Knights' success loud, clear

The ear-aching roar from the Prospect "Underground" student section was a clear indication of how far its boys basketball program had come in just two years.

And the large, white-clad group that helped fill the Niles North gym was ready to really crank up the decibel levels as the Knights clawed back within a point Tuesday night against Glenbrook North.

"When you look up at the crowd, probably two years ago there would have been about 20 students," said Prospect guard Jason Leblebijian. "Who knows, there were probably 400-something here tonight. It was great to be part of the whole experience."

One that finally came to an end with the noise coming from the Glenbrook North fan contingent as it pulled out a 55-50 Class 4A sectional semifinal victory.

But the last two years turned out to be an experience filled with thrills for the Knights.

"What we did for the school and basically how we brought basketball back as a main sport," Prospect senior and third-year varsity player Kevin Reed said of what he'll remember most. "We brought the energy back."

They almost brought the Knights back to Skokie on Friday night for a sectional final with a dramatic rally from an 8-point deficit to get within 51-50 with 41 seconds left.

"We knew if we didn't step up here it would be our last 21/2 minutes together," said Leblebijian, the Mid-Suburban East player of the year. "The last 21/2 minutes we all busted it to the fullest extent and tried our best."

There were plenty of moments where the Knights, who had lost by 17 points in January to the Spartans, could have quietly disappeared.

Glenbrook North took full advantage of 3 turnovers and a few ill-advised shots to turn a 28-28 tie into a 40-29 lead in a little more than two minutes midway through the third quarter.

"We knew if we didn't keep the momentum our way it could happen just like that," Leblebijian said.

"That was a dagger," Reed said. "We always thought we could come back but it was just a huge momentum shift."

Sweet-shooting Alex Dragicevich provided another potential deal-breaker early in the fourth when he banked in a 3-pointer off a screen.

But the Knights didn't win 20 games for the first time in 24 years, an MSL title for the first time in 23 years and a regional title for the first time in seven years by breaking apart in difficult situations.

"The effort and focus the seniors put forth really kept us together," said Prospect junior point guard Joe LaTulip.

The Knights put together one final run toward another big celebration. It was one final exhibition of their heart and desire to succeed.

"Our effort down the stretch is how I'll remember this team," said second-year coach John Camardella. "They had every chance in the world to cash it in and say we tried. At 51-50, you can't ask for much more than that."

Just 2 more points so they could keep playing Friday.

mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com