Fremd's seniors answer the challenge against Grant

Even with his team undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the state by Associated Press, Fremd boys basketball coach Bob Widlowski never hesitated when facing a rising Grant team as an opponent Saturday.

On senior night at Fremd, Widlowski started five seniors who normally see limited playing time.

"We have confidence in those players," Widlowski said. "We had confidence that those guys would step in and contribute and play the way they did."

Widlowski's confidence proved to be right on.

Led by Brock Rubin, the Fremd super seniors kept the Vikings in the game early before giving way with 4:08 left in the first quarter and Fremd trailing 6-5.

The energy they provided was a springboard for the Vikings' regular starting five. That group swarmed Grant in the second and third quarter as Fremd pulled away for a 55-43 victory Saturday in Palatine.

"It was a very exciting start for our seniors that came in and started this contest," Widlowski said. "We were especially pleased with our start. We want to continue what we are working toward."

Rubin, a Fremd fan favorite, hit a short jumper and then a 3-point basket before giving way to the regular starters.

"It was fantastic to start tonight," Rubin said. "Our team has a lot of players and every single day we give it our all. That's what we did and it was fun."

Thanks to their intensity in those first few minutes, Fremd was able to build off of the momentum.

The Vikings (20-0) trailed 13-10 with 27 seconds left in the first quarter when they turned up the defense. Fremd limited Grant to making just 1 of its next 13 field goal attempts while forcing 7 turnovers.

Led by Kyle Sliwa, who finished with 21 points, the Vikings turned up their offense as well. Fremd scored 12 unanswered points on its way to a 30-9 run to lead 40-22 with 1:49 left in the third quarter.

"We came in ready to go," said Sliwa, who had four 3s. "Brock Rubin got us all excited to start the game. We are really happy with the win."

Ryan Martin, who is the only junior that regularly starts for Fremd, was happy to give up his starting spot on Saturday,

"It wasn't hard at all for us not to start tonight," said Martin, who finished with 12 points. "It was great to see our seniors show a ton of leadership out there tonight."

Grant (12-8) found its shooting touch late in the third quarter and climbed back into the game.

Logan Lewis and Kyle Dupree each hit a pair of 3s and the Bulldogs closed to 44-37 with five minutes to play. But Sliwa answered with a 3 for the Vikings and Martin had a layup, and Grant never got closer than 10.

"Fremd got to us" Grant coach Wayne Bosworth said. "That's what they do."

Bosworth said his team has played a quality nonconference schedule, but as of yet had not come up with significant victories in those matchups.

"We have been there all year with top-ranked teams," Bosworth said. "But we just have to get some of these. That's the bottom line."

John Kerr led Grant with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Luke Schoffstall added 8 points for Fremd while Brian Dompke had 7 points.