Barrington bests Bartlett again

Mid-Suburban League West-leader Barrington looked ordinary through the first eight minutes of Tuesday's 57-46 nonconference win at Bartlett.

The Broncos fell behind 20-14 after Bartlett shot 7-of-13 in the opening period, but things changed after a not-so-subtle reminder from coach Bryan Tucker between quarters.

"Coach told us we just need to wake up and play some defense," said Barrington junior guard Jason Boock, who registered 2 steals and a block along with a team-best 14 points. "After that I think we were pretty solid."

Barrington (19-4) held Bartlett (12-10) to 10 points in each of the middle quarters and snuffed the life out of its offense late. The Hawks were limited to 6 fourth-quarter points while shooting 3 of 14 from the field, 0 of 8 from 3-point range.

"Second quarter, I think our kids accepted the challenge of playing better defense and getting after them," Tucker said. "(Bartlett) got in a little foul trouble, too, so they had to change some personnel. That helped us get some momentum and we were able to continue."

It was Barrington's seventh straight victory and its second against Bartlett this season. The Broncos defeated the Hawks 76-70 in a semifinal of the Hinkle Holiday Classic at Jacobs on Dec. 27.

Bartlett was forced to sit leading scorers Ben Tompson and Tomas Vikonis for stretches due to first-half foul trouble and never regained its first-quarter flow. The Hawks shot 54 percent in the first quarter but only 31 percent over the final three (11 of 35)

Barrington led 31-30 at halftime and took control by winning the third quarter 18-10.

"I really thought the third quarter dictated the game," Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith said. "I thought we looked slow, we looked tired, we were undisciplined and they took advantage of that. They back cut us and they outrebounded us all game (26-18) because we didn't box out."

Barrington junior forward Mark Johnson led the third-quarter charge with 4 of his 6 points and 3 of his 10 assists.

"Our team moves really well and it makes it really easy for me to find my teammates when we're moving consistently," Johnson said. "I saw them tonight, it worked out well and we got the win."

Barrington senior forward Jack Reinhard finished with 10 points and 3 blocks and senior forward Jake Parson scored 12 points in the first quarter but rolled his ankle and did not return.

Vikonis led Bartlett with 15 points while Tompson was limited to 10 points.