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Conant dumps Hersey on Senior Night

Camden Lathos and Conant put Hersey into their clamps Tuesday.

Lathos, who is a sophomore, scored 17 points, all in the first half, to lead the Cougars to a 45-23 Mid-Suburban League boys basketball crossover win on Senior Night in Hoffman Estates.

"It was a good team win and the seniors got to do their thing," said Lathos, who also had 7 rebounds a blocked shot.

"I know that my teammates help me get better in practice. I think we have formed a great bond and I owe a lot to them."

The win should give Conant (16-12) some momentum in its final regular season game before the state playoffs begin next week. The Cougars, who were seeded 10th in the tough Glenbrook South sectional, will play Loyola next Wednesday in the regionals at New Trier.

"We feel that we have improved throughout the year," Conant coach Matt Walsh said. "We have played a tough schedule. We have a great mix of seniors and we are playing four sophomores. A win like this gives us confidence against an extremely good and tough Loyola team."

Conant was dominant on both ends of the floor in the first half as the Cougars built a 28-7 advantage.

The Cougars' man defense kept Hersey away from the basket where the Huskies shot just 3-of-16 at the half. Conant also forced 9 turnovers.

On the offensive end, Lathos sparked the Cougars with his play inside and out.

He nailed his first two shots from outside the arc after entering the game while the seniors got their chance to start on Senior Night. He followed with some tough inside play.

Walsh was pleased with his senior group, which logged some serious playing time.

"They are a great group of kids," Walsh said. "And they provide great leadership. They deserve the time they got tonight. They have worked real hard."

Senior Issac Hanley scored 9 points said that his team is ready for the state playoffs.

"Every team is 0-0," Hanley said. "We just have to focus on us."

Hersey (7-21) will meet Palatine next Wednesday. The Huskies host the regional and the game will begin at 6 p.m.

Hersey coach Austin Scott said that his team is learning to play together.

"Give Conant a lot of credit, " Scott said. "They are really hard to play against. They are very disciplined and patient. I thought it was a great learning experience for our guys to understand the type of buy-in to a system that makes them successful."

It was also the last game officiated in the MSL for Steve Scholten. A graduate of Elk Grove, Scholten officiated for 43 years. He officiated three trips to the state finals and one state championship game. Scholten is also a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

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