Patriots' 'D' delivers even shorthanded

Stevenson can't love it that it's without Jeff Levitt, and might be for a while.

But with the starting guard and defensive stopper sidelined with what coach Pat Ambrose described as a "horrific intestinal infection," two other Patriot guards took advantage of minutes that they might not have gotten otherwise.

Both Shaun Albert and Mark Swanson made key contributions for Stevenson on Friday night, as the Patriots rallied in the fourth quarter for a 57-49 win over visiting Lake Zurich in North Suburban Lake Division action.

Stevenson (8-5, 2-3) also received big games from forwards Jeff Arenson and Nate Johnson in winning its fifth straight. Arenson had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds (both game highs), while Johnson scored a season-best 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Lake Zurich (7-8, 1-4) lost for the third time in four games. The Bears' big three of Connor Mooney, Brandon Kunz and Danny Coleman combined for just 27 points.

"Stevenson defends well and they did a good job defending us," Lake Zurich coach John Zarr said. "Key kids that we rely on have to step up. We put a lot of emphasis on those kids to perform, and if they don't, it really puts pressure on our basketball team."

The 5-foot-7 Albert started in place of Levitt and defended the 5-10 Mooney all night. While Mooney was the only Bear in double figures with 12 points, he shot only 3 of 15 from the floor.

"As soon as I got word that Jeff was out, I knew I was next in line because I was always first off the bench," Albert said. "And I knew I'd be guarding Connor. It was a big challenge, but I like taking the challenge."

Levitt became ill earlier in the week and spent three days in the hospital. Ambrose said Levitt won't play again tonight when the Patriots host Evanston and could be out an extended amount of time.

"Jeff's our leader but Shaun couldn't have done a better job stepping up," Arenson said. "It's a big role to fill."

Ambrose called Albert, who had a nifty behind-the-back assist to Johnson during the third quarter, the Patriots' most improved player.

"He plays against Jeff Levitt every day, so there's probably a reason why he's the most improved, because he plays against a kid that's pretty tough on the ball," Ambrose said. "Jeff really makes him better, and Shaun maybe doesn't recognize that all the time. He's getting better."

Lake Zurich, which trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, outscored Stevenson 19-13 in the third to take a 42-38 lead into the fourth. Austin Cox sank two 3-pointers and grabbed 5 of his team-best 8 rebounds in the third.

Stevenson took the lead for good at 45-44 when Swanson swished a 3 with 5:38 left.

"He's a great shooter," Albert said. "He's been missing a few shots in games and everyone wants him to do so well. As soon as he hit that (3-pointer), our bench exploded. Everyone was so happy for him. We just took off from there. He's like our most enthusiastic player."

Arenson made 7 of 8 free throws in the final 4:43. He was coming off a 29-point effort against Mundelein.

"He really did a nice job, especially on the defensive boards," Ambrose said. "He's making some serious strides."

Lake Zurich was outscored 19-7 in the fourth.

"We've been struggling a little bit offensively over the last couple of weeks, even in our win over Rolling Meadows last weekend," Zarr said. "I can't get a grip on it right now."