In the biggest game of his career, Prospect’s Kevin Reed came up big.
With his team clinging to a three-point lead with 4.9 seconds left and a share of first place in the Mid-Suburban East in the balance, the junior forward stepped up and hit the second of two free throws–giving his team a four-point lead–before stealing the ensuing inbounds pass as time expired in the Knights’ 66-62 victory Friday night at Buffalo Grove.
The triumph, coupled with Hersey’s decision over Elk Grove, left Prospect, Hersey and Buffalo Gove tied for the MSL East lead.
“Last time I don’t think we prepared very well,” Reed said of Prospect’s loss to the Bison earlier this season. “This time we were prepared and knew exactly how to defend them.”
However, nothing could have prepared the Knights (13-9, 6-2) for the amount of foul trouble they endured.
Senior captain Alex Toth committed his second foul with 5:06 to play in the first quarter.
Reed to the rescue.
With Toth saddled on the bench for most of the first half, Reed took over, scoring 13 points while grabbing four rebounds and blocking five shots. His efforts helped keep Prospect in contention at halftime, at which point the Bison (15-6, 6-2) led 31-29.
“I got in foul trouble before and Alex really helped me out, so I thought I’d help him tonight,” Reed joked.
It was no joking matter for Prospect in the fourth quarter when Toth, Eric Vandivier and Mike Leblebijian all fouled out.
Toth was the first victim, with 4:39 left to play. Reed answered with five points, including the free throw that iced the game.
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Reed finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Despite limited time, Toth still managed 11 points and 12 rebounds.
“I had two of my poorest games offensively the last two games,” Toth said. “I wanted to step up.”
Guard Brian DeSimone of Buffalo Grove led all scorers with 23 points.