Round Lake wins again as McNeal scores 31

Deveauntay McNeal scored a career-high 31 points, and Round Lake's boys basketball team opened the 70th annual Marengo E.C. Nichols tournament Saturday night with a 73-64 win over Freeport.

Hakim Williams added 10 points for the Panthers (8-2), who stretched their winning streak to six games. Jamirh Jones and Isaiah Nixon contributed 9 points each.

Round Lake resumes the tournament Monday with a 6 p.m. tipoff against Rockford Christian.

Wauconda 69, Belvidere 26: At Marengo, Donovan Carter made six 3-pointers and scored 24 points, as the Bulldogs opened the E.C. Nichols tournament with a win.

Carter also had 6 rebounds. Nick Bulgarelli added 8 points and 5 rebounds for Wauconda (7-2), which extended its winning streak to five games.

The Bulldogs resume the tournament Monday with a 4:30 p.m. tipoff against Woodstock North.

Carmel 64, Providence St. Mel 45: At St. Patrick, the Corsairs received 11 points apiece from Joey Halaburt (three 3-pointers), Syone Usma-Harper and Asher Jackson.

Josh LaBarbera had 9 points for Carmel (5-5).

Payton Prep 85, Grant 53: At Jacobs, Mikal Ashley scored 14 points (two 3-pointers) for the Bulldogs, who lost their opening game in the Hinkle Holiday Classic.

Randal Holm added 11 points for Grant (2-8), which will play Waubonsie Valley at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Jacobs 50, Grayslake Central 36: At Jacobs, Benjamin Miller scored 12 points for the Rams, who lost their opening game in the Hinkle Holiday Classic.

Grayslake Central (2-7) will resume the tournament Monday with a 10:30 a.m. start against South Elgin.