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Wheaton North making more good memories

Wheaton North senior Jake Heggeland has fond memories of the 2013 Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York, especially after earning a spot on the all-tournament team.

This year's tournament began even better Friday.

The Falcons, a top-eight seed in the 32-team field, comfortably won their opening game 41-24 over Waubonsie Valley after leading by 8 at the half.

"Last year was awesome. That all-tournament thing was a nice surprise. I just want to come back and do it again," Heggeland said. "Last year we had the capabilities to go far, but we lost that first game (to Lyons Township). We're going to see how far we can push it this year."

The Falcons (6-2) used a strong push at the outset of the third quarter to put the game away despite a valiant man-to-man defensive effort by the Warriors (3-8), who were minus three starters because of illnesses or being out of town.

Ahead 22-14 at the half, the Falcons outscored the Warriors 13-3 in the third quarter.

"It took us a little while to get into it. I think we maybe had a little too many Christmas cookies last night," Heggeland joked. "I think our second, third and fourth quarters were our strongest. We felt we had to win this game. We really want to win this tournament."

Wheaton North senior Nick Jordan had 14 points. Senior Nick Traversa, coming off a bout with the flu, still started and had a team-best 5 rebounds.

Jordan scored the game's first five points. Heggeland had 4 points and 2 rebounds in the third quarter, when the Falcons scored the first six points to open a 28-14 advantage.

"Jake was very active today. We did a good job of getting him the ball. I thought he was going up strong," Wheaton North coach Dave Brackmann said.

The 6-foot-7 Heggeland also made the defensive play of the game near the top of the key. With the first half winding down, he made a steal and converted a near-dunk to provide the Falcons momentum heading into the third quarter.

"The first one (for me) this year, but I'm working on it," said Heggeland, who will play college basketball at Taylor University, an NAIA program in Upland, Ind. "It's something I'm trying to build forward, work toward more of an outside player, and everyone's been great helping me out doing that."

Junior Jack Connolly and sophomore Brian Phillips each had two 3-pointers for the Warriors.

On the strength of three 3s, Waubonsie only trailed 16-12 after the first quarter. But the Warriors were held to just one basket in the second and third quarters and three in the fourth with two coming in the final 2:13.

"We strive for single-digit defensive quarters and we got three," Brackmann said. "We have been beaten on the glass (and lost) the last two games, so we really focused on being persistent on the offensive boards and really trying to get clean rebounds on the defensive end."

The Warriors finished with two offensive rebounds, 20 turnovers in 44 possessions and 4 free throws to the Falcons' 16. After 4-of-6 shooting in the first quarter, they were 5 of 20 over the final three.

The Warriors who did not play included senior and 2013 all-tournament selection Chris Karkazis, the team's lone returning starter. Coach Chaz Taft said his available tournament lineup will be day to day but probably won't change Saturday.

"I don't use any of that stuff as excuses. Our backup guys that started are getting practice reps. They should be ready and they were, and we just didn't put down shots today," Taft said.

"Normally when you hold a team to 41, you're supposed to win, but their (defensive) pressure disrupted us. We couldn't find the basket."

The Falcons could have used playing a 9 a.m. first-round game at York for the second straight year as an excuse, but Heggeland wouldn't. In fact he was happy.

"I feel like I get more tired throughout the day," Heggeland said. "I love morning games. (But) I don't know if the rest of the team shares my opinion."

Images: Waubonsie Valley vs. Wheaton North boys basketball

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