Wandro era ends at Hoffman Estates
An early run signaled a quick postseason exit — and the end of an era — Monday night.
Lake Park scored the first 11 points against Hoffman Estates in the quarterfinals of the IHSA Class 4A Glenbrook North regional en route to a 47-31 win, signaling the end of coach Bill Wandro’s career with the Hoffman program.
“I love being a Hawk is how I would sum it up,” said Wandro, who is retiring at the end of the school year with a 337-226 record and two Elite Eight trips. “Can’t say anything more.”
The Lancers applied defensive pressure that bothered just about everything Hoffman tried to accomplish early in the game. The Hawks couldn’t get open looks at the basket or spot their teammates for passes.
Lake Park’s defensive effort turned into transition offense with quick passes to post players Zack Cooper (18 points, 8 rebounds) and Zack Wagner (8 points, 6 rebounds) after steals and breakouts off rebounds.
Lake Park’s two leading scorers, Eric Eichholz and Dominique Spencer, didn’t start the game. Spencer didn’t even play because of an injury.
“I was really happy with the guys,” said Lake Park (13-14) coach Josh Virostko. “The younger guys stepped up and had a really nice first quarter. Our defensive pressure really set the tone.”
Cooper was a force early, scoring 17 of his points in the first three quarters.
“I didn’t want to settle for jump shots,” Cooper said. “I wanted to go inside and be aggressive, and try to go to the (free-throw) line a little bit. I didn’t hit too many free throws (2 of 5), but I still wanted to be aggressive.”
Wandro said he couldn’t have anticipated anything worse in terms of a slow start for his team.
“I thought they did just an absolutely excellent job of getting the ball inside against us,” Wandro said. “When they reversed the ball and sealed us, we just didn’t have an answer. I thought our guys did a better job as the game went on, but it was too late by then. I think the initial shockwave of the lead put us a little too far back on our heels.
“I would have to say that I give all the kids credit though, because they didn’t stop trying hard. That’s what I’ve always enjoyed about being in the Hoffman Estates athletic program. Our kids don’t give up.”
Austin Terry led Hoffman (6-20) with 9 points, Matt Pahl scored 6 and Eric Saubert had 2 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Wandro had been mentally preparing for his last game as coach throughout the year, but he said when it finally became a reality he was a little caught off guard.
“I just want to thank District 211 and everybody involved in my career in high school basketball,” Wandro said. “I couldn’t have expected, as a young man, anything better. From beginning to end it’s been a really great trip — one I’m going to miss greatly and remember fondly.”