North Stars already have 17 wins

St. Charles North's boys basketball team matched a school record last year by winning 17 games, getting that record-tying victory in the regional semifinals.

After Sunday's 53-42 win over Johnsburg at the Conference Challenge Classic at Loyola, the North Stars are again at 17 wins - this time by Feb. 8.

"We're ahead of schedule," St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin said.

The North Stars (17-5) got to 17 so fast with their torrid play of late. Sunday's win was their 10th straight and 14th in their last 15 games.

St. Charles North fell behind early 11-4 before a 14-0 run put them ahead 15-11. They never trailed again, taking their biggest lead at 38-22.

"We did a good job on their big guy inside, did a real good job sharing the ball offensively and I'm most proud of the way we are working together on defense, holding teams to the 40s and 50s," Poulin said.

Johnsburg (13-10) became the latest to fall victim to the North Stars' balance. Sophomore Josh Mikes led with 15 points, Zach Hirsch had with 14 points and 6 rebounds, and guards Nick Neari (9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jonathan DeMoss (7 points and 7 assists) combined for 12 assists.

David Johnson scored 8 points off the bench and Mike Kastel grabbed 7 rebounds.

"Everybody is playing their roles right now," Poulin said.

St. Charles North has the week off from Upstate Eight play. The North Stars return to action Saturday night at Thornwood.

This was their first invite to Loyola, and it could not have gone much better.

"We jumped at the chance today," Poulin said. "The whole day was great. I asked the guys a couple times, 'Is this fun?' To go out and play on a college court and be part of five games and watch the games before us and after us, we appreciate being asked to be part of it."