It's the same old story for Elgin

Elgin's 64-56 loss to visiting Rockford Jefferson in all-too familiar fashion brought out the headline writer in Maroons coach Mike Sitter Saturday.

"Team fights hard, team can't get over the hump at the end," Sitter summarized. "It's a story I'm tired of writing, but until we put together four quarters of consistent play..."

As in earlier losses to Wheaton North, Rockford Auburn, Willowbrook and Waubonsie Valley, Elgin held a lead it couldn't protect in an eventual loss. The Maroons led by as much as 8 points in the second quarter, but the J-Hawks stayed within 23-21 at the half before they erupted in the third quarter.

Using a 1-2-2 full-court press, the J-Hawks forced multiple Elgin turnovers to ignite an 8-0 run that vaulted Jefferson to a 26-point period. Elgin trailed 47-37 heading to the fourth quarter.

"They came out in a 1-2-2 full court and we struggled against it," Elgin senior Tim Newcombe said. "We had to get someone flashing to the middle, but no one flashed to the middle."

Newcombe enjoyed his best game of the season with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, but his production was offset by a game-high 21 points from senior guard Mershon Wilkes and 19 points by 6-1 senior forward Mario Manns.

Elgin pulled within 54-51 late in the game and regained possession when the J-Hawks threw an alley-oop pass out of bounds. Sitter called timeout to plot strategy, but when play resumed Maroons guard Dennis Moore found himself caught in a half-court trap without help. Manns came up with the turnovers and scored at the other end with 2:43 to play.

"Nobody moved to help out Dennis," Sitter said. "It was a turnover and a layup back at the other end. I think that was the turning point of the game. It took the wind out of our sails, re-energized them and we were chasing pretty hard after that."

Following an Elgin missed shot, Wilkes broke away for a layup to put the J-Hawks ahead 58-51.

No Maroon cracked double-digit scoring besides Newcombe. Senior guard Mike Richard scored 5 of his 9 points from the free-throw line, where Elgin shot 20 of 25 as a team. Elgin played without sophomore starting forward Kory Brown, who rested ankle, hip and groin injuries.

"I was real worried because Kory couldn't play because he was beat up and sore," Sitter said. "We were missing a starter and I was concerned we'd come out and lay an egg right away, but these guys came out and battled from the opening tip. We just can't get over that hump and it's a shame."