The mission for No. 1 Morgan Park was the same regardless of whether No. 18 Orr played its star sophomores in the Public League tournament’s first round Wednesday.
“We’re built to destroy a team no matter who’s on the floor,” Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said.
Morgan Park (18-2) accomplished that with an 89-58 victory over Orr (16-3) to advance to next week’s second round.
Morgan Park’s senior class is driven to add a city championship to its accomplishments, and Wednesday marked the starting point toward that goal. The first step was made easier when Orr coach Louis Adams decided to not play his sophomores to keep them eligible for the city’s sophomore tournament.
“It’s a big motivation,” said Morgan Park said Charlie Moore of winning a city title. “It’s a goal I haven’t accomplished yet in high school. I’ve won state, so city is obviously a goal of mine. I think we can get it if we keep playing as a team and working together.”
Moore led the Mustangs with 23 points, and Malik Binns contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. Orr’s Devon King scored a team-high 20.
Orr was left with only four players on the court after a fourth player fouled out with 4 minutes, 26 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Spartans played that way for a few minutes until Adams ordered his team to hold the ball. The official called the game with 1:15 remaining.
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Scott Powers is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Charlie Moore, Morgan Park, 23 points, 3 steals.
Key performers: Morgan Park — Malik Binns, 15 points, 7 rebounds; Cam Irvin, 11 points; Jamal Burton, 9 points, 6 rebounds; Orr — Devon King, 20 points; Raekwon Drake, 10 points, 3 blocks; Tyree Wooding, 10 points.