Willowbrook sticks with its strengths against Metea Valley
Willowbrook has certain traits that has helped it off to a strong start this boys basketball season.
And the Warriors (5-1) used them to their advantage in a 69-65 victory over host Metea Valley in Aurora.
"Metea Valley is a very good team and they had a height advantage and we had to battle and scrap. We have speed and athleticism and we try to use those to our advantage," said Willowbrook coach Chris Perkins.
It was a big night for Warrior senior guard Matas Masys, who led all scorers with 25 points, including four 3-point baskets.
With 1:01 left in the game, Masys made two free throws to put Willowbrook up 66-62. He followed with two more free throws at the 42.9 mark to put the Warriors up 68-62.
Metea's Myles Leavy hit net for a 3 to pull Metea (5-3) to within 68-65.
Willowbrook was called for traveling with 21.2 seconds left. Masys stole the ball, and although he missed his shot, he was fouled. He sank one free throw with 6.4 seconds remaining to ice the game for the Warriors.
"I put my hand out there and the ball came to me," Masys said.
The Mustangs came out strong, leading 22-17 after the first quarter on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. Metea managed just 13 points in the second period and would lead 35-30 at halftime.
"They came out and stuck it to us, but the guys kept their composure," Perkins said.
Charlie Flak was the other Warriors hitting in double digits with 12 points.
Willowbrook has a big week coming up with two West Suburban Gold battles, including the team's home opener on Tuesday against Hinsdale South with a road trip Friday to Morton in Berwyn followed by a West Suburban Conference crossover Saturday night at York.
Both Perkins and Masys said that a close game like Friday's pays benefits behind just the win.
"Close situations like this will help us win games in conference. We have three big games. It will be a busy week, but we're mentally and physical prepared," Masys said.
Metea's Ethan Helwig led his team with 23 points. Tahj Morgan followed with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Myles Leavy had 11 points, Manny Hess put through 10.
It was the type of game where a play here and play there made the difference. Metea coach Matt Walpole said his team learned a valuable lesson regarding that.
"It comes down to the little things like matching up defensively. You have to pay attention to detail. Willowbrook made a few more plays down the stretch," he said.
Metea is at Plainfield North on Tuesday before returning to DuPage Valley Conference action next Friday at Naperville North.