By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

On Thursday night, at the expensive Joliet West Field House, the host Tigers of Joliet West took on their crosstown rivals from Joliet Central.  West head coach Nick DiForti’s very young and upcoming Tigers put on quite a show before  falling to the Area’s fourth-ranked Steelmen from Joliet Central, 69-58. The score is not in the least Indicative of how close the contest was.

With 6:08 left in the game, West senior Justin Corcoran (11 points), hauled down a Steelmen miss and then went “coast to coast” for two, to bring the Tigers within 48-47.

With 5:20 left, Steelman senion Kendrick Williams’ (10 points, six rebounds) put-back basket put the Steelmen up 52-47. Senior DJ Holmes, nail the first two of his seven fourth quarter free throws, which put Central up 54-47.

Corcoran, buried his third, three-point bomb, to bring the Tigers within 54-50 with 4:41 left. Joachim and West junior, Jamere Hill (15 points, seven rebounds), traded baskets for a 56-52 Steelmen lead, with 3:20 left.

Joachim scored again, and when Williams’ rim-wrecking slam gave the Steelmen a 60-52 lead with 2:41 left, this one appeared to be over.

Baskets by West sophomores’ Trent Howland (9 points) and Ashawn Burbridge, pulled the Tigers back within 60-56 with 1:54 left.

Joachim, put the Steelmen up 62-56 and then Steelmen senior, Julian Mines (three points, two steals) finished-off the Tigers, with a decisive steal. From that moment, Holmes put on a free-throw exhibition, knocking down five in the last minute of the game.

“Deejay (Holmes) came into tonight’s game, shooting only 55%, from the free-throw line,” Joliet Central head coach Lawrence Thompson, Jr. said. “He really shot well from the line, in crunch-time, tonight.

Joliet Central (7-2) grabbed a 35-29 halftime lead behind nine points from Joachim and Holmes.

Joliet West (2-8) was led at the half, by sophomore Jaiden Lee (11 points, six rebounds), who scored nine second quarter points to keep the Tigers close.

Joachim, took home game-scoring honors with 22 points. Joachim hauled down four rebounds and picked up four steals, too.

“This was a big win for us, in the game of the year, so far,” Joachim said. “Everybody was on the same page and played with a lot of energy. Joliet West is a very good team. They start a lot of sophomores and we start a lot of seniors, which gave us the advantage tonight.”

“I was aggressive tonight. I went out at the start and got my teammates involved and by doing that, it opened my own ability to score.”

“We won the State Farm Classic two years ago. We plan on winning it again, this year.”

Holmes scored 20 points, with five rebound and two steals.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game, tonight,” Holmes said. “West was going to come after us and we had to keep our heads. We did that tonight and I knocked down all of my free throws. We all had good games tonight. We really liked Kendrick Williams’ two big slams!”

“We are just two overtime losses to Romeoville, from being 9-0. That’s in the past and we are playing well and looking forward, to more success. It would be nice, to meet Romeoville. in the tournament.”

Hill, just missed a double-double, with 15 points and nine rebounds, for the Tigers.

“We played hard tonight but we just didn’t play well defensively,” Hill said. “We are very young and we continue to work hard in practice and we are improving. Justin (Corcoran) gave us a lift in the fourth quarter. Jaiden Lee, played well for us in the first half.”

Up next for the Steelmen, is a first-round game of the 40^th Annual State Farm Classic, in Bloomington-Normal on December 26. The Steelmen, will take on the War Hawks of North Chicago (3-6), at 6:30 p.m.

“Ever since the two overtime losses to Romeoville, we are improving,” Thompson added. “It’s a progression but the kids are understanding it and look forward, to keep things rolling for Joliet Central.”

“Give a lot of credit to West. Those young men, have no quit in them.”

“We have a long-way to go defensively but I see the look in the kids’ eyes, on the offensive end and they are getting it.”

Up next for the Tigers, is a 1 p.m. date with Chicago Curie (10-0), in the 88^th Pontiac Tournament, on Thursday December 27.

“We played very well, offensively tonight,” DiForti said. “We can score on anyone. We just have to defend better or the result from tonight, will be common-place for us. We’re 2-8, but the kids are not hanging their heads. They work very hard in practice everyday. We’re getting there.”

“Let’s go to Pontiac and “Shock the World” the day after Christmas.”

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

On Ft. Beggs Drive in Plainfield, the host Wildcats of Plainfield Central took on their rivals from Plainfield South on Friday night.

In an important Southwest Prairie Conference girls showdown the Wildcats defeated the Cougars 57-45.

The Wildcats were again led by their leading scorer on the season junior Kachae Donald. The 5-foot-7 guard dropped 24 big points on the rival Cougars to improve Painfield Central to 9-4 overall and 4-1 in the SPC.

Wildcat 6-foot-1 sophomore Annaliese Griffin had a double-double on the night, scoring 18 points and hauling down 10 boards, while 6-foot-2 sophomore Stacey Evans owned the glass for a game-high 12 rebounds.

Griffin was on the Plainfield Police Department watch lIst for her eight steals on the night.

Plainfield South fell to 6-6 overall and 2-3 in the SPC.

Plainfield Central will have a Wednesday, Dec, 26 date, with the Foxes of Yorkville (5-9), at the Oswego East Holiday Classic at 11:30 a.m.

Plainfield South will battle Serena at the Peotone Blue Devils Holiday Tournament at noon, Dec. 26.

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By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

On Friday afternoon Joliet West and the host Porter girls of Lockport met in a rare Friday afternoon nonconference matinee. With the Lockport and Joliet West students off on Christmas break the neighborhood rivals went after each other in a spirited contest.

Joliet West’s junior standout Jazz Evans entered this afternoon’s contest second in the area in scoring with a 19-points-per-game average. After scoring eight points, picking up four steals and dishing out three assists, Evans went to the bench with her third foul with 3:45 left in the half. The Tigers were up 21-17.

Enter Tiger sophomore Maliyah Walker.

Walker came off the bench and scored eight points igniting  a 10-3 first-half closing run to give the Tigers a commanding 31-20 halftime lead. Joliet West (5-10) rolled in the second half to the 58-45 win. Walker would finish the game with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.

“I work hard everyday to be able to perform well in situations like in the second quarter,” Walker said. “It felt very good to help us get this big win. Jazz is a great player.”

With 6:04 in the third quarter, Evans rolled her ankle after her sixth steal and had to leave the game. Led by freshman, Grace Walsh and sophomore Ashanti Brown (10 points, three rebounds, assist, steal) the Tigers would again increase their lead with their star player on the bench.

Evans returned with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter and the Tigers comfortably ahead 44-27.  Evans, would improve on her 19 point per game average, scoring 20 points, with the six steals, three assists and four rebounds.

“This was a good win for us today,” Evans said. “Mailyah and a number of the girls played well for us to get this win.  This will give us confidence as we head into the Peotone tournament.”

Walsh added another double-double to her resume, scoring 14 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. She added three assists and a pair of steals to her outstanding afternoon

“We really needed this win heading into the holiday tournament at Peotone,“ Walsh said. “Mailyah gave us a big lift in the second quarter when Jazz went to the bench with her third foul.I played well today but as always, I could not have been successful without my teammates.”

Lockport (5-10) was led by their 6-foot-3 junior Jenna Cotter, who just missed a double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots. Porter sophomore Sawyer Hollatz also scored 10 points for Lockport.

“We played very hard today, but we must improve,” Cotter said. “We have not been playing well as of late. All of my success today I owe to my teammates. They gave me the ball in perfect position to score.”

The Porters have a Dec. 26 morning date with the area’s third-ranked Mustangs of Downers Grove South (8-3) in the opening-game of the Oswego East Holiday Classic Tournament at 10 am.

“Give credit to the Joliet girls,” Lockport head coach Dan Kelly said. “They took away our ability, to get the ball down low to our bigs. We didn’t play well defensively. When we were able to get the ball down low Jenna (Cotter) and Sawyer (Hollatz), were able to score.”

The Tigers will take on Beecher (13-3) in Peotone’s Blue Devil Holiday Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 27.

“We really played well today,” Joliet West coach John Placher said. “Maliyah really gave us a huge lift, off the bench when Jazz picked up her third foul.  When Jazz went down with her ankle injury, in the third quarter, again our bench played well to extend the lead. Off to Peotone for the Holiday Tournament, where  we will be facing some very good teams.”

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Top-ranked Redwings beat Bolingbrook to win Benet/Naperville Tourney
In the final game of the Benet/Naperville North Holiday Tournament, top-ranked Benet Academy (15-2), defeated Bolingbrook 46-42. With the win the Redwings, claim the tournament championship.

Kendall Holmes led the Redwings with 19 points and Brooke Schramek chipped in with 14 points.

The Lady Raiders suffered their third consecutive loss and fall to 7-5 on the season.

