Proviso West led Glenbard West by five points at halftime Friday, but the Panthers knew they had to do something to slow down Justin Pierce.
The Glenbard West senior scored his team’s first 19 points and had 21 of the Hilltoppers’ 28 first-half points.
After halftime, Proviso West was able to impede Pierce enough for a 56-50 West Suburban Silver win in Hillside, handing Glenbard West its first loss of the season.
“Number 32 got off to a good start,” said Emanuel Cross, who led Proviso West with 16 points. “Our main goal was to contain him and not let him shoot as many shots. I knew he couldn’t go side-to-side real good, so I tried to play him side-to-side.”
Pierce, a William & Mary recruit, scored eight in the second half to finish with 29 points. He was on fire in the first quarter, driving the lane for layups, including a nifty spin move, and hitting a 3-pointer.
The rest of the Hilltoppers (15-1, 3-1) offered little help, though, and they trailed 27-19 before Alex Passi became the second Hilltopper to score midway through the second quarter.
Proviso West (8-6, 3-2) stiffened its defense in the final three quarters, forcing Glenbard West to 11-for-44 shooting. The Panthers went ahead 39-30 on Cameron Boyd’s steal and layup with 5:14 left in the third quarter.
The Hilltoppers pulled within 52-49 on Pierce’s layup with about a minute left in the fourth. After trading free throws, Pierce missed a tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds to play, and Cross made 3 of 4 late free throws to seal it.
“They made some of the things we do to execute a little difficult by pressuring the ball and using their quickness,” Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder said. “We know our league schedule is a grind; every game is going to be a competitive one.”
Bob Hurst is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Justin Pierce, Glenbard West, 29 points, 8 rebounds.
Key performers: Proviso West — Emanuel Cross, 16 points, 2 steals. Trevon Johnson, 13 points, 7 rebounds.
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