DePaul Prep puts a stop to Antioch's run

As the adage goes, don't be happy that it's over but rather be glad that it happened.

And while the Antioch boys basketball team's magical run ended Tuesday night to top-seeded DePaul College Prep in the Class 3A North Chicago sectional semifinals, there were a lot of heads held high after the final horn sounded.

"Hats off to (DePaul College Prep)," Antioch coach Jim White said after his Sequoits lost 51-28. "We usually hold teams in the 50s to give us a chance, but their defense was tough. Even when we had decent looks, they were right up on us. But it's been a fun ride. We had some tired legs out there. We peaked toward the end of the season."

Peaked is right, as the 12th-seeded Sequoits won three playoff games on their home court last week. The final victory netted them their second consecutive regional crown.

DePaul's defense was too much right off the bat, as Antioch (13-16) produced just a Ben Nauman field goal and shot 1 of 11 in the first quarter in falling behind 15-2.

Junior guard Dan Filippone popped in 7 of his team-high 17 in the second quarter to keep the Sequoits within 25-14 heading to the locker room.

"All the respect to DePaul Prep. That was a really tough defense," Filippone said. "This was a great experience, though. We all came together at the end, and it's been a blessing to have such great leaders on our team."

The Rams outscored the Sequoits 26-14 in the second half. The closest Antioch got was 34-21 on a pair of Filippone free throws with 1:50 left in the third.

From there, DePaul outscored the Sequoits 17-7 the rest of the way to secure its spot in the sectional final Friday night. The Rams will face Wednesday night's winner between No. 2 North Chicago and No. 3 Carmel Catholic.

Antioch expects to have nucleus back next season, but will lose to graduation guards Andrew Hare, John Petty, Peter Boeh, Nick Galante and Branden Gallimore, as well as forwards Alex Larson and Jaden DeVaughn.

"This is a big part of our lives and it's exciting to be a part of it," said Galante, who will be rooming with Hare at University of Alabama next fall. "It's tough to see it end. We could have done better. But we gave it all we had and will try to learn from the experience."