McDonald, Schaumburg show depth in satisfying win

Schaumburg believes in its depth.

The Saxons rotated players in with high frequency, just like line changes in a hockey game.

Backed by 19 points from the bench, Schaumburg was able to emerge from a grind-it-out defensive game at Hoffman Estates with a 45-38 Mid-Suburban West boys basketball win Friday night.

"On any given night we have multiple players who are capable of scoring a lot of points or getting a lot of rebounds or playing great defense," Schaumburg coach Matt Walsh said. "Our depth is our key."

The biggest example of Schaumburg's depth against the Hawks was junior guard Javon McDonald.

McDonald was the last of the Saxons' 10 players who played to enter the game, but finished with 10 points.

"We're a deep team," McDonald said. "I think we have the best bench in the conference. We go 10 deep every game. We can play everybody on our team."

In addition to McDonald, the Saxons got 12 points from Glenn Frost, which was the game-high, and 9 from Declan Geraghty.

Tight defense defined the first half for both teams, evidenced by Hoffman's 16-14 lead at intermission.

"It was tight," McDonald said of the defense. "It was hard to get through on the dribble. When you were dribbling you had to really concentrate and make sure you don't lose the ball."

Walsh said his players know how deep their team is, and they love it when players step up as McDonald did Friday.

"Our guys are really happy for each other when it is their time, and they hope their time comes again later in the season," Walsh said.

McDonald also proved his mettle in the clutch, sinking all 4 of his free throw attempts in the final quarter for the Saxons (9-6, 3-1).

"I practice my free throws knowing they would come in handy eventually," McDonald said. "I played my role. Came off the bench, and did what I had to do to make the team win."

After scoring just 14 points in the first half, the Saxons accounted for 17 in the third quarter and built a 6-point lead going into the fourth.

"I didn't think the defense dictated the tempo of the third quarter," Hoffman (8-6, 1-3) coach Bill Wandro said. "I think their offense dictated the tempo. And that allowed them to get shots that were better suited for what they wanted to do."

Senior center Lance Vesper (11 points, 7 rebounds) and senior guard Kevin Tiongson (11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) paced the Hawks. Brandon Fischer added 7 points off the bench.