Glenbrook North shoots down Maine West

Maine West executed its game plan to perfection against top-seeded Glenbrook North at the New Trier Class 4A semifinal in the first quarter.

The Warriors trailed the Spartans only 14-12.

However, the second quarter was a different tune. Glenbrook North held the Warriors scorless until the last second of the quarter to build a 28-15 halftime lead.

Glenbrook North went on to a 66-37 victory to eliminate Maine West from the state tournament.

"The shots that were going in in the first quarter didn't fall for us in the second," said Maine West coach Erik McNeill. "Glenbrook North made the run and we just couldn't get it back together."

Maine West's 2-3 zone, which had been successful against Wheeling the night before, kept the Spartans (20-4) outside the 3-point arc early on.

Glenbrook North hit for four 3-point baskets in the first quarter.

Connor Nass' 3-point basket with 4:39 left in the quarter gave the Spartans an 8-6 lead, and they never again trailed.

"With their zone," said Glenbrook North coach Dave Weber, "we had to make those shots. If you leave us open, we have a chance to score. We did a great job defensively in the second quarter. Defense has been the trademark of this team."

"In the second quarter," said McNeill, "they turned up the pressure on us and we took some quick shots. Our intent was to try to slow them down but that didn't happen. Then they started getting inside"

Austin Weber led the Spartans with 15 points on five 3-point baskets. Alex Dragicevich added 13 points and had 8 assists. Michael Phillips netted 11points.

Maine West (10-19) had Sebastian Stasiakiewicz with 7 points, and Ryan Tutland, Tommy Solis and Alex Samuelson with 6 each.

Despite the loss, McNeill was happy with the progress he saw over the last two months.

"The seniors took some ownership in the second half of the season," McNeill said. "When we won some of our games it gave them some confidence."