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Glenbard East still fine-tuning its game plan

Glenbard East still fine-tuning its game plan

As much as Glenbard East's boys basketball team wanted to celebrate its victory over Glenbard North, the Rams know better than that.

They'll celebrate when they start stringing together a few more games like Tuesday's.

With another step toward the postseason, Glenbard East took another step toward fine-tuning its play with a 62-47 nonconference win over the Panthers in Carol Stream.

Coming off a three-game losing streak, the Rams (12-14) are hoping this is the beginning of a late-season surge.

“We look really good at times, but then we go through times where we don't look good,” said Glenbard East coach Scott Miller. “I think we're getting closer to righting the ship. I do feel like we've got some pieces there that we just have to keep working at putting together. I'd like to start seeing that sense of urgency with our guys as we get closer to the playoffs.”

Glenbard East never trailed after jumping to a 16-5 lead. The Rams added to the margin throughout the first half while using their press to force 10 turnovers.

Two-of-nine second-quarter shooting also hurt the Panthers (3-19). The combination allowed Glenbard East to use a 24-5 run to build a 42-17 lead early in the third quarter.

Rams forward Michael Finley's strong play on both ends of the court fueled the burst. He scored 13 of his game-high 18 points in the first half and then added a 3-pointer at the start of the third quarter.

“We have to play good defense, and that's what we did today,” Finley said. “That's what we need to do all the time. Sooner or later we will gel. It'll be just like that.”

Glenbard East also received strong play off the bench from Patrick Peterkin, who scored 10 of his 17 points in the second half. Aggressive to the basket, Terrance Lakes added 11 points.

Eleven players scored for the Panthers in a balanced effort. Myles Moore led the way with 8 points.

“Glenbard East totally outplayed us in the first half,” said Glenbard North coach Joe Larson. “The guys have been working hard and we've stayed close in a lot of games. We've just been struggling to make shots.”

Willowbrook 96, Proviso East 94:

Behind a game-high 41 points from sophomore guard Alonzo Verge Jr., the host Warriors (20-6, 8-3) edged the Pirates in the West Suburban Gold Conference for their 14th straight victory.

Willowbrook has 20 wins for the first time since 1972 and can clinch at least a share of the Gold title by beating Leyden on Friday at home.

Jake Bruns scored 18 points for the Warriors while Kyle Rushing added 11 points and Kevin Miller tallied 10 points.

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