Rappaport, Sipes spark Grayslake Central to first win
It was just like old times for Grayslake Central seniors Andrew Sipes and Josh Rappaport.
Well, sort of.
Sipes and Rappaport played together from sixth through eighth grades and reunited on the varsity two years ago. Last season, they played together for three games until Sipes suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The duo almost didn't get the chance to reunite again this year when Rappaport injured his knee in the Rams' season-opening loss to Mundelein. Fortunately for Grayslake Central, the two were healthy enough to start Saturday's contest against Lakes in the Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament, and it looked like they never missed a beat.
Rappaport scored 15 of his game-best 24 points in the first quarter and Sipes chipped in 5 points and 5 assists to lead the Rams to their first win of the year, 74-62.
"They have played a lot together and they understand where each other are on the court at all times," Rams coach Brian Moe said. "It's such an advantage for us to have those two on the floor together."
Sipes and Rappaport got going form the very start of the ballgame. A steal by Rapport led to a running Sipes layup for the first bucket of the game. Sipes then swiped an Eagles pass and hit Rappaport for what turned out to be a 3-point play. Grayslake Central (1-3) ran out to a 10-0 lead before the Eagles could break into the scoring column.
"We wanted to start fast tonight," Rappaport said. "We all totally wanted to come out, get the lead early and play with the lead, and we were able to do that."
The Rams built a 28-8 advantage and saw it grow to 45-20 just before halftime.
"We have had three games before tonight where we lost by a combined 9 points," Moe said. "I think we all knew that this could be a good team. I just don't think we thought we would be this good."
Lakes (0-4) refused to go quietly as the Eagles finally put together a run in the fourth quarter. After scoring just 35 points through three quarters, Lakes erupted in the fourth to trim the lead to 72-58 with 1:43 to play. But the Eagles couldn't get any closer.
Senior Tyler Swindle was a big part of the comeback for the Eagles, scoring all of his team-best 12 points in the final quarter. Marcel KirkmanBey (11 points), John Androus (10) and Jacob Carey (11) also scored in double figures for Lakes.
Matt Murphy joined Rappaport in double figures with 12 points.