Leyden cruises past Meadows

Leyden's trapping defense and long-range first-quarter shooting meant disaster for Rolling Meadows boys basketball team.

The visting Eagles dismantled the Mustangs 59-44 in a non-conference game Saturday night.

"They (Leyden) played like they were getting ready for the sate tournament," said Mustangs coach Kevin Katovich. "We played like the season ended yesterday. They just took it to us. We didn't have intensity or execution."

Early on Meadows center Scott Shewmon (10 points, 12 rebounds) had his way, scoring 6 points and grabbing 7 rebounds as the Mustangs led 10-8 with 2:23 left for the first quarter.

Alex Herrera hit three 3-pointers in the last 55 seconds of the quarter to build a 17-10 lead for the Eagles (9-15).

"We wanted to get off to a good start," said Herrera, who ended up with 12 points. "That gave us the momenteum we needed. The guards played well with the traps and forced turnovers."

Seven Meadows (14-11) turnovers helped the Eagles lead 26-12 before Mike Olson (8 points) hit a 3 with 20 seconds left in the first half.

Leyden's Eric Palmer who did not start because of illness during the week, came off the bench and did a lot of second-half damage. Palmer scored 12 of his 19 points after halftime and also pulled down 5 rebounds.

"It was a good morale booster for us," said Palmer. "I didn't mind coming off the bench. I had a idea on how the game was flowing."

Leyden finished the quarter up 40-24 and coasted. Brandon Stinson added 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winners, who hit 8 of 14 from 3-point range.

"We had to stop their inside game," said Eagles coach Bill Heisler. "Because of the good guard play we were able to get some good offensive possessions. Palmer gave us a lift off the bench and Herrera is a good shooter."

St. Viator 81, Maine East 48: St. Viator (13-11) snapped out of an offensive funk and ended a five-game losing streak as Chris Myjak scored a game-high 16 points in the nonconference win at Cahill Gym in Arlington Heights.

D.J. Morris (13 points), Kevin Walsh (12 points) and Ryan McGuigan (11 points) helped Viator to its season-high point total. Sophomore Patrick Martin hit three 3s and had 9 points after being called up this weekend to the varsity with Ore Arogundade. Nick Frett added 7 points.

"We've just really been struggling so it was nice to see guys knock some (shots) down," said Viator coach Joe Majkowski, whose team hosts Benet at 7 p.m. Wednesday. "They've been working hard and our practices have been good but weve been struggling in games. It was good to see us shoot the ball well."

Viator led 36-18 at halftime and 60-23 after three quarters. Maine East (3-22) lost its 14th straight game.

Bloomington 45, Schaumburg 40: Schaumburg (13-11) was able to get within 2 points twice in the final three minutes but host Bloomington (12-12) sealed the nonconference game by hitting 5-of-6 free throws in the final 1:20.

A steal and layup by Javon McDonald (14 points, two 3s) pulled the Saxons within 40-38 at 1:26. They also trailed 38-36 with three minutes left.

Jimmy Lundquist had 11 points and 7 rebounds and Kyle Bolger had 8 points for Schaumburg, which shot just 27 percent (12-for-45) from the field. T.J. Riggs led Bloomington with 15 points.