Glenbard West outduels Hoffman Estates again
Just like old friends at holiday time, senior Nick Diver and his Glenbard West boys basketball teammates had their annual reunion with Hoffman Estates in the final round of the Glenbard West Holiday Classic.
The Hilltoppers won their meeting for the third straight year — and for the second time in the championship game.
Saturday's 67-61 title victory in Glen Ellyn was probably the sweetest because it continues the greatest start in the history of Glenbard West (12-0). The Hilltoppers beat the Hawks (6-9) for fifth in 2014.
“It just shows how much we've improved from last year. It feels great to keep the winning streak going and the chemistry alive,” Diver said.
“It kind of crept into your mind that your perfect season's at stake, but we kind of go into every game just trying to get the win, not trying to keep the streak alive.”
The game showcased the teams' dynamic all-tournament selections — Glenbard West third-year senior starters Justin Pierce and senior Alex Passi and Hawks' seniors Jorden Thornton and Brandon Hall.
Pierce had 31 points with three dunks and Passi had 21 points. The Hilltoppers led 41-29 at halftime with 36 points between Pierce and Passi.
But Hoffman Estates never quit thanks in part to 28 points with four 3s and 5 assists by Thornton and Hall's 19 points and 5 steals.
Six players remain from the Hilltoppers' 68-60 title victory over Hoffman Estates in 2013 — Pierce, Passi and key reserve Brian Cochrane and Thornton, Hall and injured Dante Cleveland.
On Saturday the Hawks closed to 60-58 with 3:28 left on a 3 by Lamont McIntosh and missed a 3 to take the lead before the Hilltoppers scored the next 5 points.
“Last year I don't think this team would have survived that run. I think this just shows that we're an improved team, that we can survive this,” Pierce said.
“Sophomore year (winning the title), I remember the younger guys kind of taking a back seat to (then senior) Corey Davis. That was kind of cool to do it this year, kind of full circle, but this time we're in the position of leading the team. We got to see how he did it.”
Other players played prominent roles. Hoffman Estates reserve Marshall Davis had a 7-point second quarter with 2 threes to aid the initial comeback from a 28-12 deficit.
Glenbard West's Connor O'Shea hit two big 3s in the last five minutes off drives and kickouts by Pierce and Passi.
“That's really been the key for us. We've had a lot of kids make shots for us when we need them to,” Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder said. “(Hoffman Estates is) dangerous. They've got some very good players. They're going to beat a lot of teams in the second half.”
The Hawks opened the second half with a 9-0 run to close to 41-38 before Pierce scored his 10 points in the period. They scored on five straight possessions in the fourth quarter to close to 2.
“As I've said all year, this team has tremendous heart and character and I thought that we showed it again,” Hoffman Estates coach Luke Yanule said.
“There are no moral victories, but I really want to take away to give the effort that we gave against (every team). Now hopefully that consistency's there. We lost by 6 to the 10th-ranked team in the state. We're on the right track and we're excited about that.”
Diver would agree. He guarded Thornton man-to-man and was pleased that his effort made Thornton earn his points.
“I do feel a sense of accomplishment personally,” Diver said. “He's a great player. He's really quick. He's probably one of the toughest guys I had to guard throughout my high school career.”
“(Thornton) hit some shots when we defended him as well as possible without fouling. And he still hit shots,” Hoder said.
This was only the third time the Hilltoppers won by single digits. Hoder said he still sees many things his team can improve upon as they first seek their first conference title since 1973.
“Obviously, I'm pleased with the way the results have been,” Hoder said. “I still think there are a lot of areas we need to improve on, taking care of the ball at the end of games. I think defensively our intensity has not been real consistent. And our free-throw shooting has been kind of inconsistent.”