Downers Grove North seemed to bring the entire town down I 290 from the West Suburbs for this game. Purple and Black takeover in the Credit Union One Arena on University of Illinois at Chicago campus. They took a whole side of the arena and the noise was defending at times. Their team gave them plenty of reason to make noise as they ruled the roost from start to finish. Advanced to State Finals for first time ever.
#5 North (Downers Grove) 67 #3 Kenwood Academy (Chicago) 47: Kenwood Academy has a lot of talent. They have at least five division one players though one did not play. Lots of athleticism, guys who can get up and down the court seemingly with ease. Kenwood had played a national schedule. Downers Grove North did not care about any of this. The West Suburban Silver team was not afraid of the Chicago Public League Red power who finished second in the Chicago Public League playoffs. Kenwood had played three games in this arena, Downers Grove North had played zero. North just went in and played their same efficient game they have played most of the season. They moved the ball, scored on open threes, threes with hands in their face, moved the ball and got easy layups. North took some good shots and did not turn the ball over a lot. Played what looked like a pack line defense and did not guard two of Kenwood's players. They led this game from start to finish with a dominant performance. North led 22-11 after one quarter, 35-22 at half, and 51-33 after three quarters. They held Kansas State commit Darrin Ames (6'2" point guard) of Kenwood Academy to 5 points on 2 of 6 shooting. He only took 6 shots for the game. As usual balanced scoring ruled the day for Downers Grove North.
JACK STANTON WAS ON FIRE: 6'2" junior guard had 13 of his 19 points (5 for 9 from three) in the first half. Went on a roll in the second quarter with three straight three pointers forcing Kenwood to call timeout. His two threes he hit in the second half kept the margin comfortable. Earned an offer from Dartmouth after the game.
OWEN THULIN WAS EFFICIENT: 6'0" junior guard took care of the basketball, made great passes and had some hockey assists. He had 10 points 4 rebounds and 8 assists for the game.
GEORGE WOLKOW PLAYED BIG AGAIN OFF THE BENCH: 6'7" forward played a big role off the bench. Stayed out of foul trouble and had 12 points and 7 rebounds. May not be many rebounds but he did a good job keeping Kenwood's athletic front line from playing volleyball on the backboards. Big time professional baseball prospect as an third baseman/ outfielder. Baseball season has been delayed a few more days.
NO ONE ELSE WAS IN DOUBLE DIGITS BUT SPREAD THE SCORING AROUND: They had players that scored 7, 6, 5, and 4 points in the game but all were scoring threats that kept Kenwood scrambling on defense.
TYLER SMITH PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE EVEN TILL THE END: 6'0" senior guard for Kenwood Academy had a great state tournament, but could not keep his team in the game. He had 15 points 6 rebounds 3 assists and 3 steals in last high school game. No one else was in double figures for Kenwood Academy.
Downers Grove North goes to 32-3 and advanced to the State Semifinals against Moline.
Kenwood Academy (Chicago) ends season at 28-7 and Chicago Public League Red South/Central Champs.
Comments