Carmel solves regional challenge

Now the Carmel Catholic boys basketball team can rest easy at night.

While it might not have been a nightmare, losing in the regional championship round two years in a row, did weigh on the players' minds.

On Friday night in Wauconda, the Corsairs (19-11) got up by a quick touchdown (7-0). Wauconda did manage one tie in the second quarter, but that was it.

Carmel had good balance on offense, and that regional crown was hoisted on Friday night after a 47-32 victory. Carmel will head to the Class 3A North Chicago sectional next week.

Carmel junior Johnny Roeser controlled the boards but didn't tally until the second quarter. He finished with 9 points and 11 rebounds.

"We knew to bring the intensity tonight,'' Roeser said. "We had to win. The last two years, we've lost in the regional finals. We finally got over tonight."

It was all Carmel in the early going. Evan Myers, Carmel's designated long-shooter, shot a 3 as the Corsairs jumped out early. Would Carmel shut down the Bulldogs in the entire first quarter?

No, Wauconda guard Nick Rinchiuso (7 points) got to the hoop late in the first quarter. He had 7 of the Bulldogs' 13 points in the opening half.

Carmel senior guard Zion Kilpatrick had a strong second half and finished with 8 points.

"We had a quick start tonight,'' Kilpatrick noted. "We knew Wauconda wanted to slow it down. But this team is different than last year's team. We have so much depth this year. Everyone on the floor tonight can score 10-15 points."'

After the 3-pointer by Donovan Carter (7 points) to knot the game at 8-8, the Corsairs went on an 11-0 run aided by Roeser and inside threat Jalen Snell, (6 points, 6 rebounds).

Wauconda (12-19) did have something to brag about in this loss. Matthew Nolan, held scoreless in the first half, had 6 points in the third quarter.

On his second basket of the night, Nolan blocked a Carmel shot, came up with the ball and went right down the court for a driving layup. That startling play cut the Carmel lead to 21-17.

Despite some struggles this year, coach Scott Luetschwager did not give up on his Bulldogs.

"We had a bunch of fighters,'' Luetschwager said. "Some of them came together as freshmen. It was one group. Everyone pulled their own weight. This group of seniors always played hard."

Carmel took over for good in the final quarter. Corsairs junior Lukas Galdoni had a personal 5-point run as the Carmel lead reached double digits. Carmel's promising freshman, Kimahri Wilson, led the Carmel attack with 11 points.

Wauconda was held scoreless for a good part of the fourth quarter as well. Andrew Nolan (6 points) broke the drought with a 12-footer.

"We learned how to play basketball the right way,'' Kilpatrick added. "This a really good situation."