O'Brien keys Mundelein win
Sean O'Brien is either a new breed of basketball player, or maybe the Mundelein sophomore just doesn't know any better and would rather defer to the upper classmen.
"I get more of a thrill out of a big rebound or a perfect pass than I do getting a bucket," O'Brien said. "We have so many options that it's just as much fun getting those guys the ball."
O'Brien's numbers in the Mustangs' 85-73 win at Grant on Saturday night were rather pedestrian. Then again, his 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists are just what the Mustangs expect from the 6-foot-4 varsity rookie.
"All year long he has been that unsung hero for us," Mundelein coach Dick Knar said. "He's a real smart basketball player even smarter than his coach."
O'Brien's effort helped lift Mundelein (25-4) to its fourth straight win. The Mustangs are only 3 shy of tying the school record for wins in a season.
They broke open the game in the second quarter, using a 15-5 burst to take a 42-23 advantage. The lead grew behind the play of O'Brien on the glass and Evansville-bound senior Ryan Sawvell.
Sawvell was quick and elusive, scoring a game-best 28 points, including 17 before the break.
"I liked how active Ryan was tonight," Knar said. "He made (Grant) have to foul him hard in order to stop him."
Leavon Head and Robert Knar ignited Mundelein in the third quarter. Knar scored 7 of his 17 points, as the Mustangs built their lead to over 20 points. Head chipped in with 14 points, all but four coming before halftime.
Grant (14-11) found an offensive rhythm late, but couldn't slow down the high-powered Mustangs.
"With our game this week against Lake Zurich (on Tuesday) we need to just look at getting better every day," said Grant coach Wayne Bosworth, whose team dropped its fourth in a row. "Mundelein is a good team that runs their offense like a 25-4 team runs its offense."
Grant outscored Mundelein 22-10 in a wild fourth quarter. But the Bulldogs got no closer than the final 12-point margin.
The Bulldogs got balanced scoring, led by Sean Wells' 14 points. Jerry Gaylor netted 11 of his 13 points in the opening half. Ilya Kadushin and Vic Muntu added 11 points each.