Patel, Elk Grove tackle Hersey

Kishan Patel is used to making big defensive plays on the football field from his cornerback position.

On Friday night, the Elk Grove junior put those same skills to use on the basketball court.

With the host Grens clinging to a 4-point lead over Hersey with less than a minute remaining, Patel leaped high in the air to make a key steal and break up a Huskies fastbreak attempt.

The clutch play and a few late free throws helped Elk Grove (6-8, 2-2) preserve a 69-61 Mid-Suburban East victory.

“Kishan is playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said Grenadiers coach Anthony Furman, whose team matched its win total of last year. “He’s doing everything we ask of him, defending and making plays.”

“I’m just trying to be an athlete out there,” said Patel, who also led the Grens in scoring with 18 points. “This was a huge win for us. We wanted to come out and show the rest of the conference that we’re for real.”

Sean Reszotko led the visiting Huskies with 18 points.

“The difference tonight was that Elk Grove was able to rebound, get to loose balls, and get to the rim,” said Hersey coach Steve Messer. “I didn’t anticipate us rebounding poorly and playing poor defense.”

Patel closed out the first half by nailing a tough 12-foot jumper. The junior was knocked to the floor, then made the free throw for a 3-point play that gave Elk Grove a 34-30 lead after two quarters.

Patel then drained a long 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer to extend the Grens lead, but Hersey (6-9, 2-2) fought back behind some tough inside play by 6-foot-3 forward Joe Mailloux (9 points, 9 rebounds) and 6-4 center Stefan Vucicevic (8 points).

Elk Grove led 65-61 with 45 second left when the Huskies rushed downcourt looking to close the gap, but Patel’s steal stemmed the tide.

Four late free throws by Grens junior Austin Amann (17 points) sealed the win.

“We played well at the Jacobs Christmas tournament,” said Furman, “and I thought that was something we could build on — but I also told the guys that they had to come out with a new urgency tonight, beceause the level of play would go up once we got back to conference.”

Hersey guard Kevin Kozil pitched in with 12 points, while Zach Solorio added 16, including two 3-pointers, for Elk Grove.

“I thought this was a very good game for both teams,” added Furman. “Our guys played with a lot of composure and everyone was stepping up and making plays.”