Timothy Christian riding rollercoaster of emotions
Timothy Christian senior Joshua Harris is nearing the end of an illustrious career filled with severe highs and lows.
The Illinois College recruit added another milestone when he surpassed the 1,000-point mark. Harris was honored for his career accomplishment before Friday's game against Aurora Christian. In a rematch of state qualifiers, Harris torched the Eagles with 20 points, 7 assists and 4 steals in a 74-60 victory.
Harris said he was shocked by the honor.
"It was great because I didn't even know I got it until they said it at the end of the quarter," Harris said. "I was so surprised, but I also was so happy because I worked so hard to get to this moment."
Harris said it's bittersweet not to win a state championship, especially since the one-year anniversary of last season's shutdown is upcoming. A year ago, on March 12, Harris and his teammates were in Peoria preparing for their Class 2A state semifinal the next day.
That's when they received the bad news that the Illinois High School Association canceled all of its remaining basketball playoff games over the growing concern of coronavirus pandemic.
Harris said he became a better leader in his senior season, and will always cherish his time at Timothy Christian (9-1). Harris is averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
"It's always going to sting because of how hard we worked to get to state, but I know I had to move on and keeping playing and just enjoy the now," Harris said. "It's really sad that I didn't to end my career with a state title, but I loved it at Timothy Christian.
"I think I leave a good legacy here, not just on the court but off the court."
Glenbard North update:
Glenbard North coach Joe Larson is pointing toward a strong finish from his team in the final days of the season. The Panthers have shown glimmers of positive moments, including nearly knocking off Geneva.
Senior Jacob Bonnema is providing a steady presence on both ends for the Panthers, averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Panthers suffered a big loss when Matt Murray was lost for the season. Murray, a returning starter, was averaging 8.7 points and 2.8 assists.
Larson said his junior group of Payton Bowser (7.8 points and 3.5 rebounds), Greg Strong (8.1 points), Josh Applewhite (6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds) and Donald Davis are building blocks for next season. Davis recently returned from an injury.
"All of them have shown flashes of what can be going forward," Larson said. "We need to continue to improve on both ends of the floor to finish the second half of conference play."
Glenbard West undefeated:
Glenbard West is steamrolling opponents in the truncated season. The Hilltoppers have beaten nine of their last 10 opponents by double digits, with their closest margin an eight-point win over Hinsdale South which was the second game of a back-to-back game schedule on Feb. 20.
The Hilltoppers, though, will not be participating in next weekend's Chipotle Clash of Champions. The two-day tournament tentatively includes Mundelein, Young, Simeon, Fenwick, DePaul Prep, Notre Dame, Evanston and St. Patrick. Per district policy, the Hilltoppers will not be allowed to play in the a tourney held at Notre Dame in Niles.
Glenbard West will participate in the West Suburban Conference tournament next weekend.
The Hilltoppers received a minor scare when standout junior forward Braden Huff sat out the Oak Park-River Forest game with a right knee injury. The 6-foot-10 Huff returned to the starting lineup in Tuesday's win over Lions.
"It was good to be back on the court and be with the guys," Huff said.
Glenbard West coach Jason Opoka said it was good to have Huff back on the court. Huff racked up 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks against Lyons.
"Braden looked normal and got a new brace," Opoka said. "He was effective and looked strong and had a lot of blocks and rebounds."