No. 2-ranked Indians take two to win Bradley-Bourbonnais Holiday Tournament

Saturday morning, Minooka (14-1) took on Kankakee Bishop McNamara in the Indians’ third game of the 2018 Bradley-Bourbonnais Holiday Tournament. The Indians devoured the Fighting Irish for breakfast, 61-39, behind 16 points from senior Cierra Bachmann. Sophie Darden added 11 points, while the Indians’ long-range bombers, junior Allison Bugajski (11 points) and senior Caitlyn Hoover (10 points) each hit three long-range bombs for the Indians.

With the three tournament wins and a 53-50 OT win over three-game tournament winner, Joliet Central (9-4), the Indians had the tournament title won. Coach Jeff Easthon’s girls, still had to play the host Boilermakers with hopes of wrapping up an undefeated tournament championship.

The host Boilermakers would battle the champs, before falling 62-56, in OT.

Hoover hit three more long-range bombs to lead the Indians to a 15-10 first quarter lead. The host Boilermakers rallied in the second quarter to tie the game at 21 as the teams went to their halftime locker rooms.

In the third quarter, Hoover would nail her fourth and fifth triples of the game. Senior Sophie Darden (15 points) scored eight third quarter points and the Indians exploded out to a 37-26 lead after three quarters.

The Boilermakers created havoc for the Indians, rallying to tie the game at 46 and forcing overtime.

In the OT, Hoover, nailed her sixth three for her game-high 18 points. Bugajski would score her only five points of the game in the overtime and Cierra Bachmann (12 points), nailed four, clutch free throws, to put away the Boilermakers and give the Indians the undefeated tournament championship.

 Steelwomen win two on Saturday to finish second

Joliet Central rolled past Rockford Auburn 53-45 and the host Boilermakers from Bradley-Bourbonnais, 62-56, to take home second place in the 2018 Bradley-Bourbonnais Holiday Tournament Saturday.

Joliet Central 53 Rockford Auburn 45
Led by sophomore Jalysa Stokes’ 24 points, Central (8-4), cruised past Rockford 53-45. Central’s 5-foot-2 senior Armani Strickland added 10 points while senior Shawnton Brown chipped in with nine points for the victorious Steelwomen.

Joliet Central 56 Bradley-Bourbonnais 52

With their second win of the day, this time over the hosts from Bradley Bourbonnais, the Steelwomen (9-4) wrapped up second place in the tournament. Junior Allasha Alexander, led the Steelwomen with 15 points. Strickland, Brown and Harmony Burrell all hit double-figures with 10 points apiece.

The Steelwomen went 3-1 in the tournament with their only loss being a heart-breaking 53-50 OT loss to Southwest Prairie Conference rival and tournament champion Minooka (14-1).

“We had so many opportunities to beat Minooka,” Brumfiel said. “We let them off the hook.”

On Friday, Jan. 11, the rematch will take place at Minooka at 6:30 p.m. as the SPC rivals will square off in conference play.

Joliet Central will open with Metea Valley at 10 a.m. in the Oswego East Holiday Classic, on Wednesday, Dec. 26.  

Trojans fourth quarter explosion stuns Lincoln-Way West, for huge road win

Downers Grove North (9-4) headed south on I-355 to New Lenox Friday night to take on  Lincoln-Way West (8-3).

After being shutout by the host Warriors in the first quarter, the Trojans finally got on the board in the second quarter. Lincoln-Way West took a 18-10 lead at the break. Each team scored 13 points in the third quarter and the Warriors led 31-23 as the game went to the fourth quarter.

And what a quarter it was for the Trojans.

Led by Trojan senior Julia Kramper the Trojans blitzed the Warriors, outscoring Lincoln-Way West 19-8 in the fourth quarter, DG North won 42-39.

Kramper finished with a game-high 16 points.Senior Jaylin Harris added eight points, while juniors Ellie Gross and Alexis parker chipped in with five points each.

The Trojans will open the Wheaton North Falcon Holiday Classic on December 26 with a 9 a.m battle with Palatine (1-9).

Blue Demons hammer Ida Crown
Maine East improved to 5-8 on the season with a 54-26 destruction of Ida Crown Jewish Academy (5-5).

Plainfield North Tigers take down Foxes

The Tigers improved to 3-12 with a 52-46 nonconference win over Yorkville (5-9). In 2019-20, the Foxes will join the Tigers as members of the Southwest Prairie Conference.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Short-handed Wildcats rally past Yorkville behind Griffin

With Plainfield Central’s leading scorer Kachae Donald and other starting guard Katie Keating down with ankle injuries, things were not promising for head coach Armond Frazier’s Wildcats on Wednesday at Oswego East.

Never fear Annaliese Griffin, who moved from her wing spot to point guard and dropped 27 points on Yorkville to rally Plainfield Central to the thrilling 56-54 victory. Jasmine Bonso picked up a huge double-double, scoring 10 points and hauling down 14 rebounds, nine on the offensive glass.

Trailing 40-37, after three quarters, Griffin took over the game for Plainfield Central, Griffin poured in 13 of her game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter, rallying the ‘Cats to victory.

Plainfield Central (10-4), jumped out to a 19-9 first quarter lead. Yorkville (5-10), outscored the Wildcats 19-11 in the second quarter and cut the Plainfield Central lead to 30-28 at halftime. Bonso, scored all 10 of her points in the game, in the first half. Griffin also had 10 points in the first half.

Yorkville was led by senior, Claudia Grunwald, who scored 10 of her 17 points in the first half to lead the Foxes. Junior, Olivia Ross, had an even dozen points for the Foxes.

Plainfield Central will meet Lockport in a championship game quarterfinal, at Oswego East at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  Yorkville will play Downers Grove South in a consolation round game at Oswego at 10 a.m., on Thursday as well.

 Porters destroy Mustangs

After losing at home on Friday, against long-time rival, Joliet West (5-10), the Porters of Lockport went home for the holidays and regrouped.

In the opening-round game at  Oswego East, Lockport (6-10) demolished the West Suburban Gold tri-leaders from Downers Grove South, 60-32. Porter 6-foot-3 Jenna Cotter, led the Porters with 18 points. Senior Jacqueline Macha, added 10 points, while senior Elena Knebel, chipped in with seven points.

The area scoring leader Downers Grove South (8-4), senior Holly Leuken, led the Mustangs with 17 points.

The Porters led 14-13 after one quarter and extended their lead to 34-22, at the half. Cotter led the Porters with nine points at the break.

Lockport outscored DGS 17-7 in the third quarter and extend their lead to 51-29. The romp continued in the fourth quarter, as the Mustangs could only score three points in the final stanza.

Lockport will play in a championship quarterfinal, at 10 a.m. against Plainfield Central (10-4) at Oswego East. Downers Grove South will play Yorkville at 10 at Oswego.

Steelwomen take care of business against Metea Valley
After trailing 10-9 after one quarter, in their opening-round game at Oswego East, the Steelwomen of Joliet Central (9-4), opened up a 20-15 halftime lead over Metea Valley. Senior Shawton Brown, scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half.

Led by senior Armani Strickland, Joliet Central, opened up a 34-24 lead after three quarters.

Metea Valley’s Thompson, scored seven of her game-high 13 points in the third quarter to keep Metea Valley close.

In the fourth quarter, sophomore Jalysa Stokes (five points) burried a big three-pointer, to hold off the Mustangs (4-7).

Joliet Central will meet Sycamore in a championship quarterfinal at 1 p.m., on Thursday afternoon at Oswego East.

Metea Valley will face Lemont in a consolation-round game, Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m., at Oswego.

Hosts Oswego East, Oswego  win tournament openers

Oswego East 48 Aurora East 43

The host Wolves trailed the Tomcats of East Aurora 18-13 in the first quarter of their tournament opener on Wednesday. Tomcat junior, Tatiana Ocasio scored six of her 14 points to lead East Aurora. The Tomcats took a 24-19 lead at halftime.

The second-half of the contest, belonged to Wolves junior, Christine Corpuz. Corpus burried a pair of long-range three pointers and scored eight, third quarter points, to give Oswego East a 35-34 lead after three quarters.

Corpuz scored six, fourth quarter points, for a game-high 22 points, as the Wolves rallied past the Tomcats, for the 48-43 win.

The Wolves (5-8) will take on Lincoln-Way West (10-3) in an 11:30 a.m. championship quarterfinal, at Oswego East on Thursday morning.

East Aurora (5-9) will face West Chicago, at Oswego at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, in a consolation-round game.

Oswego 41 Machesney Park Harlem 28
In a defensive struggle against Harlem, in the Panthers opening-round game, on Wednesda, Oswego led only 8-6. Panther junior Julia Henrikson, scored seven second-quarter points to put Oswego up, 23-14 at the half.

The Panthers (11-3), behind junior Jenelle Rogers (six points), blew open the contest, after three quarters with a 34-19 Oswego lead.

