McDonald's All-American Christie powers Meadows over Buffalo Grove
It was one of those days that will be lodged in Max Christie's memory for a long time.
Just hours after being named to the McDonald's All-American team, Christie went out and scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Rolling Meadows past Buffalo Grove 61-53 in Mid-Suburban East boys basketball action Tuesday night.
"It is one of my lifelong dreams to be a McDonald's All-American," Christie said. "It is really exciting to see my name up there with all the great players in the country. I worked hard for it and I am glad I got it."
Christie became the first Northwest suburban boys player to be named to the team since Jaylen Brunson of Stevenson in 2015. However, unlike Brunson, Christie will not be able to play in the game since it has been canceled due to the pandemic. Christie is also the first MSL player to be named to the prestigious team.
"I was just starting class," said Christie, who will play at Michigan State next season, when he learned he had been selected. "I was a little nervous because I didn't know if I was going to get it for sure. Then it showed up on ESPN and I was super happy."
Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich said that he was also watching ESPN when he heard the news.
"We knew that it was supposed to be announced today," Katovich said. "We are very excited about the news. It couldn't happen to a nicer and more deserving kid and family."
In the win against Buffalo Grove, Christie had a bit of trouble getting into the flow. He picked up his second foul late in the first quarter and went to the bench, not returning until the start of the third quarter.
Rolling Meadows (8-0, 5-0), led by Cameron Christie (13 points), Daniel Sobkowicz (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Orlando Thomas was able to keep the game tied at the half at 23.
Max Christie returned and help ignite the Mustangs. He scored 10 of his points in the third period, including a thunderous jam as Meadows raced to a 44-33 lead after three quarters.
"Every day in practice our guys go at each other," Katovich said. "We have confidence in them. They are really, really good players, they are just behind some really, really good players."
Buffalo Grove (4-4, 2-4) was able to close to within 48-42 with 5:25 to play. But a 3-pointer by Orlando and a basket from Aidan Hosier put the game away for the Mustangs.
Kam Craft led the Bison with 17 points. Kyle Brosnahan had 12 points, Ayden Anderson 11 points and Steph Harris 7 points.
"The last three years we have had fun games with them," Buffalo Grove coach Keith Peterson said. "They are a great team. I was proud of the way our guys kept fighting."