New Trier turns back Wheeling's best effort

Wheeling's boys basketball team found itself in an abyss Tuesday in the semifinals of the New Trier regional in Winnetka.

The Wildcats were able to claw their way partially out but were never quite able to get back on top in falling 57-43 to the Trevians.

"They switched every screen and they were long and athletic," Wheeling coach Michael O'Keeffe said. "And we didn't know how to respond to that and attack it. But after that I thought we played pretty well."

Host New Trier (23-5) held Wheeling scoreless throughout the entire first quarter. Despite stumbling at times, the Trevians still led 11-0.

Wheeling ( 8-20) woke up thanks to some fine defensive play, slowing down the considerably taller Trevians. Wheeling was able to force 6 turnovers in the first four minutes of the second quarter.

With the defense shaking things up, the offense came out its slumber thanks to a banked in 3 by freshman Joe Jordan.

That basket seemed to bring the Wildcats back to life. And when Jeremy Kim hit his second 3, suddenly it was 18-14.

"I was just feeling it from deep," said Kim, who hit 4 three-pointers and finished with 12 points. "My teammates were getting in the middle and then kicking it out to me and I just open looks."

Wheeling trailed 20-14 at the break. The Trevians then showed why they are the 2-seed in Maine East sectional.

New Trier opened with a pair of dunks on their way to a 12-5 run to lead 32-19 with 2:29 left in the third quarter. The Trevians opened up their biggest lead at 48-32 with just under 3 minutes to play.

Wheeling made a late run as Michael Best heated up for the Wildcats. His 3 with just over a minute to play made it 48-40. But that was as close as Wheeling got.

"Our kids fought their tails off," O'Keeffe said. "A couple more shots go down or a couple of loose balls go our way and we are right there. Our program has come a long way the past few years and I am looking forward to next season with this group."

Best, who finished with 15 points says the success his team had this year will prepare the Wildcats for next season

"I really do think we have some potential on this team," said Best, who is a junior. "I think our seniors paved the way for us. We have a good group of guys coming back and we will put some work in during the offseason and be ready for next year."

Phil Bucko came off the bench to score 10 points for Wheeling while Jordan had 6 points. New Trier was led by Ciaran Brayboy with 12 points.