Timothy Christian shows some progress
Timothy Christian boys basketball coach Jack LeGrand considers this season's version of the Trojans a work in progress.
The team took a step forward in progress Wednesday night with a 67-44 victory over Hinckley-Big Rock at the Lisle Thanksgiving Tournament.
"Ben Lodewyk, Joey Davidson and Mitch Evenhouse have the varsity experience from last year," LeGrand said. "The other guys, there's not much varsity experience. We're still learning each other. We started out slow tonight, but we got our transition game going and we played better defense."
The Royals (0-3) took a 5-0 lead in the opening quarter with the Trojans (1-1) going on a 9-1 to close out the period and lead 10-6.
Two minutes into the second quarter, Timothy Christian hit its stride. Lodewyk, who scored a game-high 20 points, started a 9-3 run with a three-point play. Then Nick Tameling hit a pair of free throws followed by a layup from Davidson. Evenhouse then converted a turnover into a layup and the Trojans were up 19-9 and Hinckley-Big Rock called a timeout with 4:39 remaining in the first half.
"We started out a little slow. But we started to build up tempo and started to press," Lodewyk said. "If we have the ball and we're up and running, we can be in some 3-on-2 and 4-on-3 situations and get some easy baskets."
The offensive barrage continued and Timothy Christian led 31-14 at halftime. The Trojans shot 12 of 25 from the field for 48 percent while the Royals struggled at 4 of 22.
Lodewyk scored the first five points of the third quarter to put his team up 36-14 before the Royals called another timeout. Timothy Christian kept up the hot shooting in the third, going 6 of 12 and led 48-20 at the end of it.
Hinckley-Big Rock found its shooting touch in the fourth, hitting five 3-point baskets and outscoring the Trojans 24-19, but the game's outcome had been long decided.
Timothy Christian went into the contest after losing its season and tournament opener Tuesday 64-48 to Chicago Perspectives Charter.
"Tuesday we struggled with their quickness and press. Tonight, we were able to handle their press. We got into the flow," Lodewyk said.
The Trojans return to the Lisle Tournament to take on the hosts at 7:30 p.m. Friday.