If there was a weakness in Sean Harrington’s game, everyone said, it was his defense. It may be time to look for another weakness.
Harrington’s steal and layup as time expired gave No. 2 Elgin a 62-60 victory Friday night at East Aurora.
Harrington, who had the flu all week, scored 11 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter as the Maroons (15-0, 6-0) rallied from an 11-point third-quarter deficit.
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Elgin finally pulled even with East Aurora (8-8, 3-3) with 20 seconds left on a hook shot by Marcus Smallwood (six points).
Harrington’s steal and heroics came on the ensuing possession.
“We wanted to force (the East Aurora ballhandler) to the point guard’s side, and we did,” said Harrington. “He just put his head down, and I don’t think he saw me coming. I looked at the clock and saw I had plenty of time. I had nobody in front of me, and I just didn’t want to make a stupid play and lose the ball.”
Joliet 59, Sandburg 56: Richard Terry scored 21 points, including 13 in the third quarter, as No. 3 Joliet held off Sandburg in the SICA West. Derrick Martin hit seven of nine free throws in the final 1:48 for the Steelmen (14-2, 4-0). Sandburg’s try for a game-tying three was off.
Nine of Joliet’s 14 victories have been by seven or fewer points. “Last year we could have never done that,” coach Bob Koskosky said of winning the close ones. “In the SICA West, anytime you play on the road, it’s a brutal game.”
Fenwick 74, Hales Franciscan 52: Chris Williams and Corey Maggette each had 18 points for No. 6 Fenwick in the Catholic League. The Friars (14-1, 5-0) led 19-14 at the end of one quarter but closed the half with an 11-0 run. Maurice Pitts scored 22 for Hales (7-10, 2-6) to lead all scorers.
“I think our guard pressure really intensified and helped Corey and Jabari (Harris, eight points) get some easy baskets,” said Fenwick coach John Quinn. “We score off our defense, and our pressure caused them to turn the ball.”
Hillcrest 54, Thornton Fractional North 43: Ryan Blankson scored 17 points and Reo Logan added 14 as No. 7 Hillcrest (15-1, 4-0) held off T.F. North to stay perfect in the SICA Central.
Hillcrest trailed 9-6 after one quarter before outscoring T.F. North 17-4 in the second.
Zion-Benton 67, Mundelein 53: Quiande Moore scored 18 points and Al Lainio 13 to lead No. 8 Zion-Benton (15-1, 5-1) in the North Suburban. Zion broke the game open by outscoring Mundelein 19-9 in the opening quarter.
“We depend on Quiande making good decisions out on the court,” said Zion coach Don Kloth. “He does a lot for us in terms of penetrating and making key passes.”
Maine West 49, Highland Park 48: No. 9 Maine West grabbed the lead for good on Brad Alesi’s layup with 2:32 left in the Central Suburban North game. Lucas Johnson led Maine West (14-2, 4-0) with 15 points and Kevin Frey added 10.
“We were the fortunate recipients of some big plays tonight,” said Maine West coach Jim Sullivan. “I don’t know if we earned this one, but I’ll take it.”
Providence-St. Mel 81, St. Gregory 63: Rebert Harris (20 points) and Cory Minnifield (18) led No. 10 Providence-St. Mel (13-2, 4-0) in the Chicago Prep.
Richards 69, Argo 49: Leading by just four points entering the final quarter, No. 11 Richards (15-1, 4-0) went on a 13-0 run and pulled away in the SICA North. David Bridgewater led Richards with 16 points and seven rebounds. Demetris McDaniel added 13 points.
Rich South 61, Kankakee 53: Gibran Carter scored 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and No. 13 Rich South (12-2, 3-1) held on in the SICA South.
“I felt that we were lucky to win,” said Rich South coach Fred Jacobeit. “Every possession was a struggle for us. We didn’t play with the kind of composure we usually do. We need to improve.”
Naperville North 59, West Chicago 43: Phil Torres scored 18 points and Chad Plotke chipped in with 13 to lead No. 15 Naperville North (12-1, 5-1) in the DuPage Valley. The Huskies outscored West Chicago 20-8 in the fourth quarter.
King 97, Englewood 45: Imari Sawyer collected 24 points, 16 assists and 10 steals as No. 12 King (12-4, 4-0) rolled in the Public Red Central. Anthony Johnson had 24 points with nine rebounds and Michael Stewart and Leon Smith each had 18 points.
Homewood-Flossmoor 54, Thornwood 45: Jerome Williams scored 24 points to lead H-F (6-8, 2-2) past No. 20 Thornwood (11-3, 1-2) in the SICA East.