South Elgin knocks off Metea Valley

It is the quest of every basketball team to play a complete game. Effective play from beginning to end usually results in more wins than losses.

Although South Elgin's effort at playing a complete game wasn't textbook, it was good enough as the Storm prevailed over host Metea Valley 65-59 on Friday night in Aurora.

It was the first conference win of the season for South Elgin (5-4, 1-3 Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division).

“The one thing that we had trouble with is end of quarters and end-of-game situations as far as being aggressive when the traps are coming and just handling the pressure a little bit better. I think we could have done a little bit better job than that,” Storm coach Chaz Taft said.

Neuqua Valley (5-4, 1-3) started with a hot shooting hand, making its first four shots but then missing its next nine. South Elgin led comfortably 18-11 after the first eight minutes, and it controlled most of the second quarter.

But the first example of what Taft said occurred when Metea's Tre'Sean Mackey was fouled with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock before halftime while making a 3-point attempt. He sank all three free throws and put the Mustangs within single digits of the Storm at 33-24. Metea had some of its momentum back.

The Mustangs pulled to within 5 on LaShawn Cargo's three-point play with 6:38 left in the third quarter. But the Storm led 50-39 at the end of the period.

However, Metea was not done.

South Elgin led with 1:26 left in the game. Kenny Obendorf hit a putback after a steal and Milan Bojanic sank a 3-pointer with 59.6 seconds left. The Storm clung to a 58-55 lead.

After each team called a timeout after Obendorf's basket, the Mustangs had to start fouling.

Sophomore Jacob Maestranzi, who scored a game-high 21 points, spent most of the time at the line. He would make 7 of 8 in the final quarter.

“I'm not paying attention to the points. I'm just doing what I can to help the team win,” he said.

As for Metea Valley, Friday night's game was another example of a good team that is definitely in the learning process of what it takes to succeed as it goes through its first varsity season.

“I think so (that's it's part of the growing process),” Mustang coach Bob Vozza said. “But I don't want moral victories. It's a team with a lot of fight in them. They have a great attitude.”

South Elgin participates in the York's holiday Tournament, which begins after Christmas. Metea Valley is at St. Charles East tonight and will be at the DeKalb's tournament over the holidays.