Holden’s Big 2nd Half Leads Wildkits to Victory
Beardsley Gym was filled to capacity on Friday night as the New Trier Trevians and the Evanston Wildkits faced off in the Bob Bost Classic for first place in the CSL South.
When the dust had settled, the Wildkits secured a 54-46 victory behind an outstanding second half from senior guard Jaheim Holden.
The first quarter started off fast and furious with both teams firing from beyond the three point arc early and often.
Evanston converted on four three pointers and New Trier converted on their first three to give the Wildkits an early 12-9 lead.
“When you are playing a team 6’8”, 6’9”, 6’6” if we are talking about three-point shots, I’ll take that,” said Evanston coach Mike Ellis. “Whatever that number is. If we are talking about dunks and layups and drop steps and post moves we would be in trouble.”
New Trier then reverted to their normal form looking to dump the ball inside to 6’9” senior forward Ciaran Brayboy.
The smaller Wildkits attempted to swarm Brayboy but he was able to convert on two layups to take a 13-12 lead before the Wildkits Lance Jones hit a pull-up jumper to give the Wildkits a 14-13 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter started out similar to the first with the teams trading three point baskets, but it was clearly an game of Evanston’s quickness against the New Trier size. With neither team being able to take advantage of their particular skill sets, the Wildkits had maintained their one point lead at the half.
After half, New Trier started strong and took an early lead courtesy of the sharp shooting Noah Osher.
But unfortunately for the Trevians this would be their last lead of the game. On the next possession Holden hit a three which sparked a 10-0 run to end the quarter giving them a comfortable 39-28 lead.
“Jaheim was really solid tonight, he helped pick up our level of play and he should do that more often.” said Ellis. “He helped us advance our play at the offensive end and on the defensive end.”
In the final frame New Trier attempted to make several runs at the Wildkits, but every time New Trier would get close, Holden seemed to have an answer.
After switching back to their 1-3-1 zone the Trevians were able to claw their way back to 48-44 after two steals and layups fro Sam Silverstein, but turnovers plagued the Trevians down the stretch with Holden icing the game from the foul line for the 54-46 win.
Evanston was lead in scoring by Holden with 24 points and four steals, while the Trevians were lead by Osher with 12 points. The loss was New Trier’s first in the CSL South and now both teams are tied for first place with one loss. The rematch will take place on February 15th at New Trier. New Trier drops to 15-3 overall while Evanston improves to 17-3.
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