Henrikson, finished with game-high, 12 points for the Panthers.

Brielle Shaw and Briyanna Jackson, each had six points for Harlem (3-11).

Oswego will take on Naperville North in a championship quarterfinal at Oswego East at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

Harlem will meet ACC at Oswego at 2:30 p.n., on Thursday afternoon.

Lincoln-Way West 81, West Chicago 23

The Warriors put this one away early with a 30-3 first quarter advantage. The halftime score was 60-10. 71-19 after three quarters and the 81-23 in the first-round win for Lincoln-Way West (10-3). Junior Sydney Swanberg, led the Warriors with 19 points. Senior Kalie Korpitz added 17 points, while Tara Hastings scored 13 points. Taylor Gugliuzza chipped in with a dozen points for West.

West Chicago (0-14) was led by sophomore Shailee Patel who led the Wildcats with 12 points.

 Naperville North 50 Aurora Central Catholic 22

The Huskies (7-6) jumped out to a 19-5, first quarter lead over the Chargers and extended the lead to 30-15, at halftime. Naperville North held ACC to just seven second half points and rolled to the 28-point victory.

Kampshroder, led the Huskies with 18 points.

ACC (5-10) was led by senior Tressa Swinisky, who led the Chargers with six points.

Sycamore 54 Lemont 25

The Spartans (10-4), opened up a 19-5 first quarter lead and never looked back, rolling to a 54-25 opening-round win over Aurora Central Catholic

6-foot Sycamore, junior Kylie Fuerbach and her 6-foot freshman sister, Faith, led the Spartans with 12 and 11 points respectively. Senior Joslynn Michels chipped in with 10 points for the Spartans.

Lemont fell to 0-9 on the season with the defeat.

 Hawks Scales hold off Prospect at Charger Classic

In Maine South’s, opening-round game at the Dundee-Crown Charger Holiday Classic, the Hawks hung on to beat Prospect, 47-43 on Wednesday. Area free-throw percentage leader Nicole Scales, led Maine South (10-5) with 19 points.

The Hawks led 32-26 over the Knights at halftime. Led by Scales, 5-foot-11 sophomore Niamh Gardiner and 5-foot-11 junior, Gretta Miller, the Hawks ousted Prospect and set up a championship quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, with the Indians of Rockton Hononegah (15-1).

Gardiner and Miller both hauled down eight rebounds to take advantage on the glass and contribute to the Hawks victory.

Redwings hammer Oak Park, Unbeaten Fremd next at Montini

Brooke Schramek and Kendall Holmes both scored 17 points to lead Benet (16-2), to a 76-53 Montini Holiday Classic win over Oak Park (8-8) At 8:15 on Thursday Night the Redwings will take on the undefeated Vikings of Fremd (15-0) in a championship quarterfinal in Lombard.

Trojans crush Palatine in Wheaton North opener

In Downers Grove North’s  2018 Wheaton North Falcon Holiday Tournament opener on Wednesday, the Trojans needed a half and a few minutes of the third quarter to finish off 1-10 Palatine.

Leading 16-10 after the first quarter and 30-18 at the half, the Trojans crushed the Pirates with a 19- 2 third quarter advantage. The Trojan reserves, in the fourth quarter, almost shut the Pirates out, outscoring Palatine 6-1 in the fourth quarter for the 55-21 win.

On Thursday, the Trojans (10-4) will meet the hosts from Wheaton North (10-4), in a championship quarterfinal game.

Cougars open Peotone Holiday Tournament. with blow-out of Serena

In Plainfield South’s (7-6) Blue Devil Holiday Tournament opener, the Cougars destroyed Serena 73-28.

North Tigers take out Wheeling at St. Viator Tournament

After being totally wiped out by the dreaded injury-bug, before Christmas, the Tigers of Plainfield North (3-9)  dispatched the Wildcats of Wheeling, 36-27, in an opening-round game of the St. Viator Holiday Tournament, on Wednesday .

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In Maine South’s Hinsdale Central Holiday Tournament opener against Chicago Public League powerhouse, Lincoln Park (9-4), one missed free-throw and one crucial turnover sealed the Hawks’ fate against the mighty Lions, falling 46-43.

After trailing as much as 13 points in the first half, and eight heading to the fourth quarter, Maine South (8-4) pulled within one point on senior Essam Hamwi’s (12 points) three-pointer with 6:17 left.

With 5:11 left, Hawk senior John Gardiner’s (nine points) old-fashioned three-point play, once again brought the Hawks to within one at 40-39. After Lincoln-Park’s Tahir Thompson’s (four points) two free throws, made it 42-39, South’s Fillip Bulatovic’s (11 points) baseline jumper cut the Lion lead to 42-41, with 3:50 left.

Maine South’s tenacious defense shut down the high-flying Lincoln Park offense. On two successful possessions, the Lions trailed. After being fouled, Hamwi, burried a pair of free-throws and the Hawks led 43-42 with 3:36 to go in regulation.

The Hawks turned the Lions over again. Running their delay game to perfection, they ran off one minute and 22 seconds off the clock, before Bulatovic was fouled with 1:58 left.

Bulatovic lined up for the crucial, one-and-one.

The missed free throw.

The free throw was short. Lincoln Park grabbed the rebound and Hawks’-killer, Lincoln Park senior, Tavis Stampley (19 points), burried his fourth three-pointer of the game, for a 45-43 Lion lead, with 1:19 left.

The turnover.

On the ensuing series, the Hawks threw the ball away. Stampley, added another free-throw for the 46-43 Lion win.

Maine South (8-4) senior Dan Crane, scored eight points and hauled down six rebounds.

The Hawks will meet the host Red Devils of Hinsdale Central, in a consolation-round game at 2 p.m., Thursday afternoon.

“Lincoln Park was a little better than us today,” Maine South head coach Tony Lavorato said. “I just wish we would stop turning the ball over, in crucial situations.”

Area Boys December 26 Holiday Hoops Roundup

Steelmen big third-quarter enough to beat North Chicago
Joliet Central head coach, Lawrence Thompson Jr, is considered by many to be one of the finest X and O coaches in the state. On Wednesday, in his Steelmen’s opening-round game in the State Farm Classic in Bloomington versus North Chicago, Thompson showed his expertise.

With his team deadlocked at 25, whatever Thompson said at halftime certainly woke up Joliet Central (8-2).

The Steelmen blitzed North Chicago with a 26-8 third quarter and rolled to a 64-53 win. Senior Dakoda Joachim (16 points) and DeeJay  Holmes (14 points), led the Steelmen to victory.

The Steelmen will face the Ironmen of Normal Community (8-3), at 7 p.m. on Thursday night in a championship quarterfinal game, in Bloomington.

Mustangs outlast Highland Park at York

In Downers Grove South’s Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament opener at York on Wednesday, Mustang senior Justin Eagins put on a show.

With the score tied at 28, with seconds remaining in the first half, Highland Park (6-6), Eagins steal and score with one second remaining, gave the Mustangs a 30-28. lead at the break.

“The Justin Eagins Show” continued as Eagins, in the second half, would scored 26 points on the night, including six of nine shooting, beyond the arc. Eagins, would haul down five rebounds, dish out four assists and grab two steals.

Fellow Mustang senior, Wes Hooker, chipped in with 13 points with three steals, two assists and three rebounds.

Downers Grove South (6-4) will take on Batavia (7-3), in a second-round game at  7:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Game report courtesy of Matthew Now

 Trojans defeat Hilltoppers at East Aurora

Downers Grove North (8-3) ended their three-game skid with a 69-52, East Aurora Holiday Tournament win over JCA (2-12)

 Wildcats roll at East Aurora

Plainfield East (5-6) defeated Aurora Central Catholic 62-31, in an opening-round game at East Aurora’s Tomcat Holiday Tournament

Sentinels defeat Holy Trinity in Westmont Holiday Tournament
Westmont improved to 12-2 on the season with a 67-32 opening-round win over Holy Trinity.

Lions roll past Morris in Plano Holiday Classic opener
The Lions (8-6) rolled past Morris 61-42, in a Plano Holiday Classic opening-round game, on Wednesday. Jay McGrath hit a couple of long-range bombs to ignite the Lions to the victory.

The Ville takes down Marshall at Big Dipper.

Romeoville (10-1), shot down Chicago Marshall 80-74 in the Spartans first round game at the Big Dipper Holiday Tournament at Rich South, on Wednesday. No information was provided by the Big Dipper Tournament.

Plainfield North Tigers

The Tigers opened up the first half raining three’s on the Wildcats  (6-8). Tiger junior, Katelyn Sparlin (4) and sophomore, Lexie Hernandez (3) buried seven, first-half three-pointers, to give North (4-12) the halftime lead. Hernandez led the Tigers, scoring 13 points while Sparlin added a dozen points.

Oliva Cantu hauled down nine rebounds while freshman Jaylin Patterson chipped in with seven boards for the Tigers.

