Downers Grove South defeats Willowbrook, claims WSC Gold
The climb from worst to first is complete for Downers Grove South's boys basketball team.
After finishing last in the West Suburban Gold standings a year ago, the Mustangs clinched a share of this season's crown with Saturday's 51-50 victory over visiting Willowbrook.
Willowbrook (10-15, 3-7) rallied from a double-digit deficit and had a chance to win in the final seconds. The Warriors, however, missed a 3-point attempt and then missed a putback at the buzzer to preserve the Mustangs' win.
As tough as last season was for Downers South (19-8, 9-2), this year's experienced crew knew it could bounce back immediately. A Tuesday win over Leyden would clinch the outright title, as would a loss by Hinsdale South and Proviso East in their final Gold games.
"We lived up to the expectation of worst to first," said Mustangs junior Denis Alibegovic, who scored a game-high 20 points. "We know what we have to do under pressure. We're veterans and we know what we need to do when we get in these situations."
Trailing since midway through the first quarter, Willowbrook knotted the score at 41 apiece early in the fourth quarter on back-to-back 3-pointers by Kevin Miller, who scored 13 points. Downers South rebuilt a 4-point lead, but the Warriors again tied it at 50 with a minute left when Freddie Clay, who led the Warriors with 15 points, scored two quick baskets.
Downers South's Khmari Greene split free throws to break the tie with 23 seconds left, setting up Willowbrook's final possession.
"We had an opportunity to come down and win the game, and stuff like that happens," said Warriors coach Chris Perkins. "The ball just doesn't bounce your way. We've proven that even though we're young, we can compete with all these teams. Now it's a matter of pulling it out."
Sam Ebersold scored all 12 of his points in the first half for Downers South. Ethan Schuemer pulled down 12 rebounds for Willowbrook.
"It's nice to know we'll have a piece of it, but we'd rather have it by ourselves," said Downers South coach Kris Olson. "We'll work for that Monday and Tuesday."
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