Prospect's cooperative effort sinks Glenbrook South
It is the season for sharing, and Prospect's boys basketball team found the spirit Saturday in the consolation title game at the 38th annual Wheeling Hardwood Classic.
And with that sharing came the reward as Prospect rolled past Glenbrook South 63-51.
Prospect (8-5) was sensational in distributing the ball, with 16 assists on the 23 baskets.
“Assists helped a lot,” Prospect coach John Camardella said. “They zoned us. The ball wasn't sticking. We kept the ball outside moving.”
Prospect led 17-10 early in the second quarter, when the the Knights began to pull away. They had 10 assists on their 12 field goals in the first half as they built a 32-17 advantage at the break.
“It was remarkable out there,” Antonio Gardner, who had a career-high18 points with 3 assists. “Coach had said before the game that this was a big game. We attacked strong and stayed together out there.”
Frankie Mack, who also had 18 points and had 4 assists, said Glenbrook South's trapping defense did not bother them much.
“We had talked before the game and walked through their stuff,” Mack said. “We knew we had to move the ball around. You can't dribble through a zone. If you move the ball around it is going to open up a lot of things.”
With Gardner and Mack getting help from Grant Whitebloom (10 points) Matt Szuba (7 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals) and David Swedura (7 points) leading the way, Prospect was able to open up a 50-27 lead late in the third quarter.
The Knights shot 61 percent (23-for-38) from the field and out-rebounded Glenbrook South 25-11.
Glenbrook South (5-7) was led by Jim Martinelli, who had 20 points.
Prospect, which lost to Lake Park in the tournament's first round, roared back in the final three games to claim the consolation title for the first time since 2001.
“The kids were very disappointed Monday when they lost,” Camardella said. “I was interested to see how our team would respond. Tuesday, Wednesday and today, it was a complete team effort.
“It is never going to be perfect. But today was one of the best games we played all year.”
Szuba had his fourth consecutive game in double figures in rebounds with 10 to finish as the tournament leader with 42. Camardella said his team's ability to rebound was a key to the Knights' play.
“Starting with that, when we clean the glass that way and hit our guards and go, we play very well,” Camardella said. “This team is continuing to grow and is very coachable and is a selfless group. To end 2015, it is a good way to go out.”