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

PONTIAC

Redwings escape Peoria Manal to win Pontiac opener

Leading only 37-33 against Peoria Manual (4-5) at the end of three quarters, the Redwings were in a battle with another unseeded team. All day and night, the tournament featured the tournament top-seeds getting pushed to the end to pick up opening-round game victories. In the tournament’s second game, St. Charles North (5-6) beat up previously undefeated Danville (11-1) by a 62-48 margin.

Behind Kendrick Tchua (19 points), Colin Crothers (15 points, seven rebounds) and Will Engels (9 points, seven rebounds, the 12-1 Redwings pulled away from the Rams, for a 57-46 win.

Porters fall in OT to Simeon in Pontiac opener
Everyone in the area has witnessed the tremendous improvement in Lockport. At Pontiac, in the Porters’ opening-round game, versus the six-time IHSA State Champion Simeon, the Porters pushed the Wolverines into overtime before falling 46-44.

 Senior Jake Karli led the Porters with 17 points, including three long-range three pointers. Matt Hatzopoulos nailed a pair of triples and had 10 points. 6-foot-8 Tommy Halatek just missed a double-double for the Porters scoring 12 points and hauling down nine rebounds.

 Lockport (7-3) jumped out to a 14-9 lead after one quarter. Simeon (4-6) closed to within 25-23 at the half, before blitzing the Porters with a 14-2 third quarter to take the lead 37-27 after three quarters.

Karli and the Porters turned the tables on the Wolverines outscoring Simeon 17-9 in the fourth quarter, to send the game into OT.

The Porters could only score two pints in the four-minute OT and fell 46-44.

Plainfield North Tigers fall in OT, to New Trier in Pontiac Opener

In the Tigers 88^th Pontiac Holiday Tournament they trailed No. 2 seed New Trier 31-25 at half and 39-34 as the game entered the fourth quarter. The Tigers’ furious fourth quarter rally forced overtime at 47-47 at the end of regulation.

New Trier (12-1), outscored Plainfield North 12-8 in the extra session to advance with the 59-55 overtime victory.

The Tigers (5-6), were led by senior Carter Thurman, who scored 13 points. Cooper Bridges added 12 points while Colin O’Rourke chipped in 10 points.

Undefeated Chicago Curie destroys Joliet West Tigers in Pontiac opener

Curie (11-0) jumped out to 24-4 first quarter lead and never looked back streaking past the Tigers 62-28 in Joliet West’s (2-9) opener on Thursday. Jamere Hill led the Tigers with seven points.

PEKIN

Bengals, Shumate rally past Richwoods 69-63 in State Farm opener

Trailing 57-49 with 5:15 remaining in Plainfield East’s State Farm opener with Peoria Richwoods, the Bengals mounted a furious fourth quarter rally.

Three consecutive baskets by junior Christian Shumate, cut the Richwoods lead to 57-54 with 4:25 left. Senior Noah Woulard (14 points), nailed a free throw and Richwoods (8-4) Cortez Martin, answered with a free-throw for a 58-55 Knight lead with four minutes remaining.

With 3:37 left, Bengal senior Yamari Shareef (15 points), hit from downtown to tie the game at 58, only to have Martin (28 points) bury a three of his own to give Richwoods a 61-58 lead 15 seconds later.

Consecutive Bengal hoops by Josh Humphrey and Shumate gave the Bengals a 62-61 lead they would not relinquish. Woulard and Shumate nailed four consecutive free throws to give the Bengals a 66-62 lead with 27 seconds left. Kyrell Daniel (seven points) finished off the Knights with three crucial free throws, to wrap up the Bengals’ win.

Shumate scored 26 points, on 10-of-13 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds, to lead the Bengals.

YORK JACK TOSH

Mustangs, Eagins, Roll Past Batavia, 48-40! Wheaton North next!

In the Mustangs’ second round game with Batavia (7-4), DGS senior Justin Eagins missed six of his seven three-point attempts in the game. After burying six treys against Highland Park, Eagins struggled from the arc against the Bulldogs.

Eagins didn’t struggle anywhere else, scoring 23 points, hauling down six rebounds and picking up four steals to lead the Mustangs (7-4) to victory. Timmeon Gamble scored 11 Mustang points, while senior Wes Hooker chipped in with eight points.

RICH SOUTH
Spartans slip past Rich Central in Big Dipper Quarterfinals
Romeoville (11-1) slipped past Rich Central (3-7) in the Spartans Big Dipper quarterfinal on Thursday in Richton Park.

EAST AURORA

Wildcats slip past DGN in Tomcat Tournament

Plainfield Central (6-6) moved one step closer to a East Aurora Tomcat Holiday Tournament Championship Game, with the 62-58 win over Downers Grove North (8-4). A win over Joliet Catholic (3-12) will put Plainfield Central in the 6:15 p.m. Championship Game on Saturday night.

 Hilltoppers Crush ACC
Joliet Catholic (3-12) hammered the Chargers (2-10) 66-44 in Aurora.

 WESTMONT
Sentinels roll on at Westmont Tourney over St. Ed’s
Westmont improved to 13-2 with the 56-53 win over St. Edward (9-6).

Raiders win in Ocala Florida Tournament
Bolingbrook (7-2) rolled past Martin County 79-62 in their first-round Tournament of the Sun, played in Ocala, Florida on Thursday night.

Blue Demons slip past Lincoln-Way West 49-48 in Maine East quarterfinals

Maine East (7-6), slipped past Lincoln-Way West (2-10) in a Maine East tourney contest on Thursday in Park Ridge.

Romeoville Toyota owners hold ribbon-cutting ceremony for new dealership with local dignitaries and Toyota executives Pictured: (L-R) Mark Nazario (general manager for the Chicago region, Toyota Motor North America), Mayor John Noak, James Thomas (general manager of Romeoville Toyota), James Thomas (father of James and Greg Thomas), Greg Thomas (dealer principal of Romeoville Toyota) and Paul Holdridge (vice president, guest experience and retention, Toyota Motor North America).

Toyota celebrated the grand opening of Romeoville Toyota in the Village of Romeoville, Illinois this month. The reopened 49,495-square-foot facility has nearly doubled in size and now includes 31 service stalls, two customer lounges, a children’s play area and cinema, which seats up to 10 customers.

“The upgraded Romeoville Toyota will meet the needs of today’s automotive customer with expanded space and facilities, and we are proud to count them as a member of the Toyota family,” said Mark Nazario, general manager for the Chicago regional office, Toyota Motor North America. “We look forward to continuing to serve new and existing customers from the Village of Romeoville and its surrounding communities.”

 The grand opening celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony and Katana Sword presentation, representing the strength, quality and integrity of the dealer and the strong partnership and continued commitment to the success of the Toyota franchise. The event was attended by more than 200 guests, including John Noak, mayor of the Village of Romeoville, members of the Board of Trustees and the management team from the Chicago regional office.

Romeoville Toyota is located at 684 S Weber Rd. in Romeoville, Illinois. For more information, call (815) 744-2760 or visit www.romeovilletoyota.com.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle 

Two of the best girls high school basketball teams in Illinois went to war with each otheR for 48 minute, in the fourth and final quarterfinal of the 2018 Montini Holiday Tournament. The undefeated Vikings of Fremd (17-0) and the Redwings of Benet Academy (16-3), gave the near-capacity crowd in Lombard a game they will never forget.

In the third and final overtime, Fremd sophomore, Ruthie Montella (12 points) put the Vikings up 54-51with a pair of free throws with 1:18 left in the period.

Redwing junior, Kendall Holmes (14 points) responded by burying her fourth three-point bomb of the game to tie the score at 54-54 with 1:12 left.

With 47.3 seconds remaining Fremd junior Oliva Hill’s (20 points) old fashioned three-point play proved to be the game-winner.

In the first half, the Redwings missed 15 of their first 19 shots from the field and trailed 22-12 at halftime. Through three quarters the Redwings missed 21 of their 27 shots and trailed 26-19.

The fourth quarter was taken over by Benet senior guard, Clara Prasse.

Prasse would lead the Redwings with 19 points to go along with two assists, five rebounds and five steals.

During the second overtime, Redwing senior Ashley Konkle (six points) put on a block party with three, huge blocked shots.
“We thought we had this won a couple of times today,” Benet coach Joe Kilbride said. “Things just didn’t go our way. For three quarters, we just couldn’t make any of our shots. Clara (Prasse) and Kendall (Holmes), were outstanding for us tonight.

“The girls are devastated by this loss. I am so proud of the way they battled. An outstanding game, played by two outstanding teams!”

OSWEGO EAST HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT DAY 2

Final Four bound Steelwomen hold off Sycamore
Joliet Central (11-4), behind a 15-point performance from junior Allasha Alexander rolled past Sycamore 55-45 in the quarterfinal game Thursday. Armoni Strickland and Jalysa Stokes each scored nine points, while Harmony Burrell added eight points for the Steelwomen.

