Defense helps Wheeling rebound

After trailing 24-21 at the half, Wheeling clamped down defensively after the break to get past Niles North 53-38 in the Billy D. Schnurr tournament at Niles West.

"We wanted to emphasize improvement on defense and we did it," said Wheeling coach Lou Wool. "We wanted to focus on improvement and I'm pleased with it."

Chris McClellan led the Wildcats (1-1) with 18 points, including a 3-pointer. He also went 9-of-9 from the free throw line as the team finished 22-for-32.

The Wildcats also enjoyed balanced scoring as Alex Chery, James Kurtz and Mike Zimmer added 8 points apiece while Mike Barton dropped in 7.

The Wildcats advance to Friday's consolation championship game at 4 p.m. against Rich South, a 53-42 winner over Palatine (0-2).

N. Lawndale 54, Maine W. 48: Jimmy Orlowski scored 19 points for Maine West (0-3) in the Lisle tournament.

Walther 73, Leyden 59: Walther Lutheran pulled away from a 1-point lead after three quarters despite 19 points from Leyden (1-2) junior Deron Guyton in the Marmion tourney finale.