Prospect rallies late to beat Libertyville
Matt Woloch hit 3 free throws in the final 31 seconds and sophomore point guard Owen Schneider scored off the spread offense on a nifty cut to the basket as Prospect rallied on Friday in the final three minutes to defeat Libertyville, 54-48, in the fifth-place bracket at Wheeling's Hardwood Classic.
Matthew McAleer's blocked shot against Patrick Graham, who had terrorized shorter Prospect inside, set up Woloch's ultimate clinching free throw with 15 seconds left.
"The second half, we were able to spread it out," said Prospect coach John Camardella, and somewhat offset Libertyville's height advantage and get better quality looks.
The Wildcats had beaten the Knights (6-6) in overtime over Thanksgiving.
"Owen Schneider, our little sophomore point guard, made some outstanding plays and assistant coach Brad Rathje did a great job setting up the defense," Camardella said.
Woloch finished with 10 points in a balanced Knights effort. Center Brian Dini, with a couple of key steals, had 11 points.
Graham had 8 points but Blake Ellingson led Libertyville with 12.
Prospect will play in the fifth-place game on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. against Fremd/St. Viator.