Article updated: 11/19/2012 9:56 PM

Taylor, Stevenson settle down in winning opener

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Stevenson's Connor Cashaw, left, drives on Grayslake Central's Matt Spalding at the Bison Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Buffalo Grove on Monday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Stevenson's Russell Kinscherff, left, drives on Grayslake Central's Matt Spalding at the Bison Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Buffalo Grove on Monday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Stevenson's Jalen Brunson, right, drives on Grayslake Central's Jacob Vargo at the Bison Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Buffalo Grove on Monday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Stevenson's Jalen Brunson, right, calls a play while Grayslake Central's Jacob Vargo defends at the Bison Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Buffalo Grove on Monday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Grayslake Central's Jack Spicer goes for a rebound with Stevenson's Russell Kinscherff during their game at the Bison Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Buffalo Grove on Monday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

About this Article

First-game jitters exist regardless if you're a player or coach — just ask John Taylor. A starting guard on Stevenson's 2007 fourth-place state finisher, Taylor stepped in Monday as acting coach for Stevenson head coach Pat Ambrose, who was away due to a death in the family. "Everyone is nervous, whether you're a player or coach," Taylor said. "Especially without your boss here." But with a trio of standout guards leading the way, those nerves subsided rather quickly as Stevenson got out to an 18-0 lead while handling Grayslake Central 76-50 in the opening game of the Bison Classic at Buffalo Grove.