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Grant holds off Grayslake North

Grayslake North needed a 3-pointer for the tie on Tuesday night at home. Two 3s bounded away. Finally, leading scorer Ryan Connolly got his hands on the basketball. He banked in a 3-pointer.

After the final buzzer sounded, though, Grant (16-11, 9-2) took a big step toward a Northern Lake County Conference title with a narrow 50-47 road win over the Knights.

Grant got a solid game from senior Torren Grana-Curry (17 points).

"We are a great shooting team,'' Grana-Curry said. "We were looking for open looks. I think we are one of the best teams around. We have great chemistry and everyone gets along."

Michael John Smith had all of his 8 points in the second quarter as the Bulldogs held a 27-22 halftime lead.

"I love this team,'' Smith said. "I think we all felt like our shots were going in tonight."

While Connolly had 16 of the Knights' points at the break, the Bulldogs had six different players with points.

Connolly seemed to take a break in the third quarter. Austin Martineau was just getting warmed up. He followed up his rebound bucket with a 3-pointer and the home fans had something to cheer about as North (15-11. 8-4) had taken a lead.

Tony Hines (14 points) checked in next for the Knights. His steal and bucket and another layup gave North a 37-34 lead late in the third quarter.

And then Bulldogs had enough. Hunter Waszkowski, Grana-Curry and Henry Kusiak answered back with 3-pointers. The Grant lead was 6 points at 43-37.

"That was three 3-pointers from three seniors,'' said Grant coach Wayne Bosworth.

Grant ended North's 7-game win streak with the victory.

"They have been playing very well,'' Bosworth added. "They put on a nice show tonight."

Connolly hit a tough fadeaway shot with 50 ticks to play. The Knights were within a bucket at 49-47.

Kusiak (9 points) and Grana-Curry landed free throws making the Grant lead stand up.

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