Brust busts out with 45 for Mundelein

After averaging 17 points last year, Mundelein junior guard Ben Brust knew he would be a marked man in NSC Lake Division play.

Of course, knowing you have to stop him and actually doing so are two different things altogether.

Visiting Libertyville found that out the hard way Tuesday. Brust scored a career-high 45 points to lead the Mustangs to a 79-66 victory.

"He was unconscious at times," Libertyville coach Scott Bogumil said. "He played the game of his life."

Mundelein improved to 4-3 and 1-0 in the Lake Division. Libertyville dropped to 1-5, 0-2.

Brust's previous high was a 40-point outing as a sophomore.

"He probably had the best game of any player I've coached," Mundelein coach Richard Knar said. "Everyone is keying on him and for him to s core like that is amazing."

Brust's teammates could tell early on he would have a big night.

"He took off and never slowed down," said sophomore Ryan Sawvell, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Mundelein led 38-25 at halftime, but on the opening possession of the second half Libertyville senior Kevin Johns found senior Julian Hill for an alley-oop dunk.

"It (seemed like) slow motion," Hill said. "It was a perfect pass and I got two great picks."

Mundelein immediately answered with a transition layup by Brust.

"When the other team dunks, we try to get back down the court as fast as possible," Brust said.

Libertyville's Myles Burton scored on the next possession, but Brust responded with a 3-pointer. He scored 14 of Mundelein's 15 points in the quarter. His defense (6 rebounds) was impressive as well.

"When we're good, we pressure the ball," Brust said. "I tried to rebound more and get in the passing lanes."

Libertyville, though, was intent on making a game of it. By the end of the quarter, the Wildcats whittled the deficit down to 53-48.

After missing countless shots in the paint in the first half, Libertyville started exploiting its size advantage.

"We did a much better job of finishing in the second half," Bogumil said. "(Mundelein) plays so fast that they're going to give you some opportunities."

Before Libertyville could get any closer, Brust came through with a 3-pointer and another basket.

"There were some times we lost sight of him (early), but in the second half guys were all around him," Bogumil said.

Libertyville senior guard Josh Trees had a team-high 16 points. Senior Jeremy Letchford added 13 points. Burton and Hill each had 12 points.

Hill, who did not see a lot of playing time as a junior, continues to improve.

"He's one of those program guys," Bogumil said. "He's developed every year and his best basketball is still ahead of him."

Sawvell recorded his first varsity dunk in the second half.

"I've been waiting a long time for that," he said.