Stevenson plays its game

The Mundelein boys basketball team tempts you to play faster than you are accustomed to.

For the most part Friday, Stevenson did not fall into that trap.

"It can get quick, quick," Patriots senior Jeff Arenson said about facing the Mustangs. "We knew when to slow it down and when to speed it up."

Combine the right pace with balanced scoring and the result was a 62-54 North Suburban Lake Division victory for the visiting Patriots.

"Mundelein wants to push the pace all the time," junior Nate Johnson said. "We were able to relax, slow it down and play our game."

Stevenson (13-8, 5-5) featured four players in double figures. Sophomore Ryan Chapman had a team-high 14 points, while Arenson (13 points), Johnson (10 points) and senior Grant Johnson (10 points) helped shoulder the scoring load. Senior Henry Wood had 7 points and 3 blocks.

"We don't have to rely on one player to score," said Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose. "We can look to take advantage of matchups. When we don't turn it over and spread out the points, that's when we look good."

Grant Johnson, who stands 6-foot-6, was a major presence in the paint, particularly in the second half.

"He's like our sixth starter," Ambrose said. "We don't lose anything when he comes off the bench. He gives us size and experience."

After falling behind 18-8 early in the second quarter, the Mustangs (10-15, 1-10) scored the next 11 points. They took their only lead at 19-18 on a basket by junior Nick Delaquila with 2:09 remaining.

But Stevenson quickly regrouped and scored 10 consecutive points to take a 28-19 halftime lead. Mundelein coach Dick Knar liked the passion the Mustangs showed in taking the lead, but they were unable to sustain that level of energy.

"We played hard but we have to learn how to finish off a half," Knar said. "We played with too much emotion and after that we crashed."

Stevenson opened up a 15-point lead in the third quarter, but Mundelein forced a slew of turnovers to start the fourth quarter and trailed 47-41 with 3:33 left.

"With our system, we're never out of it," Knar said.

The Patriots held off Mundelein's rally by taking care of the ball and making their free throws. Stevenson converted 16 free throws compared to 8 for Mundelein. The Mustangs had their chances from beyond the arc but only made three 3-pointers.

Mundelein sophomore Ryan Sawvell finished with a game-high 16 points. Seniors Aaron Metzger and Kevin Barber had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

"Stevenson has size and very good athletes," Knar said. "Their kids know how to play basketball."