Libertyville 69, Deerfield 54

The Libertyville boys basketball team made a living on the offensive boards Monday in a regional quarterfinal game against visiting Deerfield.

"We had a height and athletic advantage; we needed to go to the glass," coach Scott Bogumil said.

The Wildcats did that to the tune of 15 offensive rebounds in the first half. They went on to post a 69-54 victory.

Libertyville, the No. 13 seed, will play host to No. 1 Zion-Benton at 7:30 p.m. today.

Wildcats senior Joey Aiello hit four 3-pointers and scored a game-high 23 points.

Libertyville improved to 10-15, while No. 18 Deerfield ended its season at 8-18.

"We came in knowing we had to keep them off the boards and guard Aiello," Deerfield coach Greg Kapsimalis said. "We didn't do those things (consistently), but in between we did some nice things."

Those nice things included full-court pressure early and strong outside shooting throughout. Sophomore Max Burgess made three of the Warriors' seven 3-pointers. Burgess and junior Tom McGee each had 13 points.

"They were hitting some bombs," Bogumil said.

Once Libertyville recognized Deerfield's pressure, the Wildcats were able to create baskets in transition. When the Warriors did force turnovers in the first half, too often they came up empty.

"We were able to get the ball to the middle and that's the best way to beat a press," Bogumil said.

Libertyville ended the first quarter on an 8-1 run. Junior Josh Trees made a 3-pointer in the final seconds of the first quarter, and Aiello was fouled shooting a 3-pointer to open the second quarter. He made all 3 free throws to give the Wildcats a 21-10 advantage.

"That was a big momentum swing, and it was nice to have the student section there," Aiello said. "That really got us pumped up."

In addition to directing the offense, Trees contributed 13 points.

"He's not fancy, he just makes good decisions," Bogumil said. "That's what he's been doing all year."

After the victory, Libertyville immediately turned its focus to Zion-Benton.

The Wildcats lost 66-41 when the two teams played in December, but it was a 2-point game at halftime. Libertyville extended Zion-Benton to overtime Feb. 8 before falling 68-59.

"We want to be aggressive, but we don't want to make it a (high-scoring) game," Bogumil said. "We want to limit their possessions and have a chance in the final minute."

The Wildcats have proven they can play with Zion-Benton.

Now, they have to take it one step further.

"We've been waiting for this one," Aiello said. "We lost to them in my sophomore and junior years, and we want it to be different this time."