Prospect on board with winning formula

Prospect's record this season is based on one thing. Rebounding.

"Our goal is to out-rebound every team," said senior guard-forward Jack Redding.

Friday night at home against Mid-Suburban East rival Elk Grove, the Knights' rebounding effort was displayed in their 59-49 win.

The Knights (7-1, 3-0) came out with their guns blazing, as sophomore guard Mike LaTulip (14 points) hit 2 of his four 3-pointers to start the game. The quick start forced Elk Grove coach Anthony Furman to call a timeout just 1:51 into the game with a 9-0 deficit.

Prospect outscored the Grens (1-7, 1-2) 18-10 in the first quarter when it hit the boards hard. The second quarter belonged to Elk Grove and Scott Siwicki (6 points, 12 rebounds) as it outscored Prospect 14-10.

"When we rebound we will have high-scoring quarters," said Prospect coach John Camardella. "When we don't secure rebounds that's when the offense becomes stagnant."

The Knights came out in the second half the same way they did to start the game. A 20-point third quarter gave them a 48-32 lead.

Facing a big deficit in the fourth, the Grens, who have had strong performances their last two games, kept clawing their way back into the game, twice cutting the deficit to 7 points behind Siwicki, Brian Battaglia (15 points, 7-for-9 free throws) and John Lorenz (9 points).

"Besides a few bad spurts, I'm happy with our performance," Furman said.

Redding and senior Joe LaTulip stepped up and took the game in their hands. Redding was all over the court doing whatever his team needed him to do with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 4 assists) despite foul trouble.

LaTulip decided it was time for him to put the scoring on his back. He made all 4 of his free-throw attempts down the stretch and hit two big threes finishing with 23 points.

"In the first half I try to get everyone else in rhythm," LaTulip said. "Being the point guard, I'm the facilitator of the offense."

Ultimately, the outside shooting and quick-release of the LaTulip brothers and better rebounding in the second half (no offensive rebounds allowed by Prospect) were too much for the Grens to overcome.