Vernon Hills' McCarty savors career win No. 200

It wasn't easy, but Win No. 200 sure was exhilarating.

Vernon Hills boys basketball coach Matt McCarty, now in his 17th year, got his 200th career coaching win at the school last week in a thriller against Maine East.

"It wasn't looking good for awhile," McCarty said with a chuckle.

Vernon Hills was down by 11 points with about four minutes to go. But the Cougars, who are currently 9-12 on the season, started pressing and created some turnovers and tough shots by Maine East and suddenly they were back in the game.

"Then with about three seconds left, Jack Barszcz hit a game-winning 3-pointer," McCarty said. "It was in the corner right in front of our bench. It was an exciting No. 200."

When news of McCarty's 200th victory hit social media, he was hit with all kinds of texts and messages from former players.

"Over winter break, we had about 30 guys back for our alumni scrimmage and it was a fun day reflecting on old times and I heard from a lot of those same guys after the 200th win," McCarty said. "Those relationships you make over the years are really special and I tell all those kids that 'It doesn't happen without you.' I also couldn't have asked for a better staff to work with all this time. It's been a blessing coaching here at Vernon Hills."

McCarty's staff made sure to properly acknowledge his milestone victory.

"I went out with my assistants after the game," McCarty said. "I got a free dinner out of the deal."

Close calls: To help Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty get his 200th win, senior forward Jack Barszcz hit a game-winning 3-pointer.

McCarty's happy moment was an "about time" moment for Barszcz.

"Jack has had a few other potential game-winners this year," McCarty said. "And he finally got one."

Against Maine West, Barszcz hit a late 3-pointer to tie the game and then had another 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have tied the game but it was off just a bit and the Cougars ended up losing by 3 points. Nearly the same thing happened against Lake Forest and against Leyden.

"Jack has been playing his butt off for us," McCarty said. "He was all-tournament at Christmas at Maine East and scored a bunch of points, including 33 points against Oak Forest, which won the tournament and is ranked in Class 3A.

Barszcz is averaging about 17 points per game

"He's just a complete player. He is good inside and out," McCarty said of Barszcz. "And he really works at practice. He's really good at getting the guys focused."

Knee problems: Heading into the season, Jack Barszcz was part of a "Big 3" for the Cougars that also included seniors Ryan Jacobson and Michael Moore.

But Jacobson went down with a torn ACL and Moore has been struggling with his own knee problems and neither of them have been able to contribute much, if at all, this season.

Last year, Jacobson averaged 14 points per game, and Moore was at about 8 points per game.

"I think Jack feels like a lot has fallen on his shoulders," Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty said. "When both Ryan and Michael went out, I think he knew he was really going to have to carry us."

Ryan and Ryan: It's been a tough year for Ryans in Lake County this year.

Ryan Jacobson of Vernon Hills went down two games into the season with a torn ACL. Ryan Connolly of Grayslake North went down in the summer with a torn ACL and will miss the entire season.

Both Ryans are seniors and coincidentally, both have played on the same Kessel AAU team.

"Not having them both in Lake County basketball this season is such a shame," Vernon Hills coach Matt McCarty said. "I know that for us, it's been tough not having Ryan (Jacobson). I miss coaching him. He would have been a difference-maker for us."