Redhawks slip by Tigers

Close calls are becoming customary for the Naperville Central Redhawks this boys basketball season.

Saturday was no different.

The Redhawks, leading Wheaton Warrenville South by 11 midway through the fourth quarter, held on for a 46-43 win in Naperville.

Just a week ago, the Redhawks (10-5, 3-2 DuPage Valley Conference) lost to Libertyville in double overtime and beat Notre Dame on a buzzer-beater by Drew Crawford at the Wheeling Hardwood Classic.

Crawford, who scored 18 points on Saturday, also beat Naperville North with a shot in the final seconds.

"We did a good job keeping our composure," Crawford said. "We had a little trouble at the end, but we were smart, used our timeouts well and were able to finish."

Crawford's driving layup with 4:40 left gave the Redhawks a 46-35 lead.

Dane Olson and Byron Given came back with 3-pointers for WW South (8-6, 1-4), and when Derek Babb muscled in a score with 2:09 left it was a three-point game.

Naperville Central turned the ball over three times and missed a free throw in the final two minutes, but WW South couldn't draw closer.

Sam Carlson's contested 3-point attempt with three seconds left was the Tigers' final shot.

"We had some good looks with some good shooters," Tigers coach Mike Healy said. "The ball just didn't go in."

"We knew it was going to be a battle," Redhawks coach Pete Kramer said. "We're the type of team, we're going to be in a battle every night. I think we're really starting to play together as a team. Things are starting to click."

The Redhawks never trailed after the first minute of the game, hitting 7 of their first 8 shots. Crawford had 12 of his 18 points in the first half, and Matt Jones 6 of his 9 points. Naperville Central led 30-26 at the half despite WW South's five 3-pointers.

Babb's three-point play in the first minute of the third quarter made it 30-29, but Naperville Central answered with a 7-0 run. Matt Neufeld scored inside, Crawford stole the ball and ran in a one-handed dunk, then after another WW South turnover he fed Harrison Daniels for a 3-pointer.

"We got some momentum built up from the Christmas tournament. Hopefully, we can keep it going," Crawford said. "We're really flowing on offense, hitting our shots and playing well as a team."

Given scored 15 points and Babb 11 for WW South.

"The kids played so hard. I'm proud of them," Healy said. "If they keep giving the effort that they're giving we'll get over the hump at some point."