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Conant edges Prospect in OT

Conant's Anthony Wachal had a pick two Monday in Arlington Heights.

The senior, who intercepted 5 passes this year as a defensive back for the football team, came up huge for the boys basketball team. Wachal picked off a bounce pass with 10 seconds left and drove for a clinching layup as Conant edged Prospect 44-40 in overtime at the St. Viator Joe Majkowski Thanksgiving Basketball Classic.

"You could see him setting up that steal," Conant coach Jim Maley said. "I talked to him all week in practice, don't gamble, don't gamble. There is going to be a time where you could jump the passing lane. He picked the right time."

With the score tied at 40 in overtime, Prospect was willing to hold the ball for a last shot attempt. Prospect's guards were passing the ball back and forth to kill some of the time. But just as Prospect made one last pass, Wachal struck.

He slipped between the two blue jerseys, caught the errant pass and went in for a layup to make it 42-40 with 9 seconds to play.

"They were trying to waste time to run out the clock," Wachal said. "I just kept eyeballing it. I just made a read just like I was a DB."

Wachal wasn't done. As Prospect set up for a shot to tie the game, Wachal stepped in front of a Knights player and intercepted another pass to seal the victory.

"I don't know how he does it," Maley said. "I know he hasn't touched a basketball for like three months. He then is able to come back out and not miss a beat. He is amazing."

It was a new era for Conant and Prospect Monday.

The two schools opened their new seasons without four-year players and all-area players Ryan Davis of Conant and David Swedura of Prospect. And for both teams, the loss of both, who are now playing Divsion-I basketball was evident.

Still they managed to adjust as both teams were feeling their new players out.

Conant led early 12-6, but Prospect was able to rattle off a 10-0 run thanks to some 3-point sharpshooting by TJ Johannesen, who drilled 3 of them.

Conant, which trailed 16-12 thanks to nearly a 5½-minute scoreless streak, rallied to close out the half within 20-19.

Conant grabbed the lead late in the third quarter and held onto it until there were 51 seconds left in the fourth quarter when Prospect's Sam Murray drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 37. Prospect had a chance to win in regulation, but Jon Kreider's shot rolled over the basket.

In overtime the teams traded 3-pointers with Johannesen scoring one for Prospect and Devon Ellis answering for Conant with 2:03 left in overtime.

It remained that way until Wachal's steal and Wachal's free throws to end the game.

"We had a lot of good looks tonight," Prospect coach John Camardella said. "I am proud of the way our kids battled back. We had looks and a shot at the end. I think part of the growing pains of November is learning how to finish, shot selection and ball control at the end."

Rajat Mittal led Conant with 13 points. Ellis and Blakely each had 9 points while Wachal had 7 points.

Johannesen hit five 3-pointers to finish with 17 points. Murray had 9 points, Kreidler had 8 points and Ben Zellmer added 6 points for Prospect.

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