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Crystal Lake South wins share of FVC title

Matt Reall saved his best for last.

Reall, who was 1-of-11 from the field with only 3 points through 3 quarters, tallied 7 points including a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and ended with 10 points as Crystal Lake South gained a share of the Fox Valley Conference with a grinding 42-33 win over Jacobs Thursday night in Algonquin.

It was the Gators' first FVC title since 1994.

The Gators (23-7, 12-4) share the crown with Crystal Lake Central (12-4 FVC), who beat McHenry, 58-33.

"Jaden Henderson is a great defender and very athletic and I had trouble getting any good looks," said Reall. "I have confidence in my shot and they finally fell in the fourth quarter. It is a tremendous feeling to be the first South team in 25 years to win conference. We have a really good blend of seniors, juniors and sophomores on the team. The chemistry is really good."

South coach Matt LePage, who was doused with water after celebrating the championship, realized Reall would keep shooting until he got hot.

"Matt never ever loses his shooting confidence," said LePage. "Henderson did a great job on him but Matt hit some big shots in the fourth quarter."

Tyler Miller with 13, 11 in the first half with a pair of treys, led the Gators in scoring.

"Jacobs was playing me tight even at the 3-point lane but I felt confident in my shot," said Miller. "We worked so hard in the offseason and battled as a group all season. Winning the conference is a tremendous feeling."

Led by five 3s and 18 points from Matt McCoy, the Golden Eagles (13-17, 7-9) trailed 36-33 with 1:52 left after a trey by the senior sharpshooter.

Those would be the last points Jacobs would score as the Gators ended the game on a 6-0 run.

Reall, Ryan Lawson and Casey Haskin each scored baskets.

"These kids deserve this," said LePage, "They have fought, scratched and clawed all season. We saw early in the conference season there would be a lot of parity and maybe had a shot to be in the conference race."

The Gators held Jacobs to 11 points in the second half, 7 by McCoy with 2 treys.

"We really played well at the defensive end especially in the second half," said Reall. "McCoy is a great shooter and will get his points."

Jacobs coach Jimmy Roberts praised his team's effort.

"This is a resilient group," said the Jacobs coach. "We finished the regular season on a steady climb. We feel we are ready for the regionals."

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