Round Lake win a real slam-dunk

Nick Lange gathered Verrell Randolph's pinpoint pass on the baseline, took one stride and threw down a one-handed dunk.

It was the first slam for Round Lake's boys basketball team since two seasons ago.

The Panthers took another significant stride Thursday night, rallying late to knock off visiting Antioch 53-52.

"That was a game we would have lost last year," said second-year coach Howard Kravets, whose Panthers trailed after each of the first three quarters, including 36-33 entering the fourth.

The win improved Round Lake to 2-5 overall and 2-0 in the North Suburban Prairie Division. It was also the second win in a row for the Panthers, who never did that last season and won just four games overall.

"We've talked about learning to finish games," Kravets said. "Last year we were hoping to compete. This year we're hoping to win."

Antioch, which fell to 2-4 and 0-2, was plagued by foul trouble and unforced turnovers all night. And, yet, the Sequoits led 38-33 early in the fourth quarter after Kyle Melton sank a 16-footer.

Lange then ignited the home crowd with his baseline dunk.

"That sparked us," said Lange, a 6-foot-5 junior and second-year varsity player. "Everyone got happy, and then Juddon (Carter) hit a 3 and that helped a lot."

Carter's 3-pointer got Round Lake within 40-39. But Antioch's Robert Ritacca answered with a 3 of his own, and when Chris Terzic sank 2 free throws, the Sequoits led 45-39 with 5:46 left.

Jake Paulsen's acrobatic scoop shot helped spike Round Lake's energy again, and the Panthers finally took their first lead since late in the first quarter when Jon Martinez put back Paulsen's missed free throw with 40 seconds left.

A Carter steal and free throw and a Paulsen block, rebound and foul shot helped Round Lake secure its victory.

Antioch's Kyle Haley hit a 3 at the buzzer.

Sophomore Karl Nettgen had 12 points and 6 rebounds for Antioch, which committed 24 turnovers. Terzic (11 points) and Melton (10) also scored in double figures. Sequoits sophomore William Waschow provided great energy off the bench with 11 rebounds and 3 points.

The hardworking Martinez led Round Lake in scoring with 19 points, while also grabbing 5 rebounds. Paulsen had 16 points, despite shooting 4 of 15 from the stripe, and hauled down 12 boards.

"Antioch's an improving program like we are," Kravets said.

"At the beginning of the season, both teams probably looked at this game and said, 'We got to get this one.' So for us to win the game is huge."