Fast start, but tough finish for Lakes

The Lakes boys basketball team seized immediate control of its season opener Monday against Evanston.

The Eagles went up 14-6 on a 3-pointer by Tyler Swindle and led 16-8 at the end of one quarter. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they weren't able to sustain that high level of play.

Evanston's press proved problematic, and the Wildkits escaped with a 54-51 victory at the Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament.

"We split the press really well (early), but we got winded," Lakes coach Brian Phelan said. "We didn't play smart all the time as evidenced by our turnovers."

Lakes was stuck on 14 points for about five minutes, and that allowed Evanston to take a 16-15 lead.

The Eagles trailed by 7 points midway through the fourth quarter, only to battle all the way back. Junior guard Andrew Flick's 3-point play cut the deficit to 49-48.

"I thought they would go for the block because that's what they were doing all night," Flick said. "I was able to absorb the contact."

Phelan was not surprised to see Flick come through in the clutch.

"He might go down as the smartest player I've had at Lakes," Phelan said.

Evanston eventually reclaimed the lead 54-51, and Lakes was only able to get up a rushed, off-balance 3-pointer right before the buzzer.

Evanston junior guard Garrett Jones scored a game-high 25 points. Freshman Lorenzo Dillard (7 points) was impressive in his first varsity game.

John Androus scored a team-high 22 points for Lakes. Androus was 14 of 19 from the line.

"He was able to attack the basket," Phelan said.

The Eagles were in the bonus at the 2:03 mark of the third quarter, and in the double bonus for most of the fourth quarter. But Lakes did not take full advantage from the free-throw line.

Senior forward Marcell KirkmanBey had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Swindle contributed 9 points.

"(Tyler) has really grown from this point last year," Phelan said.

When the Wildkits weren't fouling, their press was extremely effective.

"They really took us out of our rhythm," Phelan said.

Lakes' defense prevented Evanston from going on sustained runs.

"Our goal is to hold teams to 56 points or less," Phelan said. "That was really encouraging."