Homecourt advantage helps York past Glenbard East
York's boys basketball team takes pride in defending its home court.
That pride turns up a notch when it comes time for the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic in Elmhurst.
The Dukes rode their homecourt advantage to Monday's 50-41 victory over Glenbard East that propels them into the tournament quarterfinals. They'll play Oswego at 5 p.m. Tuesday for a spot in the semifinals.
Six-foot-five senior Patrick Grabowski led the way with 17 points and 8 rebounds in his first action since suffering a severe ankle sprain three weeks ago. Grabowski's effort, combined with stingy defense that forced the Rams (8-3) into a rough shooting night, helped York (7-3) extend a slim lead it took to the fourth quarter.
"It feels great to be back," Grabowski said. "It's such a different atmosphere here with the crowd. It's more special because it's at our school. It gives us a little more of a chip on our shoulder."
York took a 37-34 lead after three quarters, but Nick Kosich hit a 3-pointer and then Ryan Camp and Kosich scored on back-to-back possessions to boost the Dukes' advantage to 46-38 with just under two minutes to play.
Glenbard East's shooting woes lasted the entire game with 2-of-16 3-point shooting, but it expanded in the second half from the free-throw line when the Rams missed eight attempts.
"They play that zone and ball press, and you've got to be able to shoot the ball," said Rams coach Scott Miller, whose team saw its seven-game winning streak snapped. "We're a senior-dominated team and their character is going to show as we go on. It's easy to be part of a group that wins seven in a row. It's tough to be on the losing end of a big game we wanted to win. Good thing is we come back (Tuesday) and try to win again."
There were six lead changes and seven ties until Nick Trapani's 3-pointer midway through the third quarter gave York the lead for good at 33-30.
Kosich scored 12 points for the Dukes while Terrance Lakes and Michael Finley scored 12 points apiece for Glenbard East, which plays Lyons Twp. on Tuesday.
"This is an important tournament for us, and we take it seriously," said York coach Vince Doran. "Even though I didn't think we played very well, I thought we played hard. And that's something we really emphasize."
Hinsdale South 52, Minooka 50:
Barret Benson scored at the buzzer as Hinsdale South rallied for Monday's 52-50 victory over Minooka to advance to the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic quarterfinals in Elmhurst.
The Hornets (8-2) trailed by double digits but stormed back and outscored Minooka 18-5 in the fourth quarter. Hinsdale South plays Metea Valley at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with a semifinal berth on the line.
Benson led all scorers with 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Brian Kern added 11 points.
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