Conant achieves different result

Late on the evening of March 10, Conant juniors Ben Schols and Ryan Davis were heading home from Robert Morris University in Arlington Heights.

Their basketball seasons had just ended on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Fremd's Kyle Sliwa in a Class 4A boys basketball sectional final.

Schols and Davis had been on the floor, attempting to defend that game-winning shot.

It also marked the third time they'd had lost to Fremd, so on that ride home they made a promise to one another that the next time the two schools met, the result would be different.

Thanks to the efforts of both, that promise was kept Friday night.

Schols and Davis combined for 38 points as the Cougars posted a 48-41 Mid-Suburban West victory on the Vikings' floor.

"It feels great." Davis, who led all scorers with 22 points. "We were able to keep our calm throughout the game which allowed us to stay focused."

Schols, who added 16 points, pointed out his team's ability to handle Fremd's pressure.

"We were able to stay aggressive," said Schols. "We didn't allow the distractions that playing here can bring."

After a back-and forth first 21 minutes, the duo helped Conant (6-3, 2-1) take the lead for good in the final three minutes of the third quarter.

After Ryan Martin's bucket gave the Vikings (7-2, 2-1) their last lead at 30-29, Schols fed Davis inside for a dunk. A driving layup by Schols then put the Cougars up 35-30 after 24 minutes.

Davis' 3-pointer gave Conant an 8-point lead with 5:40 left. Schols hit 2 free throws to make it 44-36 with 1:08 remaining.

Fremd closed to within 44-41 on a 3 by Luke Seidel (team-high 16 points) and a putback by John Smyros with 27 seconds left.

But 2 sets of consecutive free throws by Joe Arriaga and Jonathan Kolev ended any hopes of a comeback.

Conant coach Jim Maley credited his team's tunnel vision and general preparation for Friday's outcome.

"It was great to see," he said. "I know how tough those losses were last year, but they were on a mission tonight and it showed."

Maley has to quickly turned the focus to Conant's game today in Darien against Hinsdale South and Iowa State recruit Zion Griffin.

"You can only enjoy this win tonight because we again have to go on the road against such a very good team," Maley said.

A sentiment that Fremd coach Bob Widlowski echoes as his squad makes the trek to Notre Dame tonight.

"The most important thing about this game is that while I give Conant all the credit for their performance, no one won or lost the conference tonight," he said. "This is going to be a long race in which we are still in the early stages"