Tweaked starting unit proves effective for Warren

Blue-chip junior Brandon Paul didn't start and played sparingly for Warren, but the Blue Devils easily overwhelmed visiting Lake Zurich 87œ61 Saturday night.

Twelve players scored in Warren's balanced attack with four Blue Devils reaching double figures. Illinois-recruit Paul led the way with 16 points, sinking all 4 of his 3-point attempts, despite spending most of the first period seated next to coach Chuck Ramsey.

Warren (9œ6, 3œ4 in North Suburban Lake Division) didn't need its star shooting guard to begin the game on a torrid pace. The Blue Devils led 15-4 by the time Paul entered the game with 2:15 remaining in the opening stanza.

Warren never trailed and the outcome of the game was never in doubt.

Ramsey explained his lineups and frequent substitutions as an attempt to find the most potent mix of players.

"We have been playing a lot of people lately trying to find a combination that works," Ramsey said. "Tonight the starting combination worked."

Senior guard Jason Warneke led the starting unit with 13 points and senior forward James Poliquin added 11.

Starting point guard Aaron Montgomery's strong play sparked the Blue Devils early and late. The 5-foot-9 junior scored 9 points and recorded 9 assists. He also tallied 5 steals and did not commit a turnover. His aggressive and intelligent play on offense was doted upon by his coach.

"This was the best ball movement we've had all year," Ramsey said.

For Lake Zurich (7œ8, 0œ7), there were few highlights. The Bears did receive a 28-point performance from junior guard Connor Mooney who made 14 of his 16 free throw attempts -- after being held scoreless against Stevenson the previous night.

Junior forwards Brandon Kunz and Danny Coleman added 14 and 9 points, respectively.

While Warren began the second leg of its conference season with a resounding victory, the team will search for consistency in the homestretch.

"We haven't done anything well consistently," Ramsey said. "The offense was better tonight but the defense is still a concern."

Ramsey remarked on his team's tough upcoming schedule before assessing its chances of sustained winning.

"What we're looking for is improvement and being the best we can be at the end of the year," Ramsey said. "Tonight was better but…Time will tell."