Mustangs' win is D-lightful

The Mundelein boys basketball program has developed a reputation for playing at a frenetic pace and scoring boatloads of points.

What about the other half of the game?

"People have said Mundelein doesn't play defense," senior guard Andy Rochon said. "We want to show we play great defense."

The season is only two games old, but the Mustangs already are doing a good job of proving this point. Against Prairie Ridge on Tuesday night in the second-round of the Mundelein Thanksgiving Tournament, the Mustangs forced 34 turnovers in an 82-43 victory.

Mundelein opened the season Monday with a 90-49 victory over Barrington.

"It's a (great) feeling when they can't get the ball past half court," Rochon said.

Mundelein led 20-9 after the first quarter but quickly increased its lead to 25 points by halftime. In the third quarter, the Mustangs (2-0) limited Prairie Ridge (0-2) to five points.

"We could definitely feel them wearing down," Mundelein senior Navjot Singh said.

Mundelein coach Richard Knar is excited with the way the Mustangs are playing defense.

"We're applying pressure on the ball and in the passing lanes," he said. "Our offense is generated from our defense. We're not settling for the 3-pointer as much, and we're getting to the free-throw line more."

Singh scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Sophomore Ben Brust, a transfer from Hersey who scored 24 points against Barrington, contributed 16 points. Senior Kevin Blackowicz (13 points), junior Kevin Barber (11 points) and Rochon (10 points) also reached double figures.

Prairie Ridge senior guard Bryan McGinn scored a team-high 13 points.

"(Mundelein) played really hard, and I wish our kids would have stood up (more)," Prairie Ridge coach Corky Card said. "They limited us to one shot and did whatever they wanted."