Meadows picks up East win over Elk Grove

Rolling Meadows started the season with a 3-1 record, but since early December the Mustangs have been sliding a bit, having lost 8 of 10 games.

Meadows was looking to put an end to its slide against Elk Grove, and the Mustangs did just that Friday.

Senior Paul Volkman scored a game-high 18 points in leading host Meadows (6-9, 1-3) to a 59-52 Mid-Suburban East victory.

"We're starting to play a little bit better," said Meadows coach Kevin Katovich. "We just have to keep working. The guys are doing a great job and they're staying focused they want to get better."

Meadows fell behind 37-36 midway through the third quarter, but answered with 14-2 run that stretched into the final quarter and extended the lead to a comfortable 50-39.

Volkman scored 10 of his points in the second half, and junior Brian Nelms scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half to propel the Mustangs.

"We're 1-3 in conference, but we're not going to count ourselves out of the East race," said Volkman, who also contributed 7 rebounds. "We just have to put some wins together."

Nelms and junior guard Eric Lowe (4 points) also spurred the Mustangs' defense by combining for 6 steals, and senior Scott Shewmon (6 points) added a big presence inside.

Junior Tyler Gaedele had 10 points for the Mustangs, with senior Mike Crigler and junior Mike Olson adding some valuable minutes off the bench.

Elk Grove (4-11, 1-3) came storming back early in the third quarter, using an 11-4 run in taking a 37-36 lead.

The Grenadiers made 10 3-pointers, with senior John Lorenz (13 points) and senior Justin Flores (10 points) both connecting for three. Senior Matt Gordon also chipped in 12 points.

"We're struggling at staying at a high level for long periods," said Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman, whose team has lost 8 of its last 9 games. "You have one letdown and all of a sudden it's a 5- or 7-point deficit. We're showing improvement, but there is still work to be done."