Rebnord gives Patriots big feel-good start

It was a feel-good first quarter for the Stevenson boys basketball team.

Daniel Rebnord, Stevenson's improving 6-foot-6 center, scored 10 points to stake the Patriots to a 12-point lead after eight minutes Saturday night.

From there, Stevenson rolled to an easier than expected 58-43 victory over visiting Lake Forest in a North Suburban Lake game.

"We knew we had an advantage inside, and Dan made his shots," Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose said. "It was a lot of fun for the bench because Dan is a team favorite. When he scores, everyone enjoys it."

Rebnord was 3 inches taller than any Lake Forest starter, and he took full advantage of his size. He finished with a team-high 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

When Rebnord came out near the end of the first quarter, every member of the Stevenson bench stood to give him a high five.

"I heard the bench and the crowd," Rebnord said. "Things like that are cool."

When Rebnord received the ball with his back to the basket, he took his time and backed his defender down.

"I rushed shots last year, but I've slowed down and am playing more relaxed," he said.

This was certainly apparent to his teammates.

"He was inexperienced last year, but now he has a feel for the varsity," senior guard Michael Goldstein said. "He's a leader for the team."

Both teams scored exciting victories Friday. Stevenson (6-2, 3-1) went on the road and defeated Warren 66-60. Lake Forest (5-3, 2-2) won 74-64 at Mundelein.

"We had a real long game against Warren, and the No. 1 thing was to come out quick tonight," Goldstein said.

Stevenson scored the game's first 14 points. Lake Forest's only points of the first quarter came when junior Kevin Berardini hit a 3-pointer at the 2:05 mark. The Patriots limited Lake Forest to 6 points in the second quarter and enjoyed a 28-9 halftime lead.

"We were fading away from the basket and they were attacking the basket," Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala said. "They're one of the best, if not the best, defensive teams in our league."

Stevenson senior Dylan Richter contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Senior guard Kevin Stineman had 9 points.

Goldstein scored 6 points and junior forward Henry Wood came through with 6 points in the second half. Senior forward Blake Ekenberg (5 points) made a 3-pointer and played well off the bench.

Lake Forest junior Matt Vogrich, who scored 20 points against Mundelein, was limited to 9 points. Senior guard David Holmes' trio of 3-pointers accounted for his 9 points.

After playing at a high level throughout the first half, the Patriots struggled some in the second half against Lake Forest's pressure defense.

"Maybe we (need) a stickier ball," Ambrose joked. "We have to value the basketball."