Conant's defense frustrates Fremd

How dominant was Conant's defense in Friday night's 45-27 win over Fremd?

Try this stat: Over the first 3½ quarters, the Vikings made only 4 field goals -- that's right, 4 in the Mid-Suburban West contest in Palatine.

Fremd finished with 7 baskets, but then again, the home team wasn't exactly burning it up at the foul line, either.

The Vikings were already in the double bonus before the fourth quarter began, but finished the first three quarters with only 6 made free throws in 15 attempts.

Ironically, Fremd boasted the game's high scorer, as guard Daniel Bruno tallied 17 points and tried to lead a fourth-quarter rally.

"We weren't cutting," said Bruno, "we weren't screening, we weren't doing all of the things we do in practice. It's frustrating."

"I thought our kids gave a gritty defensive effort," said Conant coach Tom McCormack, "especially on the road in a physical game.

"Our defense was good for the most part, but we gave them too many free throws. That could have made a huge difference in the game."

Bruno was 5-for-5 from the line in the final eight minutes.

Junior guard Tony Rizzo set the tone early with a steal and layup to give the Cougars (6-2, 3-0) the lead for good.

Six-foot-5 senior Chris Hoffman (team-high 13 points), and senior guard Tommy Sotos (8 points) came up big, especially in the second quarter when the Cougars opened up a 26-11 halftime lead.

"They run their offense very well," said Bruno.

David Trinco, Tom Mahr, Cameron Leavitt, Jeff Keegan and Bill Charvat all pitched in to the Conant defensive effort as Fremd (2-7, 1-2) went without a field goal in the second half until Bruno swished a jumper with 3:43 left.

The Vikings got within 38-25 but Conant ran off the next 7 points to close things out.

"Our intensity level was pretty good," said McCormack. "Especially on the road. It wasn't a work of art, but it was a win on the road so we'll take it."