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Hersey gets it done with win at Rolling Meadows

Hersey clinched its spot in the Mid-Suburban League boys basketball championship game and at least a share of its first Mid-Suburban East title since 2005 with a decisive 58-37 decision at Rolling Meadows on Friday night.

"There was great leadership, energy and stamina that the players showed tonight," said Hersey coach Steve Messer. "Our defense was solid in the first half but, in the third quarter it was really good. We boxed out real well and kept them off the boards. I think we picked up most of the 50-50 balls."

Leading 27-22 after a nip and tuck first half, the Huskies (15-8, 8-1) held the Mustangs scoreless, outscoring them 13-0 in the third quarter. That gave Hersey a 40-22 lead. Rolling Meadows was held scoreless for a span of 10:15 after trailing just 25-22 with :45 left in the first half.

"I was proud of the way we played in the first half," said Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich. "In the third quarter, you have to give all the credit to them. They are a good team and they took us out of everything we wanted to do. They stepped up their intensity on the defensive end.

"Against a good team like Hersey, if you have a bad streak they will seize the momentum."

The Huskies took the lead for good at 19-16 with 4:20 left in the second quarter on Mike Lelito's 3-point basket. Lelito scored 8 of his 9 points in the quarter. Rolling Meadows (9-13, 4-5) led 14-10 after the first quarter.

"We knew that Rolling Meadows plays hard and with a lot of passion on their home court," said Hersey guard Max Heeren. "We got off to a tough start, trailing them. At halftime we talked about playing tighter defense. We always like to play a quarter where we hold our opponent to 4 to 6 points. We closed the gaps and covered up on their screens. We had to pressure the ball and force them outside."

The Huskies received balanced scoring, with Haas and Josh Mailloux scoring 9. Heeren scored 8 points to go with 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Hersey's reserves added 20 points, with 10 of the 14 players on the roster scoring. The Huskies held a 32-18 rebounding edge and forced 16 Mustang turnovers.

Jack Schoessling scored 8 of his team-high 10 points in the fourth quarter. Jared Murphy added 9 points, as did Matt Wojick for the Mustangs.

Messer sensed from preseason practices over the summer that this group could be special.

"When we met, the players as a group indicated what we had to do as a team, not individuals, to have a good season. I was impressed with that," said Messer.

"The summer was our period where we learned to grow as a team," said Haas. "You see it on the court, how well we play as a team. Our bench comes in and plays their role. They play big minutes and that is a big reason whey we have been successful. Our overall team play is a big factor why we have clinched the division."

Images: Rolling Meadows vs. Hersey, boys basketball

  Hersey celebrates its win at Rolling Meadows, which clinched an appearance in the Mid-Suburban League title game. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Hersey guard Max Heeren splits two Rolling Meadows defenders and shoots on Friday at Rolling Meadows. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Hersey guard Joe Coffaro drives the lane and shoots over Rolling Meadows defender John Lothery on Friday at Rolling Meadows. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Hersey forward Mike Lelito shoots a short breakaway with Rolling Meadows defender Ryan Laboda trailing on Friday at Rolling Meadows. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Rolling Meadows guard Matt Wojcik shoots over Hersey defender Ken Hasley on Friday at Rolling Meadows. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
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