Christie brothers spark Rolling Meadows past Batavia

If defending Rolling Meadows' Max Christie isn't hard enough, try also defending Max's freshman brother Cameron.

Max Christie scored 35 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and had 3 steals and 3 assists in the Mustangs' 85-73 win over Batavia Friday night at the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York High School.

Cameron Christie helped Rolling Meadows off to a quick start by scoring 7 of his 13 points as the Mustangs opened up a 16-9 lead. He connected on 5 of 6 shots for the game. Max Christie hit 10 of 21 shots and converted 15 of 21 free throws.

The quick start paid dividends in building a 25-13 lead after the first quarter.

"We knew that they were a good team," said Cameron Christie. "We felt that we had to force our will on them right away. We pushed the ball early and we scored. I was real nervous at the beginning of the season but now I feel more comfortable."

Rolling Meadows (9-2) advanced for the first time to the quarterfinals and will face the host Dukes Saturday at 5 p.m. Batavia will face St. Ignatius Friday afternoon.

"They started the game really well," said Batavia coach Jim Nazos of the Mustangs. "They hit open guys who made shots and they pressured the ball really good. (Max) Christie's demeanor on the court is first class. He was able to find others on the floor."

The elder Christie also showed strength on the boards with a strong rebounding effort.

"It's something that helps get me going, get into the game early, "he said. "I seem to get into the game more in the second half. Getting more motivated on defense and rebounding has really helped me."

"The last three games," said Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Katovich, " Max has played his best basketball. He's such a good player and now he's letting the game come to him more. He's become more of a complete player on both ends of the court. We've been sharing the ball well and these players are showing to be unselfish. They really enjoy playing with each other."

While Rolling Meadows lead the entire way, the 5-5 Bulldogs stayed close with good inside play and some timely shooting in the second quarter. Batavia trailed 41-31 at the halftime break.

Following Luke Fehrenbacher's basket to start the second half, the Mustangs countered with a 10-0 run. Baskets by Sean Nolan, a 3-point play by Max Christie, a basket by Daniel Sobkowicz (11 points, 8 rebounds.) and a 3-point basket from Jonah Ogunsonya (9 points) increased the lead to 51-33.

Even down 74-54 with 4:30 left in the game, the Bulldogs didn't throw in the towel.

Jayden Johnson, who led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 12 rebounds, scored 10 points down the stretch. Batavia's rush pulled it within 80-69 but the Bulldogs could get no closer.

"We showed some good fight at the end," said Johnson. "We didn't play well on defense in the first quarter and it killed us. Had we come out stronger in the first quarter it might have made a difference. Now we had to play from behind."

Kyle Neibch scored 11 points, Tyler Cooper scored 10 points as did Devin Cheaney who also had 9 rebounds for Batavia.

"There are things we have to get better at," said Nazos. "We're not there yet but we're working toward it."

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