Prospect survives 'trap' game against Glenbrook N.
With 3:03 left in the third quarter Tuesday night at Prospect, the Knights' boys basketball team was leading Glenbrook North 47-29 following a Frankie Mack basket.
In other words, rolling right along.
Longtime Glenbrook North then pulled a surprise by going with a halfcourt trap. The maneuver took the Knights and coach John Camardella by surprise.
"In the times we scouted them," said Camardella, "we never saw them trap like that. They used different defenses, like a 1-3-1 and 2-3 zones."
Prospect was able to survive several Spartan runs in holding on for a 54-46 nonconference win in the Jean Walker Fieldhouse.
"That trap just took us out of our game," said Camardella. "We took untimely shots and we created some uncharacteristic turnovers. We only made one basket after they threw that trap at us."
That lone bucket for the 17-4 Knights was by Mack (22 points) on an assist from Matt Szuba with 2:03 left in the game for a 51-42 lead.
Glenbrook North (10-11) closed the gap to 5 points at 51-46 following baskets by James Karis and Tommy Gertner. Gertner's came with :38 left.
Szuba, who also pulled down a team high 8 rebounds to go with 5 assists, hit 1 of 2 free throws with :13 left, and Mack hit the final Knights points on two charity tosses with one second.
"They made a run at us." said Mack. "We knew they were a good team and could do that. It was a good learning experience for us. As teams scout us, they'll try to pressure the ball. We have to be able to be sharp with the ball. We were having a nice run until they showed the trap."
Prospect started out well, opening a 16-6 lead with 3:33 left in the first quarter. Szuba scored 7 of his 8 points in that span. The Knights finished the quarter leading 23-10.
The Spartans cut the lead but Mack, who shot 8 of 11 from the floor, hit two 3s in the second quarter to keep a safe lead. David Swedura closed out the first half with a 3 points for a 38-25 lead.
"We had 9 assists and only 3 turnovers in the first half," said Camardella. "In the second half we had only 3 assists but 8 turnovers. We were glad to get out with a win. These Tuesday nonconference games can be traps."
For the game, Prospect shot 19 of 38 from the field. In the second half though the Knights shot 5 of 13.
"We showed in the first half how well we can run our offense," said Mack. "We can find the player with the hot hand. Matt, Grant (Zellmer), Mike (Ritchie), Dave (Swedura), Antonio (Gardner) - we can all score. It keeps defenses from trying to stop one player."
Glenbrook North was led by Luke Amen with 12 points and Sean Merrigan with 10.
"That trap gave us some energy," said Weber. "I was surprised on how well our trap worked. I don't think they expected it. I think it got them off balance. It's a new wrinkle in our game plan that I think we can build on."