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Leo runs away with Westminster Christian

The postseason run for Westminster Christian was fun while it lasted, but it came to a decisive end on Tuesday night.

However, Warriors' coach Andy Zielinski made it clear an 87-41 loss in the Class 1A Harvest Christian boys basketball sectional semifinals to a very talented Chicago Leo team that is ranked fourth in the state is hardly a reflection on what was a very successful season for the Warriors.

"We knew coming in how good they were," Zielinski said. "There's not much you can say. They are just so strong in every area. I don't see anybody beating them. While losing always stings when we look back and see that we had 19 wins and won a regional that's a lot to be proud of. Overall, it was a great season."

Leo dominated the contest in every way possible and scored in a variety of ways with 4 players scoring in double digits. The Lions forced 20 turnovers and turn them into 19 transition points. They also dominated the boards 47-23, including 25-11 on the offensive glass which translated into 22 second-chance points. Leo shot 38-of-71 (54 percent) from the field.

Westminster (19-10) opened the game with a 4-0 lead on baskets by Ben Versluys and Dillon Rejman. However, it was all Leo from there on out. The Lions went on a 12-0 run to take command. The lead was 26-11 by the end of the first quarter and 50-16 by halftime.

"We wanted to try and slow the tempo," Zielinski said. "But it got away from us. They have a great point guard (Darius Branch) and some other guys who can score. I'm still proud of the way our guys competed. And I'm proud of what they have done all year. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but they made it a lot more than that."

The loss brings to the end of a stellar career for Rejman, who finishes as the Warriors' sixth all-time leading scorer and the school record holder in 3-pointers and assists.

"I transferred here from Barrington when I was a freshman," Rejman said. "And from day one I felt loved and included. I have had great coaches and teammates. I am just blessed to have had this experience."

Brad Barker had 11 points to lead Westminster in scoring.

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