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Harris' all-around effort helps Montini past Vernon Hills

Jermari Harris is fully embracing his off-the-bench role for Montini, and he ended up making a big difference on both ends of the court Friday afternoon.

Harris finished with 17 points and 6 steals in helping lead Montini's boys basketball team past Vernon Hills 70-41 in the team's third-round game in the Battle for the Ridge tournament at Northridge Prep in Niles.

"I just want to give a spark off the bench because our first five can create," Harris said. "I do like it because I can scout out my opponent before I see them or play against them. I don't look at any stats, just work on the defense like the other players on the team. I just like to dictate and give out the ball."

The Broncos improved to 3-0 and have a game remaining against host Northridge Prep at 5:30 p.m. Saturday for the tournament title. Vernon Hills (1-2) plays its final game against Beacon at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Montini had four players score in double-figures. Anthony Thompson, Matt Morrissey and Scott West each had 12 points.

"In past years, we've relied on our offense so much," Montini coach Daryl Thomas said. "Now we have guys with some schemes that fit the players that we have. We get after it defensively.

"We still have a long way to go, but I'm proud of the effort."

Montini expected a sustained effort from Vernon Hills.

"Vernon Hills was one of those teams that just don't quit, no matter what the score is," Thomas said. "I think their coach does an excellent job of keeping them in the game and motivated."

Pressure defense helped Montini jumped out to a 20-11 lead through the first eight minutes. By halftime, the Broncos led 34-19.

Derrick Jones led the Cougars with 11 points and Luke Perlin added 6.

"(Montini) had full-court pressure, they took care of us on the boards and they might have had a record for blocked shots," Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty said. "They're athletic and well-coached. They did a nice job and they're good in transition. It's a real nice team.

"I just think we have to continue to grow from that, and it's something that you can't simulate in practice. But the pressure got to us early and often. We were forced into so many turnovers that we had to play catch-up from the get-go. I think we got better from playing that type of game, and it should prepare us for conference play."

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