Winning response from Harper against COD

As a pair of North Central Community College Conference men's basketball rivals renewed acquaintances Wednesday at the Sports and Wellness Center in Palatine, the visitors came up with a speedy reminder about their identity.

College of DuPage started quickly, scoring the game's first 7 points.

Fortunately for Harper College, a sustained response followed and the Hawks ended up pulling away to an 83-59 victory.

"The kids were not comfortable," said first-year Harper coach Sean Stochl of his team's early play, while also praising the Chaparrals' defense: "They were really jumping the screens."

In time, though, Harper (5-13, 1-2) found plenty of scoring options while picking up its first N4C victory of the season. The Hawks shot 50 percent from the field in the first half.

"We are taking open shots" said Stochl.

Case in point: Isaiah Butler's steal that lead to an easy dunk with 3:06 remaining in the first half. The freshman converted the free throw for a 3-point play on his way to a game-high 19 points.

Stochl attributed Harper's offensive success to something simple.

"Our kids are getting more comfortable with the sets," he said.

And Butler's aggressive skill set is proving to be a big positive.

"We are going to find different ways for him to attack," Stochl said.

The Hawks led 40-27 at intermission, and the second half was not any better for coach Barry Froehl's squad.

"As the game progressed, we were not focused," he said.

One player who stood for the Chaparrals was Tyler Scott. The Glenbard South alum finished with 13 points. He was joined in double figures by teammate Jamaar Edwards with 12 points.

The Harper trio of Joey Gatziolis, Luke Ledesma (Wheaton Academy) and Chima Oduocha (Conant) all scored in double figures, with Ledesma (15 points) leading the group. Of his 8 field goals, half came from 3-point range.

"When we bring him in he's going to shoot," Stochl said of Ledesma. "We are going to find different ways to get him to shoot."

As well as the Hawks played while they had possession, defense was also a key. Harper led by 32 with 4:10 left.

"We are are following (the game plan) on the defensive end," Stochl said. "The more they believe in the defense, the more other teams are going to get tired."

• Elinor Cycenas' 24 points helped the College of DuPage women to a 67-39 win over the Hawks. Ana Jovanovic contributed 19 points for the Chaparrals.

Turnovers were an issue for the Hawks once again, as they committed 18. The Hawks were led in scoring by Angelina Villasin (22 points) and Tamara Zivak (15 points).