Nelms takes the helm to spark Meadows in OT
Rolling Meadows fans have been waiting for junior guard Brian Nelms to step up and have a game like he had Friday night against Prospect.
Nelms scored 23 points, pulled down 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists as the host Mustangs defeated the Knights 68-64 in overtime in boys basketball.
“Before the game, coach (Kevin Katovich) said to me that it’s your time to be the player,” said Nelms, who had a season-low 5 points in a 55-32 loss to the Knights on Dec. 3. “At the begining of the year I just tried to do too much. I’ve wanted to be the offensive leader, yet be able to penetrate and dish off to the others. Everyone has adjusted to their roles.This was just a great team win.”
The Mustangs captured their sixth in a row — their longest winning streak since 2005 when they won a share of the Mid-Suburban East title. The triumph also snapped an 0-11 run against the Knights.
The Mustangs (11-9, 5-3) moved into a tie for third in the East with Buffalo Grove — a game behind co-leaders Prospect and Hersey.
The Knights (12-7, 6-2) saw their four-game winning streak end.
“Our players just battled and battled,” said Katovich. “We knew when Nelms came here he could be a special player. I am so happy for him after tonight’s game.”
The Mustangs led most of the way and held a 34-26 edge after Tyler Gaedele (12 points) hit three straight 3-point baskets to start the second half.
The Knights rallied with a 10-2 run to close out the quarter that tied the game at 36-36.
Mike LaTulip (18 points) hit a basket with 1:01 left to give the Knights a 52-51 lead, and Grant DePalma (9 points) nailed a pair of free throws with 31 seconds left to increase the advantage to 54-51.
The Mustangs’ Eric Lowe knotted the game at 54-54, hitting a 3-point basket with 15 seconds left. LaTulip’s left-wing jumper bounced off the rim as time expired in regulation.
DePalma’s 3 point-play and a free throw by LaTulip gave Prospect a 58-54 lead with 3:27 left in overtime.
A basket by Lowe (12 points) was countered by LaTulip. Nelms then hit 2 baskets, which tied the score at 60-60 with 2:15 remaining.
Paul Volkman (8 points, 10 rebounds) converted a putback that gave the Mustangs the lead for good at 62-60 with 1:37 left.
Scott Shewmon scored on an assist from Nelms before Brad Reibel countered for the Knights. Shewmon hit a free throw and Lowe sank 3 of 4 in the final 21 seconds for a 68-62 lead.
“I can’t say enought about the play of Lowe tonight,” said Nelms. “He hit a big 3 pointer and made some key free throws down the stretch. He did a good job in helping to hold down (LaTulip), one of the best offensive players in the league. “
“Rolling Meadows never quit and that was the story of the night,” said Prospect coach John Camardella. “It was the best game that I’ve seen Nelms play. When I look at our stats and see 6 assists and 21 turnovers, well, that’s just not our game.”