By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle
After crushing Joliet Catholic Academy 60-38 on Saturday night, in the 89-year old Lockport Central Gymnasium, the Lockport Porters on Monday looked to improve to 2-0 in the old gym against Reavis (5-5).
Led by 14 first half-points by Porter senior Matt Hatzopoulos (14 points, four three’s), the Porters improved to 7-2 with the 65-40 non-conference win. Coming off the bench, Porter senior John Vassilakis, took home Porter scoring honors with 15 points, including three long-range three-pointers.
According to Illinois Boys High School Basketball Historian, Curt Herron, the Lockport Central Gymnasium was opened in 1929. The gymnasium was dedicated to the veterans of “The Great War” as World War I was referred to in 1929.
The Lockport Central gym has been voted the best gymnasium in Illinois, by area sportswriters for decades.
Many remember the Classic old Illini 8 Conference battles between Hall of Fame Lockport head coach, Bob Basarich (1966-1987;525-102, 1978 AA State Champions), and Joliet Central Hall of Fame Head Coach, Dale Glenn (1968-1981; 270-98. 1970 AA Third Place), in the 60’s and 70’s.
Of course, in 1978, Basarich and his 33-0 Porters defeated some guy named Isiah Thomas and his Westchester St. Joseph teammates, coached by head coach, Gene Pingatore. Thomas, went on to lead Indiana to the 1981 NCAA National Championship and go on to a Hall of Fame NBA career with the Detroit Pistons.
In his now 48th year of coaching at St. Joseph’s, Pingatore, is nine wins away from 1,000 coaching victories. Along with two state championships, Gene is the all-time leader in Illinois coaching history.
Back In those days, the Central gym was always sold out, as everyone who attended the games were long-time season ticket-holders. Porter families left Porter season tickets to their loved ones in their last Will and Testaments.
Sadly, only 50 people showed up at the historic gym on Monday night.
After a tightly contested first quarter, with the Porters up 19-14, a Porter blitz was upcoming.
The Porters went a 12-0 run, started at the end of the first quarter and into the second quarter, to open up a 29-14 lead.
Hatzopoulos buried his fourth three of the half, for a 32-16 lead with three minutes remaining in the half. The Porters went into the halftime locker room up, 38-20.
“Great win. Everyone was able to play and keep the momentum going all night,” Hatzopoulos said. “I didn’t think I would like playing here but I love it. You can really feel the energy, in this place.”
“We all played well and I was able to knock down my shots.”
The second half featured a quality display by the entire Porter roster, as the Porter reserves extended the Porter lead to 58-29 after three quarters.
Vassilakis, buried his fourth three of the game in the fourth quarter, to take home Porter scoring honors.
“It was really nice to see everyone contribute and play well,” Vassilakis said. “I played hard tonight and was open and hit my shots.”
Senior point guard, Jake Karli, had his usual outstanding floor game, scoring eight points, hauling down five rebounds and dishing out three assists.
“I love playing here. With all the tradition and atmosphere,” Karli said. “This was a great tune-up for us, for Pontiac. It was great to have everyone get valuable time on the floor, for us going into Pontiac.”
“I was trying all night, to just open up looks, for my teammates. My drives allowed me to get the ball to Matt, who is a great shooter. Over the summer, John has really worked hard and his hard work is beginning to pay off.”
Porter senior guard Blake Sartin, scored four points and had four steals. Senior, Quinn Gardner, chipped in with six points and two steals.
The Porters take the next nine days off, before heading down to Pontiac for the 88th Pontiac Holiday Tournament. On Thursday the 27th, the Porters will open the 88th Pontiac Holiday Tournament with the Wolverines of Simeon (1-6).
“We have eight seniors and it was nice to get everyone a chance to play and play well,” Lockport head coach Brett Hespell said. “This place is great! Its nice to play here once in awhile. Matt can really shoot it. You lose track of him and he will bury the shot.”
“John Vassiakis, was freshman B player, who never saw the varsity floor, until this season. John has worked so hard for us and is an outstanding out-side shooter.”