 With the win, the Steelwomen will meet Oswego (11-3) in a 2:30 p.m. semifinal game, at Oswego East.

Central jumped out to an 18-10 first quarter lead and took a 28-20 lead into halftime.

Sycamore (10-5) was led by 6-foot junior Kylie Fuerbach, who tallied a game-high 20 points. Freshman Ella Shipley added 13 points for the Spartans. 

Porters roll past short-handed Wildcats

Playing again without their leading scorer Kachae Donald, Plainfield Central (11-5) could not handle the red-hot Porters of Lockport (7-10) Thursday.

Led by senior Elena Knebel (11 points), 6-foot-3 Jenna Cotter (10 points) and junior Sawyer Hollatz (10 points) the Porters held off the Wildcats for a 47-38 quarterfinal victory.

The Porters led 27-16 at halftime and extend the lead to 39-23 after three quarters.

Led by Annaliese Griffin (20 points) the Wildcats would rally in the fourth quarter. A pair of fourth quarter buckets, by Hollatz and Knebel, would hold off Plainfield Central, for the victory.

 The Porters will face Lincoln-Way West (11-3), at 1 on Friday in a semifinal battle at Oswego East

Panthers big third quarter ousts Naperville North
Oswego (11-3) would lead Naperville North 22-19 at the half, in their quarterfinal contest Thursday.

Led by McKenna Engler (12 points) and Jenna Rogers (10 points), the Panthers would outscore the Huskies 19-5 in the third quarter, for a 41-24 lead, after three.

Naperville North (7-7) rallied behind sophomore Greta Kampschroder (19 points) but fall short losing 49-41.

With the quarterfinal win, the Panthers advance to a Friday afternoon 2:30 p.m. semifinal contest, with Joliet Central (11-4).

Lincoln-Way West out-shoots Oswego East 84-77 in OT

In the best game of the tournament thus far Lincoln-Way West’s Taylor Gugliuzza and Oswego East’s Cristine Corpuz put on a show in their overtime quarterfinal game Thursday.

West (10-3) jumped out to an 18-10 first quarter lead as Gugliuzza and Corpuz, each scored just three points. Gugliuzza picked up 11 second quarter points while Corpuz added three more points as the Warriors led the Wolves, 41-32 at halftime.

Corpuz exploded for 10 third quarter points to give the Wolves the lead, 53-52 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, Gugliuzza, outscored Corpuz 7-6 and the two teams went to overtime, tied at 71.

Gugliuzza took over the game in the overtime period scoring 10 of the 13 Warrior points and led West to the 84-77 overtime victory. Gugiuzza would finish with a game-high 34 points.

Tara Gugliuzza scored 17 points and Tara Hastings chipped  in 13 points for the victorious Warriors.

Corpuz would lead the Wolves with 27 points. Melia Perry added 11 points for East (6-9) while Chyna Scott scored 10 points.

OSWEGO EAST CONSOLATION

Mustangs, Lueken rally past Yorkville
After falling in surprising fashion to Lockport on Wednesday, Downers Grove South (9-4) rallied past Yorkville 48-40 Thursday. The West Suburban Gold co-leaders were led by seniors Holly Lueken (17 points) and Maggie Greco (16 points).

The Mustangs trailed the Foxes 29-19 at halftime.

Lueken hit a pair of long-range treys and scored eight third quarter points to give the Mustangs 33-32 lead after three quarters. Lueken added three, fourth quarter buckets and Greco, nailed three crucial free-throws, down the stretch. to wrap up the Mustangs’ win.

Yorkville (5-11) was led by junior Lexi Sandon who led the Foxes with 11 points. Senior Calli Bishop added eight points while off the bench. Olivia Ross chipped in with seven points.

Indians, Bachman, rally past Lincoln-Way Central in Medieval Classic

Trailing Lincoln-Way Central 35-29 in Minooka’s (15-2) Lincoln-Way East’s Medieval Classic second-round game Thursday, Indian senior Cierra Bachmann led the Indians again. Scoring six of her game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter, the Indians would rally for a 44-41 win.

The 5-foot-2 junior Allison Bugajski (eight points) came up with a huge long-rang, three pointer in the fourth quarter.

Indian senior sharpshooter Caitlyn Hoover would bury two more treys and finish with nine points in the game.

Trojans hold off West Aurora in Wheaton North quarterfinals
The West Suburban Silver-leaders from Downers Grove North (11-4) led West Aurora 40-27 after three quarters in the Falcon Classic quarterfinal game.

The Blackhawks (10-5) made a furious fourth quarter rally before falling 46-44.

The Trojans were led by junior Ellis Gross, who scored a game-high 16 points. Senior Julie Kramper added 10 points, while Jaylin Harris chipped in with seven points.

Joliet West Tigers stun Beecher at Peotone Tournament

The Tigers of Joliet West (6-11) had a little surprise party in Peotone as the underdog Tigers stunned the now 13-5 Beecher Bobcats 56-38.

Cougars take down Angels in Peotone Shootout 74-62.
Plainfield South (8-6) outshot the Angels (6-10) in pool play at the Blue Devil Holiday Tournament on Thursday.

Indians Weaver, Rossin long-range bombing, buries Wheaton Academy

Lisle (12-5) trailed 25-23 in the third quarter of the Lions’ Holiday Tournament game Thursday. McKenzie Weaver (20 points, three 3’s) buried a three-pointer to give the Lions a 26-25 lead they would not relinquish.

Emma Rossin (17 points, five 3’s), would follow with consecutive, long-range bombs and this one was over.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Steelwomen fall to Lincoln-Way West in Oswego East final

After defeating Sycamore 55-45 on Friday in an Oswego East Holiday Tournament semifinal, Joliet Central (11-5) faced Lincoln-Way West (12-3) for the tournament championship Saturday afternoon.

The defending tournament champion Warriors exploded to a 20-7 first quarter lead and never looked back.

Led by 5-foot-1 senior Tara Hastings, West rolled to a 64-42 victory to repeat as tournament champions.

The two squads each scored 14 points in the second quarter and Lincoln-Way West took a 34-21 lead, to the halftime locker room.

Hastings led the Warriors with 11 first half points, while Joliet Central was led by 5-foot-2 senior Armani Strickland’s eight points.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Taylor Gugliuzza helped the Warriors extended their lead to 47-27 after three quarters.

Gugliuzza,led the Warriors with 14 points. Tara Gugiuzza added 13 points and all-tournament selection Hastings finished with 12.

The Steelwomen were led by Strickland’s 13 points. All-tournament selection Shawton Brown was held to just two points in the championship game.

Third Place:  Oswego 66, Lockport 61
Oswego (12-4) was led by all-tournament selection Jenelle Rogers’ 24 points. The Porters (6-11) were led by junior Sawyer Hollatz, who scored 16 points. Porters all-tournament selection 6-foot-3 senior Jenna Cotter chipped in with nine points.

Fifth Place: Oswego East 61, Naperville North 43

Led by the host Wolves’ all-tournament selection junior Cristine Corpuz, Oswego East (8-9) rolled past Naperville North for fifth place. Khali Chval added a dozen points for the victorious Wolves.
Naperville North (7-9) was led by all-tournament selection Greata Kampschroder, who tallied 18 points.

Seventh Place: Sycamore 54, Plainfield Central 49
Playing without leading scorer, junior Kachae Donald (ankle), for the third consecutive game, the Wildcats (10-7) fell in the seventh-place game Saturday. Senior guard Katie Kearney returned from her ankle injury and scored 14 points for the Wildcats. 

All-tournament selection, sophomore Annaliese Griffin poured in 27 points for Plainfield Central in the losing effort. Sycamore (11-6) was led by all-tournament selection, junior Kylie Feuerbach who scored 18 points.

Consolation Championship Game: Metea Valley 33, Downers Grove South 30
The Mustangs (10-5) were led by all-tournament selection Holly Leuken, who scored a game-high 12 points. Metea Valley (7-6), was led junior Chloe Kurkjian and senior Tess Thompson, who each scored eight points.

Top-Ranked Benet Girls Take Fifth at Montini
After their heart-breaking  triple-overtime loss to Fremd (17-2), the top-ranked Redwings defeated Evanston and East Suburban Catholic rival Marist to take home the fifth-place trophy back to Lisle.

Benet (18-3) was paced by senior point guard Clara Prasse’s 18 points in a win over Evanston 57-44 Friday.

Saturday in the fifth place game against ESCC rival Marist (12-4), the Redwings squeaked by the Redhawks 44-43.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

After holding off Wheaton North 56-53 in Friday’s quarterfinal without standout Wes Hooker Downers Grove South (9-4) welcomed Hooker back to help the team to a thrilling 59-55 overtime victory over Lyons Township (10-4) in the second semifinal of the Tosh Holiday Classic Saturday.

