Dupree's late spree helps Grant past Grayslake Central

Kyle Dupree played a pivotal role off the bench for Grant's boys basketball team in the fourth quarter, hitting a 3 along with a couple free throws.

Equally important might have been some supersized defensive contributions. The 6-foot-2 Dupree had a couple of key blocks, along with a steal and a rebound.

Teammate John Kerr dropped in 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Mike Huff added 13 points and canned three 3s as Grant pulled away late to a 58-47 victory over Grayslake Central in a Northern Lake County Conference game in Grayslake.

"I would say the 3 gave us some momentum," Dupree said. "We were able to go on a bit of a run. I usually never get blocks; it was really a first for me. I always go high on defense and feel like defense makes our offense."

Entering the final quarter, the Bulldogs (10-8, 6-1) had gained a 34-27 lead over Grayslake Central (6-13, 2-6) after both teams had a tough time scoring in the third quarter.

Jack Spalding (team-high 17 points) started things off in the final period with a layup to get the Rams closer at 34-29 with 7:15 left.

Then Dupree hit his 3, pushing the margin to 8 with 6:58 remaining.

And Grant continued to generate offense behind the efforts of Kerr, who had 13 fourth-quarter points, and Ben Kusiak (5 points).

Grayslake Central tried to sneak back into the game in the final minute as Sidney Goodman (8 points) made a 3 to cut the lead to 52-45. But the Rams couldn't get any closer.

"It wasn't the best game that we've played," Grant coach Wayne Bosworth said. "I give our kids credit - they fought through, and we got the win on the road. Kyle Dupree got in and did a great job off the bench for us. We have a lot of depth on this team."

The Rams were certainly in the game early. It was tied 8-8 after the first quarter, and Grayslake Central trailed 27-23 at the break.

In the third quarter, the Bulldogs outscored the Rams 7-4.

"We have to continue to have effort for 32 minutes," Grayslake Central coach Kosta Kougias said. "I don't think that we gave up anything easy to them. Grant earned what they got, and they made us earn what we got, too. It was back and forth. That was a good strong team over there with Grant."