East pulls away from Stars down the stretch

There have been two different times this season when St. Charles North boys basketball coach Tom Poulin was surprised by forward/center Danny Jiminez.

The first time was the first day of practice when Jiminez, who didn't play last season, claimed to be a little rusty in getting back to basketball.

The second time was Monday in the North Stars' first game of the season against East Aurora, when the senior led the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

"I was pleased with Danny Jiminez," Poulin said. "He gave us a big boost in being fearless and being motivated … it was him being relentless off the glass, his work ethic. I'm sure they were trying to box out, but he's a strong kid and doesn't quit on any ball."

Despite Jiminez' efforts, the North Stars fell to East Aurora 73-63 in St. Charles East's 49th annual Thanksgiving Invitational.

The game was tied five times in the second half, for the final time at 47-47 after a 3-point play from Jiminez with 6:10 remaining.

A basket by Tim Janeway pushed the North Stars ahead 49-47 with 5:40 left, but that would be the last lead for St. Charles North.

"We were a little undisciplined, a little unfocused as to doing the little things," Poulin said. "You have to give East Aurora credit for that because they sped us up. We talked about breaking the press and then getting a good look, not one pass … but we have to learn."

A 3-pointer from Kevin Lash and bucket by Jermaine Taylor allowed the Tomcats to take the lead for good. Free throws allowed East Aurora to pull away from the North Stars, who never trailed by double-digits until the last basket of the game.

"We battled the whole game, it's just the last quarter, we didn't get into our offense," Jiminez said. "You can't change things about the first game. We just have to go to practice and change some things. We'll get going."

In addition to Jiminez, the North Stars were led by Nick Neari's 11 points and 13 rebounds along with fellow starter Tim Janeway (13 points, 6 rebounds).

East Aurora was led by Tramell Weathersby's 20 points. Ryan Boatwright, the freshman phenom who already committed to USC, finished his first high school game with 14 points and 7 rebounds.