Tournament MVP candidate Justin Eagins led the Mustangs with 21 points. After bombing Wheaton North with six long-range three pointers Friday, Eagins nailed three more triples in the semifinal.

Hooker, returning from Friday’s hip-pointer injury, picked up a double-double, scoring 19 points and hauling down 10 rebounds for the Mustangs.

Friday night’s hero Timmeon Gamble, scored 11 points in the semifinal.

The Mustangs led the Lions 40-32, as the game headed to the final quarter. Led by senior Nolan Niego (25 points) LT made a furious fourth quarter rally to send the game into overtime.

The two senior Mustangs, Eagins and Hooker, took over and led the Mustangs to victory in the OT.

At 3 p.m. on New Years Eve afternoon, the host Dukes of York (13-1) in the championship game.

In Friday night’s quarterfinal with Wheaton North with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter, Hooker went to the sideline after scoring seven first quarter points to lead the Mustangs to a 17-10 lead.

Led by the extra efforts off the Mustang bench from seniors Kamonte Brown-Poe and 6-foot-9 JT Jablonski, Downers Grove South would hold off Wheaton North 56-53.

“With Wes out with the injury, I had to really step up,” Poe-Brown said. “I am very proud that I was able to contribute to our victory.”

In Friday night’s quarterfinal with Wheaton North with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter Hooker went to the sideline after nailing seven first quarter points to lead the Mustangs to a 17-10.

Hooker tried to return in the third and fourth quarters, but could not.

Led by the extra efforts off the bench from seniors Brown-Poe and Jablonski, Downers Grove South held off Wheaton North 56-53.

“With Wes out with the injury, I had to really step up,” Poe-Brown said. “I am very proud that I was able to contribute  to our victory.”

The quarterfinal classic went to the fourth quarter tied 38-38. Jablonski was inserted into the game by Mustang coach Kris Olson to combat Wheaton North’s 6-foot-9 Deng Rae (17 points, six rebounds).

Jablonski scored over Rae and grabbed three rebounds as the Mustangs held a 41-39 lead in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter.

“I went into the game with the mindset to try to slow Rae down,” Jablonski said. “What a great team victory. To win this with Wes out with the injury is a tremendous confidence boost for all of us.”

With the Mustangs down 43-42, a Justin Eagins jumper put the Mustangs up 44-43 with 4:56 left.

With 2:57 remaining in regulation Eagins buried a triple, pulling the Mustangs within 49-47.

With 47 ticks on the clock and the Mustangs down 53-49, Eagins hit another three, pulling the Mustangs within 53-52. With 46 seconds left, the Falcons threw the ball away.

This is all about our team,” Eagins said. “Everybody played so hard to get this win. With Wes out, I had to step up but could not have been successful, without my teammates.”

Enter  Gamble

The Mustangs inbounded the ball and Timmeon Gamble was fouled with 29 seconds remaining.

Gamble would calmly nail the two game-winning free throws for a 54-53 Mustang lead after the Mustangs would turn the Falcons over again with 28 seconds remaining.

“Everyone here had us the underdogs, expecting us to lose,” Gamble said. “I had to make those free-throws and help us get this win. We all are playing really well and expect to win.”

Mustang junior Chris Gory scored his only two points of the game with 21 seconds left to conclude the game’s scoring.

A pair of Wheaton North desperation threes missed and Downers Grove South was on its way to the semifinals.

“Wow, what a win. This is the fourth year in a row Downers Grove South has been guaranteed five games here at York,”Olson said. “Wes Hooker is the heart and soul of our team. To win this crucial game, without Wes, is a credit to our whole team. Justin Eagins, just put us on his back and led us to this win!”

Sentinels take down previously, undefeated Romans for Westmont/ICCP title

Westmont (15-2) defeated Latin (10-1) to win the Sentinels’ own holiday tournament championship 50-34.

Wildcats fall in East Aurora final

Plainfield Central (7-7) lost in East Aurora’s Tomcat Classic to Wheaton Academy 53-48 (10-4) Saturday.

THURSDAY JANUARY 3
NONCONFERENCE

Lisle at De Paul Prep 6:15
Plainfield South at Ottawa 7
Plainfield Central at Naperville Central 5:30

 FRIDAY JANUARY 4

INTERSTATE 8
Streator at Lisle 5:30

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE

Oswego East at Minooka 6:30
Plainfield North at Plainfield Central 6:30

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
York at Downers Grove North 1:30

NONCONFERENCE
Detroit (MI) Edison Tech at Bolingbrook 6:30
Willowbrook at Plainfield South 6:30

 SATURDAY JANUARY 5

CHICAGOLAND SHOWCASE CLASSIC at Benet
Detroit (MI) Edison Tech at Benet 3:45
Bolingbrook vs. Mother McAuley 4:15

NONCONFERENCE
Downers Grove North at Plainfield North 6

BOYS AREA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 12/30/19 to 1/5/19

Compiled  by Jack Gleason of hsbball.com

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30

TOURNAMENT OF THE SUN OCALA FLORIDA

Bolingbrook vs. TBA

MONDAY DECEMBER 31 
YORK TOSH HOLIDAY CLASSIC
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Downers Grove South at York 3 

FRIDAY JANUARY 4

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

Evanston at Niles West 7

INTERSTATE 8

Streator at Lisle 7:15
Wilmington at Westmont 7

 SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE

Lockport at Lincoln-Way East 6:30

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Morton at Downers Grove South 6

NONCONFERENCE
Crete Monee at Joliet Central 6:30

Joliet Catholic at Kennedy 4
Minooka at Metea Valley 7
Plainfield Central at Plainfield North 6:30 

SATURDAY JANUARY 5

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
Benet at Marian Central Catholic 4:30

NONCONFERENCE
Longwood at JCA 2:30
Notre Dame at Grant 7
Plainfield North at Deerfield 6

BOYS TERRIFIC TEN
1 Bolingbrook           9-3    With Cochran back Raiders take 3^rd in Ocala
2 Benet                     12-3   Redwings struggle in Pontiac
3 DG  South                9-5   Red-hot Mustangs fall to York in Tosh final
4 Romeoville            11-3   The Ville 4^th at Big Dipper
5 Lockport                  7-4    Porters lose by 2 in OT to Simeon; by 2 to Danville!
6.Plainfield East        8-6    Fall by 1 to Pekin champ Moline, in semis
7.Maine South         10-5    Hawks stuggle at Hinsdale
8 Joliet Central          8-5     Steelmen lose three at State Farm
9.Plainfield Central  7-7     Wildcats fall to Wheaton Acdemy in E Aurora Final
10 Westmont           15-2    Sentinels ICCP/Westmont Holiday Champs!
On the Bubble  DG North (10-5), Plainfield North 6-7,

GIRLS TERRIFIC TEN
1 Benet                      18-3    After 3 OT loss to Fremd take 5^th at Montini
2 Bolingbrook           6-7       All losses to state and out-of-state ranked teams
3 Maine South         12-6     Hawks take fifth at Dundee-Crown
4.Niles West             10-5     Wolves take third at Libertyville
5.DG North               11-6     Trojans take fourth at Wheaton North
6.Minooka                16-3      Indians disappointing fourth at LW East
7.Joliet Central         11-5     Steelwomen take second at Oswego East
8 Plainfield South    10-8      Cougars fall to unbeaten Kankakee in Peotone final
9.Plainfield Central  10-7      Without Donald, Wildcats finish seventh at Oswego
10. DG South            10-5     Is something wrong with the Mustangs?
Bubble: Lockport        7-12    Porters destroy No.9; take fourth at Oswego East
Joliet West     7-12    Tigers smash Porters before Xmas

AREA BOYS CONFERENCE STANDINGS
Through Games of January  3
Compiled by Jack Gleason hssbball.com

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

Deerfield               9-6          4-0
Glenbrook North 8-8          3-1
Maine West          7-6          2-2
Highland Park       7-8          2-2
Maine East            7-8          1-3
Vernon Hills          4-12        0-4

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

New Trier              14-2        4-0
Evanston                15-3       2-1
Glenbrook South  11-4       2-2
Maine South          10-5      2-2
Niles North              8-5       1-2
Niles West               6-9       0-4

 EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Marian Catholic    13-1      3-0
St. Viator                13-2      2-0
Benet                      12-3      2-0
Carmel                    11-6      2-0
Notre Dame            9-7       1-1
Nazareth                 3-12     1-2
St. Patrick                8-7       0-2
Marist                      6-8       0-2
Joliet Catholic         3-14     0-2
MCC                         1-14     0-2

 INTERSTATE 8
Coal City                   9-6       4-1
Westmont               15-2      3-1
Lisle                           8-9       3-1
Herscher                   6-8       2-1
Streator                    3-9       1-1
Reed Custer             7-8       2-3
Peotone                    2-11    2-3
Sandwich                  8-6      1-2
Plano                         8-7      1-2
Manteno                   8-5      1-3
Wilmington              1-11    0-2

