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Connolly scores 46 as Grayslake North wins

Ryan Connolly poured in a school-record 46 points, and Grayslake North's boys basketball team earned its first win in five weeks, edging Streamwood 89-82 in the seventh-place game of Lake Zurich's MLK Classic on Monday morning.

Grayslake North (9-9) snapped a six-game losing streak. The Knights, who did not play in a Christmas tournament, had not won a game since Dec. 14.

Connolly, a 6-foot-2 junior guard, connected on 16 field goals, including one 3-pointer, and went 13 of 17 from the free-throw line. The all-tournament team selection scored 9 points in the opening quarter, 13 in the second, 12 in the third and 12 in the fourth. Connolly also moved into second place on Grayslake North's all-time scoring list, passing up AJ Fish. With 1,282 points, Connolly trails only Aidan Einloth (1,446).

Grayslake North also received 15 points from Jamon Thomas and 13 from Tony Hines.

Streamwood was led by Nikola Sinik's 21 points, including four 3-pointers. The Sabres also got 16 points from Keenon Cole and 15 (three 3s) from Nick Droll.

Lake Zurich 53, Palatine 51: At Lake Zurich, Matt McGraw's putback with 2 seconds left gave the host Bears the victory in the third-place game of their own MLK Classic.

J.R. Cison led Lake Zurich (6-15) with 20 points, including 4 of 4 free throws in the fourth quarter. Austin LePage scored 8 of his 10 points in the third quarter for the Bears, who trailed 21-17 at halftime before outscoring the Pirates 22-12 to take a 39-33 lead into the fourth.

Will Tucker had 9 points on three 3-pointers for Lake Zurich, which won for the third time in its last five games. McGraw finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds. Cison and Tucker were named to the all-tournament team.

Palatine, which tied the score at 51-51 on Tommy Swanson's 3-pointer with 18 seconds left, was led by Julian Campbell's 17 points and 8 rebounds. David Balanganayi added 10 points for the Pirates, and Marshawn Rayford had nine. Campbell was named to the all-tourney team.

Mundelein 60, Maine East 44: At Lake Zurich, sophomore guard Conor Enright scored 18 of his career-high 25 points in the first half, as the Mustangs captured the consolation championship in the MLK Classic.

Enright, whose four 3-pointers helped Mundelein (13-7) build a 32-25 lead by halftime, also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Scottie Ebube had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Mustangs, and Jack Bikus contributed 8 points and 6 boards. Enright was selected to the all-tournament team.

Maine East got 12 points apiece from Yash Singapori and JC Noriega.

Vernon Hills 60, Mather 53 (2 OT): The host Cougars came back late in regulation behind two clutch 3-pointers from Nick Burrows and 5 pressure free throws from Joey Levitan.

Nine players scored for Vernon Hills (6-15) Cougars scored with Burrows leading the way with 16 points.

Warren 71, St. Francis 42: At Wheaton Warrenville South, Juan DelaCruz and Sawyer Shrake scored 17 and 15 points, respectively, as the Blue Devils won their second game in three days in the MLK tournament.

The other contributors for Warren (10-9) included Cole Thompson (9 points), Tavion McCarthy (8) and Jason Langevin (7).

Downers Grove North 58, Warren 35: At Wheaton Warrenville South, the Blue Devils dropped their finale in the MLK tournament.

Cole Thompson led Warren (10-10) with 10 points, and Tavion McCarthy had nine.

Juan DelaCruz was named to the all-tournament team for Warren.

Lake View 68, Wauconda 61 (OT): At Deerfield, the Bulldogs were outscored 17-10 in overtime in their finale of the MLK tournament.

Donovan Carter scored 24 points, including three 3-pointers, for Wauconda (9-11), which has lost four in a row.

Libertyville 52, Metea Valley 51: At Geneva, the Wildcats pulled out the win in the MLK tournament game.

Libertyville (10-8) has won six of its last seven games.

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