advertisement

Martinelli, Titans topple Spartans for Wheeling tournament title

In the battle of the Glenbrooks, it was Nick Martinelli who came out as the General.

Martinelli scored 26 points to lead Glenbrook South past district rival Glenbrook North 61-39 in the championship game of the 43rd annual Wheeling Hardwood Classic.

It was the first winter holiday title for Glenbrook South (13-1) in school history.

"Two years ago we were two possessions away against a talented Notre Dame team, and we could not pull that game out," Titans coach Phil Ralston said. "This time we got it done big time. It is significant for our program because we have never won a winter holiday tournament."

Martinelli, who was named the tournament MVP with 94 points in the four games, said his teammates gave him the opportunity to shine.

"We are all linked as one," said Martinelli, who will play for Elon University next year.

"Once the other guys start picking it up, they start feeding me the ball. It all works in unison. When I have runs and I score or Cooper (Noard) scores, people don't look at those people who get us the ball. It is really them that ignites it. I am just the guy who puts the ball in the cup."

Glenbrook North (9-2) had a sneak attack early going well early. Blake Lidskin lobbed three long bombs as North jumped to a 9-4 lead just over two minutes into the game.

That's when Martinelli led the charge for the Titans (13-1). South scored the next 6 points on its way to a 15-2 run and a 19-11 advantage midway into the third quarter. Martinelli scored 8 of those points.

Glenbrook South, whose only loss is to top-ranked and undefeated Glenbard West, continued to attack and led 31-19 the break.

The Spartans were able to cut the lead to 37-27 midway through the third quarter. But a pair of baskets by Cornell-commit Noard (11 points) ignited an 11-3 run to put the game away.

"For our kids, this is new territory," Ralston said. "Last night (Wednesday), we did not play out best but we were still able to win. We just wanted to be a little crisper on how we ran our offense."

Nate Kasher had 6 points for the Titans while Spencer Brown and RJ Davis each had 5 points.

Glenbrook South was led by Lidskin, who had 12 points on 4 3-pointers. Ryan Cohen had 10 points, Patrick Schaller 6 points and Brandon Gordon 5 points.

The teams won't have to wait long for a rematch. They play Friday at Glenbrook North.

"They are a good basketball team," Glenbrook North coach Quin Hayes said. "Martinelli is a tough guard. We tried different things on him and not much worked. I told our guys is that good part is that we get them at home. We get another crack at them and hopefully things turn out differently."

Before tip off, Ken Edwards was honored. Edwards played for Maine West in 1981 and was named tournament MVP of the Hardwood Classic. Maine West lost in 8 overtimes to North Chicago in the championship game that year. It still is the longest high school game in Illinois boys' basketball history.

  Glenbrook South's Cooper Noard gets a high-five from coach Phil Ralston at the conclusion of the title game at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Glenbrook South won 61-39 over Glenbrook North. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South's Gaven Marr, left, and Nick Martinelli stop Glenbrook North's Ryan Cohen on a drive to the basket during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Blake Lidskin goes to the floor to keep the ball in play as Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli tries to take it during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Blake Lidskin, right dives for a loose ball in front of Glenbrook South's Spencer Brown during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North boys basketball coach Quin Hayes leads the Spartans during the title game against Glenbrook South at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli, right, shoots as he steps around Glenbrook North defender Patrick Schaller during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli, left, and Glenbrook North's Patrick Schaller jump for the opening tipoff during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Blake Lidskin smiles after hitting a three-point shot during the title game against Glenbrook South at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. He had 3, three-pointers to start the game. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South's Gaven Marr shoots during the title game against Glenbrook North at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Ryan Cohen, left, looks to pass while being covered by Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Ryan Cohen, left, makes a move against Glenbrook South's RJ Davis during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South's Spencer Brown grabs a rebound in front of Glenbrook North's Blake Lidskin during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Josh Fridman passes as he goes up against Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli, left, and Gaven Marr during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Patrick Schaller looks for an opening in the against Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook North's Josh Fridman takes off after stealing the ball from Glenbrook South's Cooper Noard during the title game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Glenbrook South boys basketball coach Phil Ralston disputes an official's call during the title game against Glenbrook North at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic basketball tournament Thursday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.