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE
Oswego East            11-2      2-0
Romeoville               11-3      2-0
Minooka                     5-8      2-0
Oswego                    10-5      1-1
Joliet Central             8-5      1-1
Plainfield Central      7-7      1-1
Plainfield North        6-7       1-1
Plainfield East           8-6       0-2
Plainfield South        5-8       0-2
Joliet West                2-10     0-2

 SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE

Homewood-Flossmoor  8-4     1-0
Bolingbrook                     8-3     0-0
Lockport                           7-4     0-0
Sandburg                          9-7     1-1
Lincoln-Way East             7-8    1-1
Stagg                                  6-8    0-1

 WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Proviso East                      9-3     2-0
Morton                              8-5     2-0
Downers Grove South    9-5      2-1
Willowbrook                    7-6      2-1
Leyden                              7-6      1-1
Addison Trail                    8-7      0-3
Hinsdale South                6-8      0-3

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER

York                                  14-1    3-0
Oak Park                           8-6     2-1
Glenbard West               11-3    1-1
Lyons Township              10-5    2-2
Downers Grove North   10-4    1-2
Hinsdale Central              4-9      1-2
Proviso West                    3-7      0-3

AREA GIRLS CONFERENCE STANDINGS
Through games of January 3
Compiled by Drake Skleba

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West           19-0      4-0
Vernon Hills             9-6       4-0
Highland Park         8-11     3-2
Maine East              5-10     2-3
Deerfield                 3-13      1-4
Glenbrook North   4-12      0-5

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

Evanston               12-5         4-0
New Trier              13-4         3-1
Glenbrook South  14-3         2-2
Maine South          12-6        2-2
Niles West             10-5         1-3
Niles North             6-7          0-4

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Benet                      18-3        3-0
Nazareth                 15-1       1-0
MCC                          7-10      1-0
Marist                      13-4       2-1
St. Viator                 13-5       1-2
Marian Catholic      9-7        0-1
JCA                            7-11      0-2
Carmel                      5-10      0-2

 INTERSTATE 8
Sandwich                 17-0       5-0
Plano                        12-4       5-0
Peotone                   12-6       4-1
Reed-Custer            15-4       4-2
Herscher                   9-9         3-2
Lisle                          12-7        3-3
Coal City                    7-7         3-3
Streator                     5-8         2-3
Wilmington               7-10       1-5
Manteno                    5-14      0-5
Westmont                 1-10       0-6

 SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE
Minooka                    16-3        4-0
Oswego                      12-4        3-1
Joliet Central             11-5        3-1
Oswego East                8-7        2-1
Plainfield Central      10-7        2-1
Plainfield South         10-8       2-2
Romeoville                  7-10       1-3
Joliet West                  7-12       1-3
Plainfield North          5-14       1-3
Plainfield East             3-14       0-4

 SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE

Stagg                                13-3       1-0
Homewood-Flossmoor 10-5       1-0
Bolingbrook                      6-7        1-0
Lincoln Way East            12-4        0-1
Sandburg                          9-6         0-1
Lockport                           7-12       0-1

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Willowbrook                  13-4         5-1
Proviso East                   12-4          4-1
Downers Grove South  10-5          4-1
Hinsdale South                7-11        2-3
Leyden                              4-6          1-3
Addison Trail                    6-7          1-4
Morton                             0-10        0-4

 WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
York                                  13-5         4-1
Glenbard West               12-5         4-1
Oak Park                            9-9         4-1
Downers Grove North   11-6         3-1
Lyons Township               7-10        3-4
Hinsdale Central              2-14        1-5
Proviso West                    0-13        0-6

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced today that bond has been set for a Westmont man accused fondling a pregnant woman yesterday afternoon as she was waking to work. Keenan Fowlkes, 18 (d.o.b. 5/19/2000) appeared at a bond hearing this morning in front of Judge Jeffrey MacKay who set bond at $50,000 with 10% to apply. Fowlkes has been charged with one count of Aggravated Battery to a Pregnant Woman, a Class 3 Felony.

It is alleged that at approximately 1:15 p.m., January 2, 2019, Fowlkes approached the twenty-eight-year-old woman as she was walking in a strip mall near the intersection of 63^rd Street and Fairview Avenue in Westmont. It is alleged that Fowlkes told the woman “I haven’t seen you in the area, you’re pretty” and that when the women told Fowlkes she was pregnant he said “I can help you with your kid” and rubbed her stomach. It is further alleged that when the victim attempted to leave, Fowlkes rubbed the woman’s thigh and genitals, grabbed her by her wrist and pulled her back towards him. The victim was able to free herself from Fowlkes and the Westmont Police Department was contacted. Police officers located Fowlkes at a nearby restaurant shortly thereafter.

“My office has no tolerance whatsoever for the type of actions Mr. Fowlkes has been charged with,” Berlin said. “We will do everything within our power to ensure that no one is subjected to the kind of violent and aggressive behavior alleged in this case. I would like to thank the Westmont Police Department for their quick response in apprehending the defendant. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandria Levan for her efforts in holding Mr. Fowlkes responsible for his alleged actions.”

Fowlkes’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 1, 2019, for arraignment in front of Judge Mackay.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Woodridge 68 Teacher: A Hero in the Classroom

Murder in Romeoville

Weber Road renovation to begin October 1

Former Wildcat coach John Jackson dies after battle with cancer

Mom’s grassroots effort covers Bolingbrook High School with sticky notes of support

Fast action prevented further tragedy at Izzy’s Bar in Joliet

Beer and Music festival set for fall: Plainfield’s newest fest will benefit Legacy Fund

$10,000 damage in Downers Grove house fire caused by candle

Plainfield East grad remembers the why as he takes his shot at the NFL

Valley View schools to change middle school schedule

Plainfield Police investigation lead to more street racing arrests; still more wanted

Plainfield hears plans for truck freight terminal

Once the holidays are behind us, many people tend to think of getting their W-2s in order for taxes as the next big thing.

But as any Environmental Health professional will tell you, January is Radon Action Month. Testing your home for radon is definitely something to place at the top of your post-holidays list.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Undetermined levels of exposure over time can be a health hazard. EPA statistics indicate that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking, and the number one cause among non-smokers. According to the American Lung Association, radon exposure contributes to 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States, an estimated 2,900 of those annual deaths is among people who have never smoked.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas resulting from the decay of uranium in the earth’s crust. Radon gas follows a pathway of least resistance and can enter a home through foundation cracks, and unsealed sump pits. Statistics from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency indicate that elevated radon levels have been detected in homes in Will County. For example, of 465 homes tested in Joliet over a recent ten-year period, 54 percent were found to have radon levels at greater than 4pCI/L (picocuries/liter), which the EPA has deemed as the action level. Homes that have radon at this level should be mitigated to remove the radon gas and reduce the risk for lung cancer. For more information on radon levels in Will County and mitigation options, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/NRS/Radon/Pages/RadonIllinois.aspx.

The radon level in your home can be determined through the use of a radon test kit. The Will County Health Department offers test kits for $8.00 and they are available at all three health department branch offices. The kit comes with simple instructions and lab results are sent directly to you. January is Radon Action Month and an ideal time to test your home.

The Will County Health Department at 501 Ella Avenue in Joliet is currently undergoing preparations for the construction of a new building. To purchase a radon test kit, enter through the WIC parking entrance off of Neal Street, and then turn right into the fenced-off section marked “Visitor Parking.”   Environmental Health is located on the second floor. Radon test kits are also available at the Bolingbrook (323 Quadrangle Drive) and Monee (5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road) branch offices. Hours are 8 AM to 4 PM.

Washington Street between, S. Joliet Street and N. Ottawa Street, will be closed to all traffic beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019. The road closure will last over the weekend until 7 a.m. Monday, January 7, 2019. In addition, W. Washington Street between N. Ottawa Street and S. Chicago Street will be reduced to one way traffic in the eastbound direction for approximately two weeks beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2018. These traffic modifications are required due to the Downtown Storm Sewer Improvements project. This project includes installation of approximately 2800 linear feet of 60-inch and 66-inch trunk storm sewer on Des Plaines, Lafayette, Washington, and Jefferson Streets. The project is anticipated to be completed by winter of 2019.

Drivers should be prepared for delays and are reminded to slow down and use extreme caution when driving in the vicinity of the work zone. Obey posted speed limit and signing and watch for workers or flaggers. For the safety of workers and drivers do not use cell phones or text.

If you have any questions about the City’s Downtown Storm Sewer Improvements Project, please contact Owen Dean with the Department of Public Utilities at 815-724-4220.

