Cooley, Glenbrook South loom over scrappy Maine East

Maine East coach Glenn Olson has seen a lot of great high school pivot men over the years, including his days as a standout player at Rolling Meadows.

But not many up of them could match up to 6-foot-9 Glenbrook South senior Jack Cooley.

The line on Cooley at Friday night's Elk Grove regional championship game: 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks as Glenbrook South defeated the Blue Demons 57-52 to win the regional title.

"He's an incredible physcial specimen," said Olson, "and that makes it especially tough when you're a small team like us."

Maine East trailed only 47-46 with three minutes remaining when guard Nusrath Khan, who had dazzled the crowd with a series of acrobatic driving layups, appeared to put the Blue Demons ahead with a baseline runner.

But Khan was called for charging and fell hard to the court. The senior left the game and tried to return moments later, but the injury was too serious.

"That was a big series of plays," said Olson. "It looked like we took the lead and were going to the free-throw line, but we were called for the charge. Then there was a similar play at the other end and it went the other way."

"It was tough, but that's basketball."

Glenbrook South took a late 6-point lead, but a 3-pointer from Shareq Khan brought the Demons to within 55-52 with 19 seconds left. Then Maine East came within inches of stealing the ensuing inbounds pass.

"I thought we were going to get a piece of that ball," said Olson, "but it wasn't our night."

A pair of free throws by Glenbrook South's Jack Ryan sealed the win. Trent Mockton added 16 points for South.

Danhi Wilson led East with 16 and Nusrath Khan, whom Olson said would be taken for X-rays on his injured back, added 15 points.