West Aurora may be No. 2 in the Tribune poll, but the Blackhawks take a back seat to no one with the streak they`re currently riding.
Coach Gordon Kerkman watched gleefully Saturday night as the Blackhawks
(23-1, 12-0 in the Upstate Eight) posted a 65-36 victory over St. Charles
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(9-13, 4-8) for their 22nd straight victory.
With the win, the Blackhawks clinched at least a share of the Upstate Eight title with two games left. It was the final regular-season home game for the Blackhawks.
Michael Odumuviwa had 16 points, four rebounds and two blocked shots and Billy Taylor had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Simmns had 12 points and Rodney Brooks 10 for St. Charles.
Kerkman was concerned about the game because the Blackhawks had had such an emotional game against Larkin Friday night.
Kerkman had one minute of concern Saturday. His team didn`t score until Brooks hit a jump shot with 6 minutes 40 seconds left in the first quarter. Then in the next :37, Brooks and Simmons combined for eight points.
”I was pleased with our defense tonight,” said Kerkman. ”I had concerned that they would have too much depth for us.”
Chicago Latin 69, North Shore 43-George Giannoulias finished with 15 points, Scott Fox 12 and Ryan Jacobson 11 as Chicago Latin (8-17, 7-5) used a 21-8 third-quarter blitz to upend North Shore in the Independent School League. Jake DiFrancesca had 23 for North Shore (7-13, 2-9).
Fenwick 60, Joliet Catholic 51-Brian Ballarini scored 22 points and Todd Jesewitz 16 as Fenwick (10-13) built a 44-38 halftime lead and coasted. Bobby Freeman had 16 for Joliet (3-18).
Loyola Academy 71, Steinmetz 46-Yale Rieck (20 points) powered Loyola
(15-6). Anthony Davidson scored 17 for Steinmetz (9-10).
Luther South 60, Walther Lutheran 34-Mike Conley had 19 points and Marcell Kerr 10 as Luther South (19-6, 11-3) rolled in the Private School League.