Dundee-Crown gets defensive with Jacobs
The Dundee-Crown boys basketball team toppled District 300 nemesis Jacobs 67-46 Friday by intensifying its defensive pressure in the second half of a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division tilt in Algonquin.
Dundee-Crown (14-7, 7-1) led by 5 points at halftime, but the Chargers moved to a double-digit lead in the third quarter by forcing the Golden Eagles into as many turnovers (7) as points scored.
"To come out in the second half and lock down on defense feels great," D-C's Kyle Bernhard said.
It marks the first season sweep in the series for Dundee-Crown since 2008-09. D-C defeated Jacobs 49-38 on Jan. 7. The Chargers have now won 4 straight in the series, including a 50-43 regional semifinal victory last March.
"Playing our crosstown rivals and winning by 20 or more is just a great feeling," D-C guard Brandon Rodriguez said.
Jacobs (4-17, 2-4) made just 2 field goals in 10 attempts in the third quarter and was outscored 33-17 in the second half.
"Their defensive intensity was getting us out of our rhythm," Jacobs forward Alex Glover said. "We couldn't get our shots going or make crisp passes. Then they'd get fast breaks. Their defense is really what anchored them and pushed them ahead."
Dundee-Crown opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Thomas McNally drilled a jumpshot from the circle, then he scored in the paint, fed by Dylan Kissack.
The Chargers shared the ball all night, evidenced moments later when McNally, in turn, spotted a cutting Rodriguez for a layup.
"One of the strengths of this team is the way they pass and find the open man," D-C coach Lance Huber said. "I thought that was evident tonight. Thomas came out and hit the first 2 buckets because we found the open man."
Nick Ledinsky led the Golden Eagles with 17 points and Glover added 10 points and 7 rebounds, but Dundee-Crown's defense held Jacobs to 5 second-half field goals.
"Their defense did a nice job and they shot extremely well, especially in the second half," Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle said.
D-C led 49-36 heading to the fourth quarter. An 8-0 surge midway through the period bulged the lead to 22 points. Reserve guard Bruce Dantzler sparked that run with 4 of his 6 points.
Bernhard opened the game by sinking five 3-pointers in the first quarter and finished with 17 points.
"They couldn't guard him," Rodriguez said. "He was hitting all of them."
"He was coming clean off screens," Glover said.
Rodriguez scored 14 points and made 3 steals and McNally finished with 12 points for Dundee-Crown, which returns to FVC Valley play Wednesday against visiting Prairie Ridge.
Jacobs next hosts a makeup game against Cary-Grove on Monday.
"We don't have to think about this one too long," Hinkle said. "We play Monday."