Esikiel lights it up again, Sabres topple Larkin

Tem Esikiel has gone crazy nuts this weekend.

After scoring 32 points and helping Streamwood break a 12-game losing streak at Wheaton Academy on Friday night, Esikiel went off for 31 points in the Sabres' 82-63 victory over Larkin on Senior Night Saturday. As the teams went into the second half of the Upstate Eight Conference game, Larkin held a slight 25-23 scoring advantage over the junior guard.

"We had a couple of defenses for Esikiel, but he's the best player I've seen so far," Royals' coach Larry Hight said. "We couldn't contain him defensively."

Larkin (1-21, 0-8) sank its first 6 baskets and trailed just 13-12 when Esikiel found Brain Brauer for a 3-pointer. Brauer's basket kicked off an 18-0 run, during which Esikiel nabbed a steal, ran the length of the court and converted a layup to put Streamwood (5-18, 1-7) ahead 31-12 with 5:16 left in the second quarter.

"The team chemistry just got better," said Esikiel, who added 7 assists and 5 steals. "We work hard every week in practice and it shows."

The Sabres' defense also showed. After making its first 6 shots, Larkin converted just one time in its remaining 15 first-half shots. Esikiel was 71.4 percent (10 of 14) from the floor in the first half as Streamwood finished (16 of 30). Esikiel finished the game 76.5 percent (13 of 17) and the Sabres were an outstanding 58.2 percent (32 of 55).

"I think they finally get it," said Streamwood coach Tim Jones. "They're shooting the ball better."

Esikiel's recent efforts drew some special attention for the Sabres' first-year coach.

"Tem is going off, but he's doing it in the confines of the system," Jones added. "He's not forcing anything."

Streamwood's offense also got boosts from senior T.J. Enno, who finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds and Ryan Kiesel, who scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Deonte McFadden had a huge fourth quarter for the Royals scoring 13 of his 14 points. Jeff Saurbaugh added 10 points for Larkin and junior Terell John made an impact after being inserted into the starting lineup. John scored 6 of his team-high 16 points in the first half and added 8 rebounds in the loss.

"Terell John played the game of his life," Hight said. He's developed into a good post player."

But nothing was going to take the attention for Esikiel's efforts, which included three 3-pointers.

"Esikiel knows how to drive and shoot," Hight said. "He plays defense and knows how to dish."