PEORIA — One year made a world of difference for Jalen Brunson.
Last year, the Stevenson guard set a state tournament record by scoring 57 points in a semifinal loss to Whitney Young.
On Friday night, on the same Peoria Civic Center court in the same Class 4A state semifinals, Brunson played the role of facilitator. But this time, the Patriots emerged victorious with a 63-43 decision over Boilingbrook.
For the second time in school history, Stevenson (29-3) plays for a state championship Saturday night. In 2012-13, the Patriots lost to Simeon 58-40 in the title game.
“Not that we weren’t ready, it just took us awhile 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).”
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The first-half line Friday night for Brunson read like a bad dream.
He had four points on 1-for-10 shooting. He had more turnovers — three — than baskets. The Raiders defended Brunson in the half court with physical guard Devon Sims. And when Brunson put the ball on the floor, Boilingbrook collapsed with a trio of players, senior guards Prentiss Nixon and Broderic Thomas and 6-5 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 the Bolingbrook coach. 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 its 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, just 4-for-18 on field goals but 13-for-14 on free throws, with five assists and six rebounds.
At the postgame press conference, Brunson looked confident and composed. A year ago, individual achievement trumped team results.
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 writer