Naperville Central defeats Oswego

Naperville Central coach Pete Kramer said there are two things you want to accomplish in a season opener.

"You want to learn a bunch (about yourself), and you still want to get the 'W,'" he said.

The Redhawks can consider Monday's opener against the hosts in the Hoops for Healing Tournament at Oswego a huge success.

Nick Kramer scored 10 of his team-high 16 points during the first four minutes of the second half and 6-foot-8 junior Ben Wolf added 14 points and 10 rebounds as Naperville Central built an 18-point lead late in the third quarter and held on to defeat the host Panthers 50-40.

Nick Kramer, a 6-6 senior, hit back-to-back 3-pointers as part of a 13-6 run that allowed Naperville Central to extend a 19-8 halftime lead to 32-14 with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter.

"Something lit a fire under me in the third quarter," Kramer said. "My teammates found me. I got some open shots. (The Oswego defenders) started sagging off me a little bit. I had a bad first half. I had to pick it up in the second half."

Naperville Central (1-0) still led comfortably at 40-24 with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but Oswego (0-1) made a late push from the free-throw line to get within 43-34 with two minutes left.

The Panthers went to the free-throw line 34 times, making 23 attempts. Four Redhawks finished the game with four fouls.

"Foul trouble killed us the whole game," Nick Kramer said. "I think we're a pretty aggressive team. I think we play physical, but I think we were a little overaggressive. We played really well defensively. We only gave up eight points in the first half. I think our aggressive style really helped us."

However, the elder Kramer would like to see a little more restraint when the Redhawks get a big lead.

"In the second half we just we had a show a little more discipline," he said. "I think this was a good experience for us. We have to learn to take care of the ball and to take our time when we get a big lead. We were rushing. That's when we just need to slow it down and play it out."

Noah Swope added 9 points, 4 assists and 3 steals for Naperville Central, which also got 7 rebounds from 6-foot senior Pedro Villanova.

Elijah Watson led Oswego with 18 points and 7 rebounds.