Willowbrook 60, Leyden 51

Willowbrook knew one thing about Leyden from watching game film -- the Eagles have one very talented boys basketball player.

That player is Daron Guyton, a 6-foot-3 guard who is very versatile and can do many things on the floor.

The Warriors (5-2, 1-1) took Guyton as a challenge and wanted him to earn every point he got. That strategy worked as Willowbrook beat Leyden 60-51 Friday night.

"We constantly threw new legs at him, and I think we might have worn him down a little," Willowbrook coach Tim Lavorato said. "He still had a great night and he hit some very tough shots. Every shot he took he had a hand in his face. He is a great player."

Guyton scored a game-high 29 points in the loss, including 20 points in the second half.

The game was very tight in the first quarter as the biggest lead was 11-8 and the first period ended in a 14-14 tie.

That was when the defense took over for the Warriors. Willowbrook opened a 28-21 halftime lead as the Warriors forced Leyden (1-5, 0-2) into a 2-for-17 shooting performance.

"We wanted to pick up our defense because we know that is what wins ballgames," Willowbrook's Kyler Market said. "We were able to put together a nice run in the second quarter, and we were able to hold the lead for the rest of the game."

Things looked like they might have gotten interesting in the fourth quarter as Guyton caught fire and scored 12 points.

Every time it looked like Leyden would make a run, the Warriors did something such as grab an offensive rebound or cause a turnover to swing momentum back in their favor.

When Leyden started to foul to stop the clock, Willowbrook knocked down free throws. In the final minute the Warriors made 7 of 9 from the line.

"Whenever we were able to get close and make something happen, they made a play," Leyden coach Ken Davis said. "We just couldn't close the deal tonight and get over that hump."

Willowbrook was led by Market's 15 points. Joe Flood and Jamell Hunter chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Highland Park 64, Maine West 52: Jimmy Orlowski had a team-high 18 points, the result of six 3-pointers, but the visiting Warriors could not keep pace with Highland Park in Central Suburban North action.

The Giants produced 23 points in the first quarter and led by 9 entering the second period.

Tom Solis had 12 points for Maine West.