A season ago, Stevenson guard Jalen Brunson scored a state-tournament record 57 points in a semifinal loss to Young. On Friday night, on the same Peoria Civic Center court again in the Class 4A semifinals, Brunson played the role of facilitator. This time, the Patriots overcame a slow start and emerged victorious with a 63-43 win over Bolingbrook.
Stevenson will play for a state championship for the second time in school history on Saturday night. The Patriots will face Normal, which beat Geneva 38-36 in Friday’s other semifinal.
“Not that we weren’t ready, it just took us a while for us to get our groove,” Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose said. “This was our goal the start of the season. I know we’ll be ready [Saturday night].”
More Top Picks Best 55 Inch Tvs
The first-half line for Brunson on Friday night read like a bad dream.
Brunson had four points on 1-of-10 shooting. He had more turnovers — three — than baskets. The Raiders defended Brunson in the half court with physical guard Devon Sims. But when he put the ball on the floor, Bolingbrook collapsed on Brunson with a trio of players — senior guards Prentiss Nixon and Broderic Thomas and 6-foot-5 junior center Rich Grady.
Only six fouls were whistled on the Raiders and Brunson shot just four free throws, two after a technical foul was called on Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost. The scoring line may not have revealed Brunson’s value, but this stat line did — of the Patriots’ nine field goals, three were assisted by Brunson.
“I was frustrated my shot wasn’t falling. But as I always say, I try to make the right play at the right time. If it’s there, I’ll shoot, if not I try and dish it off,” Brunson said.
In the second half, Brunson shifted from facilitator to initiator.
During a decisive 18-4 third quarter, he scored seven points, including the final five of the quarter.
His final stat line was not atypical of a Brunson game — 21 points (4-of-18 field goals, 13-of-14 free throws) to go with five assists and six rebounds.
At the postgame press table, Brunson looked confident and composed. A year ago, an individual achievement was all Brunson had. Not so this March.
“It feels so much better. Last year I was sitting in this chair, crying my eyes out. It doesn’t matter what stats I have, as long as we get the win,” Brunson said.
Jon Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @prepspioneer