#15 New Trier (Winnetka) wins Round 1 of their rivalry with #22 Evanston Township!!!!!!!!

This is the longest running rivalry in the state of Illinois. These two teams have played continuously for over 100 years. They used to have this game twice a year at Northwestern University with sold out crowds. It has gone to one game a year there and over 2500 showed up in the cold below zero weather. One of the best high school coaches in the history of the state, Rick Malnati is back on the New Trier bench as a special assistant coach. This game means so much to both communities, the bragging rights are huge. Here we go:

Girls game: New Trier (Winnetka) 52 Evanston Township 31: Celebration of 50 years of Title IX the legislation that was against the discrimination of girls to play sports in America. As for the game, Evanston was missing three starters including their division one prospect junior point guard Zuri Ransom. Not much else to tell here. New Trier played a nice team fundamentally sound game. Onto the next one.

#15 New Trier (Winnetka) 42 #22 Evanston Township 36: This was a high level defensive display by both teams. Senior forward Josh Thomas (Evanston Township) did a great defensive job on the best shooter in the state senior guard Cornell commit Jake Fiegen (New Trier). Fiegen hit two key threes at the beginning of the third quarter to keep Evanston at bay, and the difference in the final score. Senior forward Prince Adams (Evanston) protected the lane with 3 blocks and a few altered shots. Difference was offensive rebounding as New Trier doubled up Evanston in that category. They had an overall rebounding advantage of 31-23. New Trier led most of the game by a margin of 6-12 with exception of a three to end the third quarter. Junior guard Brandon Watson hit that one to cut the lead to three at 33-30. Evanston cut the lead to one at 35-34 with about 2 minutes left, then junior guard Ian Brown hit a dagger three to put New Trier up 38-34, Evanston then turned it over and that was pretty much ball game. Both teams left a lot of points at the line as New Trier misses kept Evanston Township within striking distance, but Evanston could not capitalize. New Trier also stopped Evanston Township from scoring on the break, as I counted one fast break point for the game. New Trier was led by Fiegen who had a double/double of 12 points 10 rebounds. Brown had 11 points off the bench, junior guard Logan Feller had 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Evanston Township was led by Thomas's 11 points and 2 blocks. Adams had 8 rebounds and 2 steals. New Trier (Winnetka) ups it's record to 12-1, 3-0 in Central Suburban South. Evanston Township drops to 8-3, 1-2 in conference.

Another note: neither team hit a high percentage from three as a lot of shots rolled around the rim and out for both teams. Rims seemed tight in Welsh/Ryan Arena. If any shot rolled around the rim it was coming out, it was not going in.

Lots of cancelled games tonight and tomorrow. Christmas Holiday Shootouts start Monday. Merry Christmas to all and enjoy your holiday.