York continues strong start with win vs. Glenbard West

Fresh off a strong start to the 2017-18 campaign at the Ed Molitor tournament, the York boys basketball team didn't skip a beat in Friday's West Suburban Silver opener.

Forcing 17 first-half turnovers, the Dukes ran away to a 61-37 victory over Glenbard West in Elmhurst. York improved to 4-1 on the young season after a runner-up finish at the Palatine Thanksgiving event.

"Really it was our defense," said senior guard Angelo Martucci, who led the home team with 14 points. "Our pressure gave them some trouble and creating turnovers really helped us out on the offense end. It's something we work on all the time in practice, just knowing where everyone is going to be, and it gave them a hard time."

Indeed, the contest was lost for the Hilltoppers over the first 10 minutes as York's 1-2-2 press forced the visitors into 10 early turnovers. The result was only three made baskets and a 25-7 deficit in the second quarter.

"I was most concerned with us attacking them once we got the ball over half-court," Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder said. "I didn't think we'd have that much trouble with their three-quarters stuff. I'm certainly surprised we had that much trouble with that. But they did a good job of forcing the issue and not letting us get settled."

The Dukes extended the margin to 32-13 at halftime and never let the Hilltoppers close within 15 points the rest of the way.

Playing in his first game of the year, Sam Walsh also checked into double figures for York with 11. Nick Kosich had 9 points and Erik Cohn chipped in with 8 for York, which had 11 players enter into the scoring column.

"One of our strengths is we have depth," York coach Vince Doran said. "We have a lot of kids who can play and if they get hot, they will stay out there. It's a nice luxury to have.

"Overall, we are really excited about the season and being off to a good start. We have a lot of guys back and even though we look young in the program, we have a lot of guys with experience back. They are hungry and are playing with a chip on their shoulder. The ceiling is pretty high with this group."

Evan Taylor led Glenbard West (2-3, 0-1) with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Kyle Dell added 8 points.

York is back in action on Saturday against East Aurora.