Stevenson doesn't have easy time in opener

Stevenson hopes to use its 55-43 win over Maine West Monday night as a catapult for the rest of the 32nd annual Wildcat Hardwood Classic at Wheeling.

The Patriots (9-2) held off several Warrior (3-7) challenges to win the first-round game and advance to today's 8:45 p.m. quarterfinal against St. Viator (10-2).

"Maine West just wouldn't give up," said Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose. "We just couldn't put them away. We did a good job with our passing game, but then we gave up too many turnovers."

Stevenson built a 17-6 lead with 1:16 left in the first quarter.

Alex Smauelson (22 points, 5 rebounds) scored on 2 free throws and a basket to go with Zack Pavlatos' hoop to pull within 17-12 at quarter's end.

An 0-for-6 start from the field for the Warriors and some balanced scoring by the Patriots saw Stevenson use an 11-0 run to start the quarter and lead 28-12.

A 3-point basket and a 3-point play by Samuelson saw the Warriors close to 28-18.

Nate Johnson (19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) sandwiched a pair of baskets between Shawn Alberts' steal and score to finish the quarter for a 34-18 lead.

Maine West received 8 points from Conor Hart and 4 from Samuelson to get within 41-33 after three quarters but could not get closer.

A 9-0 run by Stevenson to start the fourth quarter put the game out of reach.

"We were't as crisp as we can be," said Johnson. "They really battled us. To keep progressing we are going to have to make better passes and eliminate turnovers."

Maine West plays Streamwood at 2 p.m. today.

"We had some missed opportunities," said Maine West coach Erik NcNeill. "We're learning that when we slow things down we run a better offense. What we need to do is get Alex some scoring help. Our players did a good job of not folding."