Boys Basketball: Andrew remains unbeaten
By Michael O’Brien mobrien@suntimes.com January 29, 2012 9:28PM
Andrew's Alex Zappavigna is fired up after Jubril Adekoya (23) makes a basket late in the game against Thornwood. | Allen Cunningham~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 1, 2012 8:17AM
No. 1 Andrew knew Sunday’s game at Thornwood was a measuring stick. A win in South Holland would go a long way toward validating the Thunderbolts’ undefeated record.
It was with that pressure on his shoulders that junior Glorind Lisha stepped to the free-throw line twice in the final eight seconds of the game. He made 2-of-4, just enough to seal a 48-45 win over Thornwood.
“It was way too stressful,” Lisha said. “I came up short on one and off to the right on the other.”
Jubril Adekoya had a coast-to-coast rebound and floater with 2:01 to play and found his older brother Jawad for a dunk with 1:45 remaining, giving Andrew a 44-34 lead.
Thornwood star Darrell Combs then scored seven consecutive points to cut the lead to three. Jubril Adekoya made one of two free throws to increase the lead to five, but Combs was fouled on a drive to the basket on the next possession. He made both free throws to cut the lead to three with 12 seconds to play and set up the pressure situation for Lisha.
“He had my heart racing missing those two,” Jubril Adekoya said. “He usually shoots like 90 percent from the line.”
Jawad Adekoya led Andrew with 15 points and four rebounds. Jubril Adekoya scored 11 and grabbed six rebounds. Lisha had 12 points, and Mike Bobek contributed eight for the Thunderbolts (16-0, 7-0 SouthWest Suburban Red).
Combs finished with 17 points for Thornwood (12-6, 6-1). Khapri Alston added 12 points and 14 rebounds.
“I’m very impressed with Alston,” Andrew coach Tim O’Halloran said. “Any time he doesn’t have the ball in his hands I’m happy.”
Andrew’s defensive effort was key in the second half, especially considering Thornwood dominated the boards, out-rebounding Andrew 35-25.
“We keyed on Alston in the second half,” Jubril Adekoya said. “He’s really strong and can get his post position every time.”
Farragut 50, No. 6 Seton 45: At North Park University, Rashaun Stimage scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked six shots to propel the Admirals past the Sting. Lavell Boyd added 12 points and David Scott scored nine points and hauled in 21 rebounds for Farragut (12-7). Kamal Shasi paced Seton (17-4) with 14 points.
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