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Loyola's defense stymies Schaumburg

Loyola Academy's game plan against Schaumburg Wednesday night at the Niles North Class 4A boys basketball sectional was easy.

The execution was better.

The Ramblers used a suffocating defense and a deliberate offense in ousting the Saxons 44-29.

Loyola (22-12) will face Evanston in the sectional final Friday at 7 p.m.

"We had to stop their drives to the basket," said Connor Barrett, who led Loyola with 14 points. "We had to own the paint. In the latter part of the season that is what has made us successful."

With the Ramblers jamming the inside with Barrett at 6-foot-4 and 6-8 junior twins Jordan and Bennett Kwiecinski, the Saxons were forced to mostly outside shots that did not fall.

Schaumburg shot 1 of 7 in the first quarter and trailed 14-4 at quarter's end. Barrett scored 6 in the quarter and each of the Kwiecinskis had 4 points.

Heze Trotter, who would lead the 23-7 Saxons with 8 points, scored 6 in the second quarter and Jared Schoo connected on two 3-pointers.

Still, Loyola outscored Schaumburg 18-12 for a 32-16 halftime lead.

The Ramblers connected on 13 of 18 in the first half and 15 of 28 for the game. Schaumburg was 5 of 13 in the first half and 11 for 36 for the game.

"We looked for the best shot we could get," said Barrett. We didn't force shots. We looked for the best options."

Bennett scored 8 points and Jordan had 7 points.

Michael Hodges and Chris Hodges scored 6 points each and School finished with 6 points for the Saxons.

"We didn't come out at our best," said Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler. "They (Loyola) just executed at a high level and made their shots."

Loyola took advantage of Schaumburg's jitters, opening a 5-0 lead with baskets by Jordan Kwiecinski and a 3-pointer by Barrett off turnovers.

"I had a high level of appreciation for Schaumburg," said Loyola coach Tom Livatino. "The coaching by Wade Heisler has brought them back to a championship level. Trotter and (Mike) Hodges have been warriors for them. Chris Hodges has just become a much better player."

"It was a great year for the seniors to show the younger players," said Trotter. "The younger players now know what it takes to be a varsity player. Over my four years on varsity I have learned a lot. I improved a lot and I have shown leadership. It has made me a better person. I go away with good memories."

Heisler gave praise to his team for its improvement as a team as the season went on.

"The character that this team showed is off the charts," said Heisler. "Every player played their roles on this team. I felt every time we came out on the court we improved in some way. I laud this time for what the seniors have given for our program. It cannot be expressed in words. The worst thing for us is that there is no practice tomorrow."

  Schaumburg's Chris Hodges shoots against the defense of Loyola Academy's Bennett Kwiecinski during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg's Heze Trotter, left, has his shot blocked by Loyola Academy's Bennett Kwiecinski during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg's Chris Hodges, left, tries to grab his own rebound against Loyola Academy's Quinn Pemberton during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg's Mike Hodges, left, drives to the basket against Loyola Academy's William Bodkin during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler gives instructions to Vaurice Patterson as he gets ready to enter the game during the Niles North sectional semifinal against Loyola Academy in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg boys basketball coach Wade Heisler leads his team during the Niles North sectional semifinal against Loyola Academy in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg fans cheer for their team following a basket and a foul during the Saxons' 44-29 loss to Loyola Academy Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg's Christian Orozco makes a move along the baseline against Loyola Academy defender Quinn Pemberton during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Loyola Academy's Ryan Evans, left, and Schaumburg's Jared Schoo try to grab the ball under the basket during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Schaumburg's Christian Orozco, right, plays tight defense on Loyola Academy's Matthew Enghauser during the Niles North sectional semifinal in Skokie Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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