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Shockey, York get the last word

York senior guard Nate Shockey started hearing the chants late in the third quarter on Friday.

After Shockey struggled from the free-throw line and managed just one third-quarter field goal, the Lyons Twp. crowd let him have it.

"Overrated."

Shockey countered with consecutive highlight-reel plays and scored 8 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter to lift the Dukes to a 42-32 victory over the Lions in West Suburban Silver action.

Sophomore forward Nick Hesch added 10 points for the Dukes (22-3, 7-1).

"I knew I had to just play through it, (the noise) doesn't motivate me at all," Shockey said.

Shockey let his actions do all the talking in the first minute of the fourth quarter.

The 6-foot-2 Shockey drove the baseline, leapt in the air and put some English on the ball for a reverse lay-in past two defenders. Seventeen seconds later, Shockey attacked the Lions defense with a hard Eurostep to his right, and, while gliding toward the basket, put some spin on the ball for another memorable lay-in.

When Shockey, a North Dakota recruit, was asked which one of his two circus shots was his favorite, he smiled and delivered a matter-of-fact reply.

"It was just kind of a feel play, not something you practice too much," he said. "Honestly, I don't even know. They were both sweet. Once you see the ball go in, it's a huge relief. I know I have the confidence to make the shots, so I keep shooting."

Those two shots certainly recharged Shockey. He scored another basket to give the Dukes a 38-22 lead with 6:04 left.

York coach Vince Doran said Shockey is capable of producing highlight-reel plays at any moment.

"We talk all the time about it as a coaching staff because those shots you are just shaking your head at," Doran said. "We have to kind of let him go. He's a super-talented player ... The two finishes he had to start the fourth quarter were big-time finishes with players all over him. He's been doing that all year. We're not surprised by it. He's a Division I player for a reason. He's hard to guard."

Lyons coach Tom Sloan reached into the NBA archives to find a proper way to praise Shockey's play in the fourth.

"He made a couple of really tough shots," he said. "He also made a couple of Julius Erving shots. Those were tough shots."

York guard Jeff Grace played limited minutes due to an ankle injury. Grace had a key layup at the end of the second quarter to give the Dukes some momentum heading into halftime leading 25-14.

"Jeff tried to go, but you could tell he wasn't 100 percent," Shockey said. "His ankle is still recovering, don't want to push him and make sure he gets to 100 percent."

Aside from Shockey's fourth-quarter scoring binge, the Dukes won the game behind a stellar defensive effort. The Lions (13-7, 3-5) shot a combined 2 for 25 in the second and third quarters. Senior guard Grant Niego was held to 10 points and Stefan Vasic added 6 points.

York's Nate Shockey shoots a free throw against Lyons Township during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
York's Nate Shockey has the basketball knocked away by Lyons Township during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
York's Jeff Grace passes the basketball against Lyons Township during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
York's Nick Hesch scores two points against Lyons Township during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
York's Nick Hesch grabs a rebound against Lyons Township during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
York's Tim Glavan (50) and Lyons Township's Anthony Georgelos battle for a rebound during a game in La Grange on Jan. 31. The Dukes won 42-32. Jeff Krage/For Shaw Media
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