SYCAMORE – The Sycamore boys basketball team showed its depth and cohesiveness Saturday to score a 60-46 victory against Northern Illinois Big 12 East rival Kaneland.
The host Spartans full-court pressed for most of the game and kept a healthy lead throughout, even when a few key players left the game with foul trouble.
The lead ballooned to 23-7 before Devin Mottet and fellow starters Ben Niemann and Scott Nelson left the game with foul trouble. Kaneland (1-4, 1-1 NI Big 12 East) cut the lead to 29-20 at the half. Sycamore's press caused problems for Kaneland's slow, deliberate offense, and the Knights had seven turnovers before the break.
“Every time we thought we were right there, Sycamore had a nice little push,” Kaneland coach Brian Johnson said. “[Sycamore's full-court press] led to a lot of turnovers, and a lot of easy buckets for them. They wanted to get the game moving fast, and we want to play with a little more control, although we didn't really get to show it tonight.”
After two quick baskets to start off the second half, the Knights never cut the lead to single digits despite a game-leading 19 points from Matt Limbrunner. Dan Miller, who swished Kaneland's lone three pointer, was next with nine points.
Marmion 74, Walther Lutheran 73 (OT): At Aurora, Marmion (3-5, 1-1 Suburban Christian Conference Blue) overcame a double-digit halftime deficit for the second successive night.
Matt Smith (16 points), Tyler Maryanski (15), Mike Sheehan (13) and Jordan Glasgow (12) all finished in double figures for the Cadets. Marmion trailed, 36-26, at intermission before rallying to tie the game at 66-all at the end of regulation.
Wheaton Academy 66, Aurora Central Catholic 51: At Aurora, the Warriors notched a SCC road win.
La Lumiere 77, Mooseheart 41: At La Porte, Ind., Mooseheart stumbled against the Lakers, a traditional power.
"They are unbelievable," Red Ramblers coach Ron Ahrens said.
The contest marked Mooseheart's last game before an appeal hearing set for Monday for three of its players. The IHSA last week stripped South Sudanese transfer students Akim Nyang, Makur Puou and Mangisto Deng of their basketball eligibility for perceived inappropriate recruiting on Mooseheart’s part. A Kane County judge on Tuesday ruled that the trio be allowed to continue playing until Monday’s appeal in front of the IHSA Board of Directors.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Conant 51, St. Charles East 48: At St. Charles, East (5-5) was unable to maintain an early lead in a game that featured 49 personal fouls and 66 free throws. Paige Jordan had 16 points for the Saints, while Amanda Hilton chipped in 10.
St. Charles North 38, East Aurora 35: At St. Charles, North extended its winning streak to three games behind Nicole Davidson (10 points). Natalie Winkates added eight points for the North Stars (3-8, 2-3 Upstate Eight Conference River Division).
Oswego Holiday Tournament: Batavia 58, Glenbard East 28: Batavia improved to 7-3 with a win in its tournament opener. Bethany Orman had 10 points off the bench, and Miranda Grizaffi and Sami Villarreal played solid defense in the Bulldogs' zone.
WRESTLING
BC fifth at Sterling invite: At Sterling, Craig Kein placed second at 170 pounds to pace Burlington Central to a fifth-place finish at the 10-team Carson DeJarnatt Invitational. The Rockets had 99.5 team points; champion Clinton scored 203.5.
BOYS SWIMMING
North second at Spartan Sprint Classic: At Northbrook, North (133 points) finished just behind champion Glenbrook South (138). The 10-team event was hosted by Glenbrook North. Austin Stapella won the 25-yard backstroke title for the North Stars after teaming with Nick Kowaleski, David Chokran and Ross Davis to win the 200 medley relay.
• Anthony Zilis contributed to this report.