The City of Joliet is the third largest city in the state of Illinois and home to over 149,000 residents. Joliet sits 35 miles southwest of Chicago and is easily accessible by auto, train and bus; making it the perfect place to live, work and play. Joliet is constantly striving to promote growth and diversity. For more information on Joliet visit www.cityofjoliet.info or call 815-724-4000. The City of Joliet’s Media Releases are always available on our website.

Questions contact Dianne Rostollan at drostollan@smip.org St. Mary Immaculate 15629 S. Rt. 59 Plainfield.

(Through games of January 3 – stats as provided by coaches)

 SCORING  points-per-game

Jazz Evans              Joliet West             19.7
Jalysa Stokes         Joliet Central          15.1
Shannon Smith     Plainfield S.            13.4 
Grace Walsh          Joliet West            12.7
Mia Bertino            JCA                         12.6
McKenzie Weaver Lisle                       11.1
Nicole Scales           Maine South       10.1
Armoni Strickland  Joliet Central        9.9
Aniya Mabry           Plainfield S            9.5
Lexie Hernandez    Plainfield N           9.3
Ellie Gross               DG North               9.0
Elena Knebel          Lockport                8.2
Emma Rossin          Lisle                       8.1
Nicole Gardiner      Maine South        8.0

REBOUNDING per game

Olivia Cantu                Plainfield North  10.1
Shawton Brown         Joliet Central        8.4
Grace Walsh               Joliet West            6.9
Gretta Miller              Maine South         6.8
Niahm Gardiner         Maine South         6.7
Jenna Cotter               Lockport                6.1
Nicole Gardnier          Maine South        6.0
Elena Knebel               Lockport                5.9
Jennifer Kriska            JCA                         5.8
Abby Casmer               Lisle                       5.8
Lindsay Oldendorf      Lockport               5.7
Caitlyn Webber          Lisle                        5.7
Aniya Mabry               Plainfield S            5.4
Jordan Buchelt           Lisle                        5.4
Jaylin Harris                DG North               5.1
Jaylin Patterson         Plainfield North    5.0

 ASSISTS per game

Ellie Gross                DG North          4.4
Hannah Shilling       Maine South    3.9 
Molly Hibner           JCA                     3.2
Nicole Scales           Maine South     3.1
McKenzie Weaver Lisle                    2.6
Jalysa Stokes          Joliet Central     2.6
Jazz Evans               Joliet West        2.5
Jenna Hernandez  JCA                      2.4
Elizabeth Sochaki  Lockport            2.3
Shawton Brown    Joliet Central     2.2
Grace Walsh          Joliet West         2.0

 STEALS per game

McKenzie Weaver Lisle                   4.4
Hannah Shilling      Maine South    3.8
Jazz Evans               Joliet West       3.0
Aniya Mabry          Plainfield S        3.0
Leia James             Plainfield S        2.9
Jalysa Stokes          Joliet Central   2.8
Shannon Smith      Plainfield S       2.6
Shawton Brown    Joliet Central    2.4
Julia Kramper        DG North           2.4
Payton Grcevic      Lockport            2.1
Ellie Gross              DG North           2.1

 THREE POINTERS per game

Jalysa Stokes           Joliet Central  2.3
Emma Rossin          Lisle                  1.9

FREE THROW SHOOTING PCT
Nicole Scales            Maine South   .790
Shannon Smith        Plainfield S      .770
Jayln Harris              DG North         .720
Armoni Strickland  Joliet Central   .670
Jazz Evans                Joliet West      .660
McKenzie Weaver  Lisle                  .660
Aniya Mabry           Plainfield S       .640
Julia Kramper          DG North         .640
Grace Evans            Joliet West       .640
Jalysa Stokes           Joliet Central    .640

BOYS

AREA BOYS BASKETBALL STATISTICS LEADERBOARD

SCORING

Matt Hatzopoulos         Lockport          12.1
Jake Karli                        Lockport           11.9
Tomas Ferriter              Lockport           11.4

REBOUNDING

Thomas Halatek            Lockport             7.6
Jake Karli                        Lockport             4.2
Tomas Ferriter              Lockport              4.1

ASSISTS

Jake Karli                        Lockport               4.7

 STEALS

Jake Karli                        Lockport               1.8 

FREE-THROW PCT

Jake Karli                         Lockport             .947

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In a special Friday matinee performance two of the four leaders in the West Suburban Silver met at Downers Grove North High School as Trojans welcomed York (13-6, 4-2), who were in a three-way tie atop the WSC Silver with Glenbard West (12-5, 4-1) and Oak Park-River Forest (9-9, 4-1).

The Trojans (12-6, 4-1) were one half game behind the WSC Silver tri-leaders.

After falling behind 10-6 after one quarter, North played Trojan-tough defense and over the next three quarters, the Dukes scored just 20 points, turned the ball over 21 times and fell to Downers Grove North, 36-30.

North’s 6-foot-2 senior Jaylin Harris, after a slow first quarter, led the way for the Trojans with eight points, six rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots.

“We all really stepped up and played great defense after another bad first quarter for us,” Harris said. “We all played with a lot of energy and this was a big win for us.”

With the Trojans leading 30-22 with 2:15 remaining regulation, York’s Sarah Krissinger met Harris up-close-and personal. Krissinger, leading a valiant York fourth-quarter, comeback drove on Harris to the basket.

Harris rejected Krissinger’s shot by taking the ball right out of the befuddled Duke forward’s hands.

Senior Julia Kramper, after burying a pair of three-pointers in the first three quarters, was huge in the fourth quarter for DGN.

Kramper who shared game-scoring honors, with York’s Krissinger with 12 points, hit six of eight clutch Trojan free-throws down the stretch.

“This was a very physical game,” Kramper said. “York is a great team and we had to step up and play great defense to win. I had been struggling lately with my outside shot and if felt good to knock the threes down.”

Trojan floor general, junior guard Ellie Gross, scored seven points to go with three rebounds and three steals in the game.

“I really didn’t play well today,” Gross said. “My shots weren’t falling and I am very grateful to my teammates for getting us this huge win. Jaylin and Julia were outstanding. This was a big WSC Silver win for us, this afternoon. We move one step closer to our goal of winning the WSC Silver championship.”

Saturday North will travel for a 6 p.m. nonconference game at Plainfield North (4-12).

“All season long we have struggled in the first quarter,” Downers Grove North coach Stephan Bolt said. “We were outstanding on defense today. To turn over a very good York team 21 times and hold them to just 20 points over the last three quarters is a credit to our girls.

“We ran our offense well but our shots just weren’t falling today. Credit goes to York playing very physical defense against us. Jaylen and Julia were outstanding. We knocked down our free throws and I am very proud of the girls for getting us this big win.”

FRIDAY AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

SPC leading Indians handle, Corpuz and Wolves
Led by senior Savannah Johnson’s 22 points, Minooka (18-2, 5-0) held off Oswego East 55-48 in a Southwest Prairie contest in Minooka. The Indians’ senior standout Cierra Bachmann (13 points) sealed the victory by going six-for-six from the free-throw line in fourth quarter crunch time.

Oswego East (8-10, 2-4) grabbed a 15-12 lead after one quarter. Led by five Allison Bugajski (7 points), points, Minooka went to the halftime locker room with a 27-23 lead.

After scoring just a single point in the first half, Bachmann struck for six third quarter points as the Indians clung to a 41-39 lead after three quarters. Oswego East’s standout junior Christine Corpuz (16 points) exploded for seven third quarter points.

In the fourth quarter, Johnson took over the game scoring eight of her 22 points to extend the Indians lead. Bachmann finished off the Wolves with her fourth quarter free-throw shooting clinic.

Griffin, Wildcats hang on, to defeat Tigers 45-43

After her frustrating night at Naperville Central Thursday, Plainfield Central sophomore Anna Griffin put on quite a show before the home crowd at Plainfield Central. Griffin picked up another double-double, scoring 24 points and hauling down 10 rebounds to lead the ‘Cats past Plainfield North 45-43.

As on Thursday in Naperville, Plainfield Central (11-8, 3-1) had problems in the fourth quarter.

Thursday the Wildcats blew a 44-33 fourth quarter lead and lost to Naperville Central 51-49.

Friday, the Wildcats led 44-29 as the game entered the fourth quarter. North (4-13, 1-4) made a furious fourth quarter comeback but fell a little short.

Senior Katie Kearney, scored 11 points and dished out four assists, for Central. Junior Jasmine Bonsu cleaned the glass for Central, grabbing an even dozen rebounds on the night. Emily Knobbe added three big assists for the Wildcats.

The Tigers were led by freshman Jayln Patterson, who tallied 13 points.

Junior Natalie Bearbower added 12 points and senior Olivia Cantu grabbed 12 rebounds.  Sophomore Beatrice Atienza had eight assists.

“She played her best game at point with great leadership and got the ball to the right people at the right time,” North coach Reggie Lemon said. “I’m very pleased with the effort we played with and the direction we’re going in.”