Sliwa (33 points) elevates Fremd against Downers Grove South

Playing against what Fremd boys basketball coach Bob Widlowski called his team's toughest opponent yet this season, the Vikings produced their best effort.

Especially junior Kyle Sliwa.

The 6-foot-6 guard finished with a career-best 33 points and drained five 3-pointers as Fremd defeated visiting Downers Grove South in nonconference play.

"Kyle played a great game for us," Widlowski said. "He really stepped up, and he was steady the whole game."

Sliwa scored in each quarter for Fremd (8-1), which also had double-figure scorers in junior forward Brian Dompke (11 points) and senior guard Patrick Benka (10).

Senior forward Donovan Ferguson led Downers Grove South (5-2) with 16 points and junior guard Tyree Spencer had 14.

Widlowski credited Luke Schoffstall (8 points) with playing terrific defense against Mustangs guard Denis Alibegovic and said Vikes senior forward Samson Oladimeji was effective rebounding the ball and limiting Downers Grove South's second-chance opportunties.

Fremd outscored Downers Grove South 17-7 in the first quarter before allowing the Mustangs 22 points in the second quarter. Fremd still led 33-29 at the half, and managed to outscore its opponent in both the third and fourth quarters.

Payton Kim had 8 points for the Vikings, who finished 17-for-19 at the foul line, thanks in large part to a 12-for-13 effort from Sliwa.

Fremd has won seven straight, and Widlowski is counting this one as the most satisfying in the streak.

"Downers Grove South really has a lot of offensive weapons, so it's nice to come out on top against them," he said.

Fremd travels to Buffalo Grove for a Mid-Suburban League divisional crossover Tuesday before traveling to Conant for a Friday matchup of MSL West co-leaders.

Hoffman Estates 53, Batavia 50: The Hawks improved to 3-6 with a nonconference victory on the road.