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Martinelli, Glenbrook South too much for Maine South

Maine South's boys basketball team has had its fair share of challenges this season. The Hawks have had issues with COVID, injuries and a bout with food poisoning.

After Friday night's game in Glenview, Maine South can add Glenbrook South's Nick Martinelli to that list.

The Elon University commit scored 32 points to lead the Titans past Maine South 63-47 in a Central Suburban South contest.

"He is a nice player," Maine South coach Tony Lavorato, Jr. said. "I liked our game. We got the ball where we wanted to get it."

Lavorato said missed shots, especially close to the basket, and turnovers in the first half hurt his team.

"We missed too many shots in the first half and had too many turnovers," Lavorato said. "I loved how we played and I thought we got something out of it."

Martinelli, who was 14-of-20 from the field and had 5 blocks and 4 rebounds, and Glenbrook South (19-1, 5-0) were able to get to the basket early and often in the first half. Martinelli scored 20 of his points in the first half as the Titans used a 10-0 run late in the first quarter to help build a 35-20 lead.

"I am super excited," said Martinelli, who injured his ankle late in the game but should be ready to play Simeon on Saturday at Benet in Lisle.

"We knew this was a trap game for us. We are a bit focused on the Simeon game. But we knew we had to take care of business because at the end of the day, conference games are more important."

Glenbrook South opened up a 50-28 lead after three quarters with Martinelli matching the Hawks with 28 points at the time.

Maine South (11-8, 1-4) showed resilience.

Behind Julian Triffo (13 points, 6 rebounds), Ryne Stering (10 points) and Kaden Karstens (8 points), the Hawks played a solid fourth quarter, getting the deficit down to 13 points before succumbing in the end. Kyle Rieger added 7 points off the bench for the Hawks.

"This is the first time in a while since we have had a starting lineup together," said Lavorato, whose team faces Glenbrook North on Saturday.

"Hopefully this has been a reset for us. We have a ton of games left to play. We want to see where the chips will fall. But I wouldn't trade my team for anybody."

Glenbrook South, which leads the CSL South, got 10 points from Gaven Marr and 9 points from Cooper Noard.

"Martinelli had a nice night tonight," Glenbrook South coach Phil Ralston said. "He may have also broken the 1,000 point mark, but we need to check that. We told our guys that tonight was more important than anything going on in the future. We need to worry about conference wins first."

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