial times,” Hoder said. “When we needed a crucial bucket, we didn't get it, and they got some easy ones and that kind of turned the tide a little bit.”

Hayes made his first four shots, including three 3s. The Hilltoppers made their first five shots in taking a 15-7 lead. By halftime they were 9-of-27 shooting and trailed 31-29 with 18 points from Hayes.

“He's very good,” Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said. “We wanted to make an adjustment at halftime to make him put it on the floor rather than shoot it. He made a couple in the second half, but we kept him in check.”

Hayes attributed his success to great teamwork and passing, especially by 6-1 Corey Davis from the lane and Washington along the perimeter. Davis had 5 assists.

“Keith can rally shoot the ball, but if he doesn't get it, it doesn't matter,” Hoder said. “I give a lot of credit to (Davis and Washington) because they're getting better and better every week at making decisions and getting him the ball.”

Bolingbrook 6-8 senior SMU recruit Ben Moore — who had 18 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks — also made several highlight-worthy plays. In the second half Moore had 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and two soaring drives through the lane to complement a first-quarter dunk.

“He was a nice player, very athletic,” Hayes said. “I was kind of awe, a little bit, with some of the things he did.”