In a boys basketball game that saw 14 first-half lead changes and numerous tense moments down the stretch, Lake Forest held on for a key 44-38 nonconference victory over Deerfield on Saturday, Dec. 12.
The Scouts (4-3) pulled above the .500 mark, but more importantly, they handed the Warriors (7-1) their first loss of the season.
“We knew how big this game was, and we definitely used the fact they were unbeaten as motivation,” said Scouts senior forward Lorenzo Edwards, who had a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds). “This is the type of win that could have a big impact on where we get seeded when the sectional pairings are released later in the season.”
Deerfield didn’t go quietly.
Neither team led by more than two points until the final five seconds of the first half. Lake Forest pulled ahead by 10 points by the start of the fourth quarter and appeared in control. But then the Warriors stunned the Scouts with a 10-0 run to tie the game at 32-32 with 4:25 to go.
That’s when Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala called timeout.
“We need to be patient on offense,” LaScala loudly urged his players.
The Scouts scored on the ensuing possession and didn’t trail again, thanks in part to junior guard Connor Hanekamp — a first-year varsity player who tallied all five of his points off the bench during the final 2:20.
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When Lake Forest’s offense looked stagnant late, Hanekamp attacked the basket. He made it a two-possession game (38-34) on a gorgeous baseline drive with 2:20 to play, then made the back end of a one-and-one at the foul line to give the Scouts a 39-36 edge with with 1:58 to go.
He iced the game by making a pair of free throws with 15.9 seconds remaining, then pulled down the final rebound of the night when the Warriors missed a three just before the horn sounded.
“Being with the guys out there in crunch time and contributing in such an important part of the game was so much fun,” Hanekamp said. “It was awesome. Props to our team. Deerfield is a really good basketball team, and we showed a lot of character by beating them.”
LaScala credited Hanekamp and others for their resilience.
“We’re still in the process of learning, growing and finding ourselves as a team,” LaScala said. “And at this point in the season, that’s OK. We’ve played one heck of a tough schedule so far, which will help us grow. It was great to see Connor and [junior guard] Justin McMahon (11 points) contribute tonight.
“With Lorenzo Edwards constantly getting double- and triple-teamed every time he touches the ball in the lane, our guard play is going to be key when he kicks out to them. Our guards have to take advantage of their opportunities, and they did when it mattered late.”
Lake Forest held Deerfield to just 33 percent shooting (13-for-39), and used a man-to-man defense the entire game. Alexander Casieri led the Warriors with 10 points.
Tim Froehlig is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @TFroehlig