Glenbard West 83, Proviso West 67

Glenbard West has been looking for this kind of game all season long.

The Hilltoppers found it in a West Suburban Conference Silver boys basketball game against Proviso West on Monday night.

The Hilltoppers relied on balanced scoring to record their highest point total of the season in an 83-67 victory over the host Panthers.

The game was rescheduled from Friday because of snow.

Three Hilltoppers hit double figures.

If it wasn't 6-foot-8 forward John Shurna taking over around the basket, lightning-quick guard Bryant Venson made defenders dizzy with his slashing moves to the bucket and quick pull-up jumpers.

Let's not forget sharp-shooting guard Shane Bryant, who was lights out from beyond the 3-point arc.

The Northwestern-bound Shurna led all scorers with 29 points, while Bryant and Venson tallied 19 and 18, respectively.

Bryant gave Glenbard West (12-9, 4-5) an early lift, sinking first 4 shots -- all 3-pointers -- as the Hilltoppers surged to a 50-34 halftime lead.

"It was good because it stretched out their defense and we were able to get some easy shots inside, some layups," Bryant said. "We took what they gave us."

"It was huge for Shane to get off to that kind of start," said Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder. "He got into good position to shoot. We talk about being shot ready.

"Getting that balance is something we have been talking about all year. We showed that we are improving. We attacked pretty well tonight."

The Hilltoppers did a good job of breaking the press by Proviso West (6-13, 3-5).

The Panthers forced their fair share of turnovers, but Glenbard West was effective for the most part at moving the ball up the court with crisp passes and finishing some easy shots.

The Panthers cut what was a 20-point lead to 11 with about a minute to play.

But Shurna & Co stayed ahead by making clutch free throws.

The Hilltoppers shot 78.8 percent (26-for-33) from the foul line, including 7-for-10 in the fourth quarter. Shurna made 4 free throws and Bryant sank the other 3.

"The plan was to stick to our game plan and not fall into what they wanted us to do," Shurna said. "Fortunately for us, our shots were falling. Everything was clicking tonight. It's fun to be out there."

"They came out ready to play and we got caught off guard," said Proviso West coach Tommy Miller.

Guard Myles Morgan led the Panthers with 17 points.