advertisement

Willowbrook finishes strong with win vs. Downers Grove South

Willowbrook's boys basketball team couldn't worry about games going on elsewhere.

The Warriors had their own job to do, and they did it with dominance.

They closed the West Suburban Gold season with Friday's 73-42 victory over Downers Grove South in Villa Park.

Even though Willowbrook (22-5, 9-3) was unable to get a share of the Gold title - Hinsdale South won it outright with Friday's win over Proviso East - the win over the Mustangs (12-15, 4-8) keeps the team pointed in the right direction as the playoffs approach.

The Warriors are the fifth seed in the Class 4A Glenbard East sectional and are slated to play at the Hinsdale South regional. That means they could face the Hornets for a third time after splitting with them in Gold play.

"We had to come out here and take care of business," said Warriors senior Ethan Schuemer. "Last conference game, you want to come out with a good, solid 'W.' With playoffs so close, we want to make sure our momentum is in the right direction."

Willowbrook showed few signs of sluggishness despite playing its third game in four days. After spotting Downers South the game's first 4 points, the Warriors scored 35 of the next 44 to build a 35-13 halftime advantage.

Downers South missed all 10 of its first-half 3-point attempts, a streak snapped by a Justin Eagins 3-pointer to start the third quarter. The Warriors, however, used a 9-0 run to put the outcome to rest at 47-18.

"It all starts on the defensive end," said Warriors junior Matas Masys. "We get those tips and deflections, that's easy offense. And then we start hitting our shots and it's a snowball effect. But it all starts with defense."

Schuemer scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half and grabbed 6 rebounds. Masys hit four 3-pointers and added 18 points while Everett Stubblefield III scored 11 points off the bench.

Eagins and Wes Hooker each scored 12 points for Downers South.

"It was a close game the first time we played them, but they came out a little flat this time," said Willowbrook coach Chris Perkins. "Our guys had energy and momentum and we were able to ride it with the home crowd."

Follow Kevin on Twitter

@kevin_schmit

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.