Naperville North plays 'most complete game of season'

Naperville North waited until the 5:02 mark of the opening quarter to score its first points Friday night at Wheaton North.

But the quiet start was no indication of what was to come, as the Huskies went on a 19-3 run over the next seven minutes on their way to a 74-46 win in DuPage Valley Conference action.

"This was a really gratifying win, and our most complete game of the season," Naperville North coach Mark Lindo said. "Our kids did a great job of executing and distributing the ball."

Mike Little hit a 3-pointer, giving Wheaton North the early lead, but that was about as good as it would get for the Falcons (6-15, 2-9).

Naperville North's Joe McNicholas and James O'Shaughnessy took over underneath, as the Huskies began to use their size advantage to pound the paint. But it was sophomore Matt LaCosse, appearing in only his second varsity game, who came off the bench to give the Huskies (9-13, 2-9) the spark they needed.

"What I liked about this win is that we played as a team and we were very unselfish," LaCosse said.

LaCosse scored 13 points, to go with 11 boards, and did a little of everything for the Huskies, including blocking 4 shots and grabbing 3 steals.

"Matt has a chance to be a special athlete at Naperville North," Lindo said.

Up 33-16 at the break, the Huskies began the second half with an 8-0 run. After that the outcome was never in doubt.

"Naperville North played really well tonight, and we didn't do the things we have to do to win," Wheaton North coach Jim Nazos said. "We are still a work in progress."

McNicholas led all scorers with 17, and O'Shaughnessy scored 16 for the Huskies. Chris Bradley was Wheaton North's top scorer with 13 points.