Libertyville dumps Elgin at Wheeling Hardwood Classic

It seems only a matter of time.

Sophomore forward Chase Bonder wants to be in Libertyville's starting lineup, and he keeps making a strong case for it.

But he also knows that it's important for him to learn from the older guys right now, too.

"I'm trying to earn my way up there," Bonder said. "I'm trying to get as many minutes as I can. I feel like I'm working my butt off."

The 6-foot-5 Bonder worked the boards and worked for position in the paint Monday in the Wildcats' 67-43 win over Elgin in the first game of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic and it paid off to the tune of a game-high 17 points, including a 3-pointer. He also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds and hustled for several late offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive as Libertyville tried to put the win on ice.

Bonder is coming off another double-figure scoring performance.

"Chase Bonder today came in off the bench and lifted us when we needed it the most," Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski said of Bonder, who started on the sophomore team last year as a freshman.

"We love Chase, his offensive rebounding, his shots. He's just getting better and better. He's a great kid on and off the floor and has a strong work ethic. His vision for himself is high. He wants even more and fights for everything. He's one of the most aggressive kids we've ever moved up and he's not nervous when he plays. He just plays."

Libertyville got a big first-half from Blake Ellingson, who scored all 9 of his points over the first two quarters to help give the Wildcats a 36-24 lead at halftime.

Bonder had 10 points in the first half, including 8 in the second quarter.

Elgin could not get closer than 13 points in the second half.

"It's hard to execute against a good team like this," Elgin senior guard Xavier Bonds said. "It's not that we weren't running our plays right, it was just one pass here, or we weren't moving the ball enough or staying focused."

Bonds topped Elgin with 15 points. He was the only Maroon in double-figures with 15 points. Emmanuel Hernandez added 8 points and Darien Jackson and Jeffery Lomax each chipped in with 6 points apiece.

"I'm trying to be a leader on the team," Bonds said. "I'm hoping we can get to the point where everyone can follow my lead and play off my energy."

Libertyville boasted two other players in double-figures besides Bonder.

Patrick Graham and Will Moore each finished with 13 points apiece.

"What's different about this team is there's not one guy you can try to take away," Zyrkowski said. "Everyone can score and we share the ball well. No one cares who scores or how many points or shots they have. If one guy is having an off night, someone else picks it up. This is a fun group to coach because every day in practice they bring a great attitude."