Shawn Monroe Sr. was tempted to keep his son, Shawn Monroe Jr., home from school Wednesday. The players at Gage Park probably wish he had.
Monroe Jr. hit two free throws in the final 30 seconds to give Lindblom a 55-54 victory over Gage Park, coached by his father.
“We’re not speaking,” said the elder Monroe–jokingly. “I almost kept him home (which would have made him ineligible to play). He hit the clutch free throws. If I’m going to get beat, I’d like him to be the one to do it. At the same time, I root for Gage Park.”
Monroe Jr. scored nine of his 15 points in the final quarter, when Lindblom (3-8, 1-0 in the Public Blue Central) outscored Gage Park 20-12. Shohn Williams led Lindblom with 18.
“I just knew I had to step up,” Monroe Jr. said of the two free throws. “I know that my dad wanted me to do well, even though I’m on the other team.”
For Bridgette Monroe, wife of the coach and mother of the player, the choice of whom to root for was simple.
“I always root for my son,” she said. “I’m proud of both of them. There was some talking before the game, but there’s nothing to say now. Shawn (Jr.) is just walking around smiling.”
Schaumburg 66, Buffalo Grove 51: Mike Weel hit seven three-pointers en route to a 24-point night as No. 13 Schaumburg (11-3) rolled past No. 20 Buffalo Grove (9-3).
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King 86, Phillips 59: Anthony Johnson had 28 points and Michael Stewart added 15 with 11 rebounds as No. 15 King (9-4, 1-0) rolled in the Public Red Central.
DuSable 66, Curie 61: Theo Williams scored 15 and John Bebley added 10 for No. 16 DuSable (10-3, 1-0) in the Red Central.
Hoffman Estates 60, Barrington 50: Chris Sigl had 22 points to lead No. 17 Hoffman.
Dunbar 63, Robeson 43: Clint Wilson scored 18 points for Dunbar (7-5, 1-0 Public Red Central).
Steinmetz 78, Sullivan 63: Montsho Wilson collected 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for Steinmetz (9-1, 1-0).
Taft 78, Mather 64: Tim Marshall scored 33 points and Elliot Fields added 18 for Taft (8-4, 1-0) in its Public Red North opener.
Girls basketball
Marshall 111, Wells 32: Cappie Pondexter, with 23 points, led seven players in double figures for No. 2 Marshall (14-0, 4-0) in the Public Red West.
Maine West 63, Barrington 45: Dawn Vana scored 17 points to lead No. 6 Maine West (16-1).
Bowen 59, Carver 31: Jennifer Noel scored 28 points and grabbed 23 rebounds as Bowen (9-4, 3-1) romped in the Public Blue South.
Fenger 65, Calumet 56: Lillie Campbell totaled 25 points and 12 rebounds while Raven Cresswell chipped in with 18 points for Fenger (9-7, 2-3) in the Red South.
Sullivan 59, Lincoln Park 37: Camille Calhoun’s 26 points led Sullivan (11-2, 2-2 Red North).