Frericks ices Cary-Grove's win over Barrington
With the game in the balance, Cary-Grove certainly had the right player at the free-throw line.
Junior Beau Frericks, who led the Trojans with a game-high 25 points, connected on 7-of-8 free throws in the final 2 minutes to lead Cary-Grove to a 58-51 win over Barrington in semifinal action of the Hinkle Holiday Classic hosted by Jacobs in Algonquin Friday night.
"I would like to think I had something to do with Beau getting the ball down the stretch, but I really didn't," said Cary-Grove coach Adam McCloud. "It is to the players credit. They realize Beau is the guy who should be on the line with the game on the line. They did a great job of getting him the ball."
Frericks doesn't back away from the pressure.
"I want the ball down the stretch," said Frericks. "I am confident in my free-throw shooting. This was huge win."
Cary-Grove (10-4), in the championship game for the first time, will play Waubonsie Valley (12-1) for the title Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Waubonsie Valley, a first-year participant in the tournament, advanced with a 51-33 win over Chicago King.
The Trojans were fourth in 2007 and 2008.
"We had high aspirations coming into the tournament," said McCloud. "The kids are excited to be in the championship game. It was a great effort against a very good Barrington team."
The Trojans actually made 11-of-12 from the line in the last 2 minutes as Ryan Weaver and LJ Waco were each 2-of-2 from the stripe.
"We have had a lot of close games this season so the kids don't panic," said McCloud. "The kids tonight did a great job of keeping their composure because Barrington is a very good team and didn't quit."
Frank Jakubicek, plagued with foul trouble, added 10 for the winners.
The Trojans' biggest lead was 28-18 after a 15-footer from the corner by Weaver with 1:12 left before half.
The Broncos responded by scoring the final 6 points of the half on a pair of 3s by Damian Zivak to slice the Trojans lead to 28-24 at intermission.
Barrington was able finally tie the score at 43 on a driving layup by Aaron Sarkar with 2:48 remaining.
Cary-Grove grabbed the lead for good at 47-45 on a layup by Clark Cunningham off an assist by Weaver with 2:10 left.
The Trojans' final 11 points of the game came on free throws.
McCloud likes the depth that he possesses.
"We have 10 kids who can play and all the kids off the bench contribute," said the Cary-Grove coach. "Ryan Weaver gave us some good minutes and hit some big free throws. It is nice our kids know their roles."
Sarker led Barrington with 20 including a 3 while Jason Boock tallied 12 with a trey.