Overstreet sparks Grayslake Central past Crystal Lake Central
Senior guard Darryl Overstreet has now taken his football skills and transferred them to the basketball court.
Overstreet was instrumental in Grayslake Central's 58-37 win over host Crystal Lake Central in the Tom Mueller Thanksgiving Tournament at CLC Friday.
Overstreet helped key a 9-0 start for the Rams in the win. He also had 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
"I like scoring but I also like giving out assists," said Overstreet. "To me it's kind of like throwing a touchdown pass."
The Rams also received big contribution from senior Brendan Whalen, who scored 11 points, and junior center Jake Gibson, who tallied 14 points and had 6 rebounds.
"Everything was clicking for us tonight," said Overstreet. "The coaches had a great game plan and it just came together today on the court."
The Rams' offense excelled at 3-point shooting (7 of 11), passing (11 assists), and had a 25-16 rebounding advantage.
"I was really happy with our performance," said Grayslake Central coach Brian Centella. "The guys moved the ball really well. We talk about when you get the ball, to slash to the basket, set screens, and get to the open spot. It makes a team hard to guard you."
And Overstreet?
"He was in control and comfortable out there," said Centella. "No matter what defense they went with. His composure under pressure and finding the open man was a huge difference for us."
What's the difference between the shortened season last winter and now?
"He's improved in every aspect of his game," said Centella of Overstreet. "He spent time in the weight room getting stronger. He's worked hard to be a stellar athlete."
At the end of the first quarter the Rams led 17-7 and 2 3-pointers by the Tigers' Cam Keilman kept the score respectable.
The Rams opened the second quarter like they started the contest, this time with an 11-0 run.
Kai Taylor hit for a basket, which was followed by a 3-pointer from Dennis Estapp. Overstreet then found Gibson open on two back door cuts for easy layups. By the time Overstreet scored on his own miss, the score was 28-7.
By halftime the score was 30-16. After three quarters the Rams led 48-23 and coasted.
"He's a great athlete," said Crystal Lake Central coach Joe Capalbo of Overstreet. "He's the kid on the team that does everything. He shoots, rebounds and is always in the right spot."
Crystal Lake Central (0-3) was led by Jake Terlecki with 8 points. Joey Joswiak had 7 points and Keilman 6.
"We played hard until the end," said Capalbo. "We preach to our kids to compete until the game is over."