Downers Grove North defeats Downers Grove South without key players
You never know what a rivalry will do to a team...regardless of who's on the court.
Playing without four starters due to varying ailments, Downers Grove North's boys basketball team still managed to pull away to Tuesday's 46-36 victory at Downers Grove South in their West Suburban Conference crossover matchup.
Kevin Bozeman, Justin Japlon and Kyle Engstler were all unable to play because of injuries, and with the playoffs approaching Trojans coach Jim Thomas chose to sit Jack Mielke as a precaution.
In their absence a rotation of nine led Downers North (14-15) to victory behind a 10-0 run near the start of the fourth quarter that turned a 2-point lead into a 12-point advantage with less than three minutes to play.
"We had no time to prepare," said Trojans junior guard Nate Demos, who scored 11 of his game-high 16 points in the first half. "Coach just said 'You guys need to step up' and everyone did their role. It feels great. Against our cross-town rival by 10, it feels fantastic."
The teams traded the lead six times before Jake Morgan knocked down a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to put Downers North ahead 20-19. The Mustangs (9-19) rallied from an 8-point deficit to tie it at 29 apiece near the end of the third quarter, but the Trojans soon reclaimed the lead for good.
"It's a tough game for us," said Downers South coach Kris Olson. "Give credit to the kids, but I just don't think we were in sync on offense or defense."
Seven players scored in a balanced effort for Downers North while the Mustangs also saw seven players score led by Kyle Fenner's 8 points.
Both teams open postseason play Tuesday in the Class 4A Addison Trail sectional. Downers North faces Hinsdale Central in the Lake Park regional while the Mustangs play Wheaton Warrenville South at Geneva.
"You're talking about a great group of kids from top to bottom," said Trojans coach Jim Thomas. "You could tell by our bench how excited they were every possession where we scored or got a stop. It's gratifying to see kids get an opportunity and take advantage of the opportunity."
Twitter: @kevin_schmit