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Glenbard West ices division title against Lyons Twp.

Sometimes champions must be greedy.

Having clinched a share of the West Suburban Silver title last week, Glenbard West's boys basketball team grabbed the outright championship with Wednesday's 62-53 victory over Lyons Twp. in Glen Ellyn.

William & Mary-bound senior forward Justin Pierce scored 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked 4 shots while leading the Hilltoppers to their first conference title in 43 years.

"At the beginning of the season, when we had that phenomenal start, I really wanted to focus on winning the conference," Pierce said. "Now that we have this taken care of, it's time to start setting new goals. We've been a little up and down, but I know the way we can play. If we can play like we're capable of, we'll be in good shape."

After Glenbard West (21-3, 9-2) tries to avenge an earlier loss to Proviso West on Friday, the Hilltoppers will play in the WSC first-place game against Gold champion Downers Grove South, which plays host to the game next Wednesday.

"This is pretty special," said Hilltoppers senior forward Connor O'Shea. "It's a tough time every night in the conference. You have to battle, play hard and play together. That's what we did tonight."

Lyons Twp. (8-15, 2-10) led for the bulk of the first half before Glenbard West took the lead for good early in the third quarter on a Pierce 3-pointer. The Lions never went away, though, and never let the gap drift to double digits.

Pierce scored 20 of his team's first 28 points before balance kicked in. O'Shea scored all 8 of his points during a key third-quarter span, and Alex Passi also added 8 points.

A 5-0 Lions run narrowed the deficit to 58-53 with 2:42 left in the game, but Pierce closed with straight 4 points, including a dunk.

Noah Niego led Lyons Twp. with 16 points while Cawone Hester scored 15 points and Connor Niego had 11.

"Clinching a piece was special, but the kids' goal was to win it outright," said Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder. "We didn't play particularly well tonight, but we played well enough to win. And in this league you have to sometimes be satisfied with that. The league is too good."

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