Hersey's Fox steps up big-time

For Hersey center Ryan Fox, it was all about stepping up.

The 6 foot-3 senior scored 12 points and snared 6 rebounds in the host Huskies' 64-50 win over Wheeling in the Mid-Suburban East.

The win avenged a 51-43 loss at Wheeling in January and improved the Huskies' record to 9-13 and 4-5.

"I really felt that the team helped me get better," Fox said. "They really pushed me in practice. I just want to help the team any way that I can. (Jordan) Mertes handled the ball real well and handled their pressure."

Fox started because of illness during the week to Brian Fabrizius, who did play for a few minutes late in the game.

It was his third straight game in double figures after scoring just 14 points all season.

"Fox had a solid game tonight," said Hersey coach Steve Messer. "He had received some quality minutes last week against Prospect and Lake Zurich.

"He is a tireless worker and he did a lot of little things that helped us win. He gets kicked to the floor a lot, but he gets right back up."

With the game tied 2-2, Kyle Mengarelli and Kyle Miklasz (12 points) hit for consecutive 3-point baskets - and Fox followed with an assist to Mengarelli to send the Huskies on their way.

Forcing 6 turnovers by the Wildcats (7-16, 2-7) in the first quarter, Hersey led 20-7 after eight minutes.

Fox scored 6 points in the second quarter, all on feeds from Mertes (6 assists, 6 rebounds) that helped swell the lead to 41-18 at halftime.

"I don't think I've had that many assists in a game in my life," Mertes said. "Ryan found a way to get open and I found him. I think our defense did a great job tonight."

Demitriy Velikov led the Huskies with 14 points and also had 6 of Hersey's 30 rebounds.

"Our kids just love to play and battle," Messer said. "Tonight we shared the ball and played real good defense in the first half. These are not the dog days of the season. We getting ready for a run."

"It seemed we started the game running in quicksand," said Wheeling coach Lou Wool. "Fox did a nice job for them. Mentally we didn't come out to play. In the Mid-Suburban if you are not prepared you get beat, and beat bad."

James Kurtz led the Wildcats with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Robert Carter added 11 points.