Dundee-Crown downs Prairie Ridge

Dundee-Crown's boys basketball players and coaches insisted the Chargers weren't looking ahead to Saturday's showdown with Huntley. But for whatever reason, the Chargers struggled against Prairie Ridge, falling behind by 8 in the first half before rallying for a 44-39 victory in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action in Carpentersville Wednesday night.

Cordero Parson found Thomas McNally for a wide open layup to snap a 39-39 tie with 50 seconds left. McNally was fouled on the play and made the layup. After Prairie Ridge missed a shot, Bruce Dantzler made 2 free throws for the final margin.

The Chargers (15-7, 8-1) had no player score in double figures. Brandon Rodriguez led the way with 9 points and 9 rebounds. Dylan Kissack added 8 points, and Dantzler and McNally finished with 6 apiece.

"Prairie Ridge's record (5-17, 1-8) is very deceptive in my opinion," said Chargers coach Lance Huber, noting that the Wolves had some players join the team late because of football. "They're starting to get where a lot of teams were halfway through the year."

Prairie Ridge led virtually the entire first half. The Wolves stretched their advantage to 18-10 before the Chargers scored the final 8 points of the first half. Kissack's putback at the buzzer created the 18-all tie.

The Chargers continued the surge after the break, quickly building a 27-22 lead. But the Wolves fought back behind Michael Bradshaw (12 points) and Sean Valentine (8 points, 11 rebounds), eventually tying the game at 39.

Then came the critical possession. Parson dribbled around the exterior. He eventually found a lane, penetrated and found McNally alone under the basket.

"Cordero had a great play, driving in and sucking up all the defenders," said McNally. "Fortunately, I was left alone under the hoop for it."

"I just drove the ball, found him open, and he scored," said Parson.

Prairie Ridge applied full court pressure early and it worked, forcing 9 Charger turnovers in the first half.

"I don't know if it bothered them, it slowed them down," said Prairie Ridge coach Corky Card. "We were just trying to get them to start their offense in a different fashion than they're used to."

Parson scored only 5 points, but they were big. He hit buzzer beaters in both the first and third quarters.