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Kent's high-flying effort lifts Maine West

Maine West continued its season-opening roll with a 72-53 win at Elk Grove in nonconference boys basketball Tuesday night.

The Warriors' Randy Kent played in big role in Maine West's win, scoring 29 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and blocking a shot.

Maine West surpassed last year's win total of 5, improving to 6-2 to start the year.

"We just go from night to night and try to play our best," said Kent. "We're able to get the ball to the person who's hot."

While Elk Grove fell to 0-8, the Grens hung tough with the Warriors. Elk Grove trailed 34-33 at halftime after leading 17-12 after the first quarter.

"Our perimeter game was keeping us going in the first half," said Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman. "In the third quarter they hurt us with their halfcourt trap. They were able to get the ball to the hoop easily. They (Maine West) have great length along their front line. We just gave up to many points. Right now we don't have the offense to give up those points and still win. We have a lot of work to do."

The Grenadiers stayed in the hunt with Stefan Pantovic scoring 9 of his team-high 14 points in the first half, including buzzer-beating 3s to end the first two quarters. Nico Collazo scored all of his 8 points in the first half.

The second half was much better for Maine West, which outscored Elk Grove 38-20. The key third quarter saw the Warriors open up a 55-42 lead and then coast.

Kent scored 17 points in the first half, and his rousing slam dunk in the third quarter fired up his team.

The Warriors had broken a 36-all tie with 6:30 left when Kent scored on a basket. His dunk made it 42-36. When the 17-2 run finished, Maine West was up 53-38. Kent scored 8 points and Matt Kentgen 5 in the run.

"It felt good to make the slam," said Kent, who had missed in two previous games. "I think it helped fire up the team and our fans. I just want to do what ever is best to help us win. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, blocking shots, I just want us to win."

Jack Framke added 11 points and Milos Dugalic finished with 7, as did Kentgen.

"This is a team that is growing in confidence," said Maine West coach Tom Prokopij. "We faced some adversity early in the season and I'm glad to see the players respond. Tonight I challenged the kids at halftime to win the next two quarters by playing good defense.

"We've been sharing the ball well and we're finding the open man. The players are trusting each other with the ball."

Elk Grove's Dylan Ingebrigtsen had 9 points and Ryne Singsank added 6 points and 8 rebounds.

The Grenadiers will be at Wheeling on Friday in a Mid-Suburban East matchup while the Warriors will be at home against Glenbrook North.

"It will be a good measuring stick for us," said Kent. "They will be one of the harder teams that we have played."

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