Aurora Central handles Wheaton Academy
Picking up the pace certainly played into Aurora Central Catholic's favor during its 59-49 Metro Suburban West boys basketball victory over Wheaton Academy Tuesday night in Aurora.
After both sides struggled at the offensive end while combining for just 12 first-quarter points (ACC up 7-5), the Chargers (5-7, 2-2) outscored the Warriors (3-10, 1-3) 36-26 during the middle 2 quarters.
"The pace was so slow it was like watching paint dry there in the first quarter," said Chargers coach Nathan Drye. "We couldn't get anything going. It was an awful grind and painful to watch - I'm sure for us and for the fans.
"In the second quarter, we finally got it going."
Senior forward Evan Schuetz provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the second quarter, 6 of them coming during the Chargers' 10-0 run that helped erase a 12-11 deficit.
"We got a burst of energy from Evan," said Drye. "He came in like he was shot out of a gun. He was attacking the basket. He did a great job and gave us a lift that we desperately needed at that point."
Junior guard Brett Czerak also played a major role, scoring 14 of his team-high 18 points in the second and third quarters as the Chargers built a 43-31 advantage.
"I was just trying to find my shot whenever I could in the offense and got some to go," said Czerak, who added 4 assists and 4 steals. "It feels really good to start the year with a win."
ACC, which led by as many 15 at 43-28 late in the third quarter, withstood a furious Wheaton Academy down the stretch.
Powered by senior Anthony Polinski's game-high 26 points, the Warriors pulled within 45-41 on a layup from Tommy Blum (13 points, 10 rebounds) with 3:45 remaining.
"We're struggling a little bit in the win-loss column right now but we're not quitting," said Warriors coach David Osborn. "We're continuing to battle."
Donovan Reid (8 points) hit 4 straight free throws and sophomore teammate Kyle Czerak (9 points) added a pair of foul shots as the Chargers extended their lead to 10 with a minute remaining.
"We stopped attacking," said Drye. "We let them push us out farther and farther. Fortunately, we built up enough of a lead that we were able to hang on."
Reid, a 5-10 junior guard, grabbed 11 rebounds for the undersized Chargers.
"That's the best he has ever played because he killed on the glass," said Drye. "He also did a great job getting the game moving."
Wheaton Academy hurt its own cause with 21 turnovers.
"It's been the same battle that we've fought all season," said Osborn. "We're giving teams 20-30 more possessions a game. We've got to protect the ball."