Thornwood snaps St. Charles North's 10-game win streak

If it seems like a year ago that St. Charles North lost a basketball game, it's because it has been.

The North Stars saw their 10-game winning streak come to an end with a 67-63 loss Saturday night at Thornwood. It was their first loss since Jacobs beat them in the Jacobs Holiday Tournament on Dec. 27, 2008, and only their second loss in the last 16 games.

"We were due for one of these," St. Charles North coach Tom Poulin said.

St. Charles North (17-6) fell behind early and spent the rest of the game playing from behind.

"I was pretty disappointed in our effort," Poulin said. "We were pretty lethargic for three quarters. We still had a chance to win down the stretch."

The North Stars rallied to take a 3-point lead with three minutes remaining. Thornwood (14-9) came back be getting to the free-throw line, where they made 16 of 20 in the fourth quarter.

"Thornwood played with more passion, more energy," Poulin said. "We didn't communicate defensively. Offensively we didn't do a bad job but didn't shoot that well."

Nick Neari led St. Charles North with 21 points and David Johnson added 17.

The North Stars have four games left in the regular season, and they have a lot to play for. Their next win will set the school record for victories. If they can win three of the four games - Burlington Central Tuesday, South Elgin Friday, then Deerfield and East Aurora - they will have their first 20-win season.

"We want to make history," Poulin said. "I think this senior class deserved to be remembered."

Most importantly, wins over South Elgin and East Aurora would give the North Stars an Upstate Eight championship, most likely shared with Neuqua Valley.