A week after Glenbard West won its first West Suburban Silver championship since 1973, the Hilltoppers added another significant accomplishment by winning the WSC title game.
No. 18 Glenbard West (23-3) started slowly in the road contest, but put its game into overdrive to defeat Downers Grove South 64-47 on Wednesday night.
Justin Pierce, Glenbard West’s all-time leading scorer, went 0-for-5 from the field in the first quarter, but made 10 of 15 shots in the middle quarters and led all scorers with 31 points. It was a big win for the Hilltoppers leading into next week’s regional.
“Winning the West Suburban Silver was a big goal for us, and we won that, and we were like, we might as well win the overall West Suburban Conference, so that was our motivation going into this game,” Pierce said. “Also it’s the last regular-season game before going into the regional. I thought we showed well tonight and if we play like this we’re going to be a dangerous team.”
Pierce converted two free throws in the opening period as the Hilltoppers took a 10-9 lead. But the William & Mary recruit got hot in the second, making four of the team’s first five field goals, including a pair of consecutive dunks.
“I didn’t come out as aggressive as I would’ve liked to tonight,” Pierce said. “In the second quarter I was able to get some easy buckets and that kind of got me going.”
After leading 28-17 at halftime, Glenbard West’s margin was trimmed to eight points several times in the third quarter, but when Alex Passi scored on a layup in the final minute, it was a comfortable 45-32 advantage for the Hilltoppers going into the fourth.
Denis Alibegovic led Downers Grove South (20-9) with 12 points.
Bob Hurst is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Justin Pierce, Glenbard West, 31 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks
Key performers: Glenbard West — Connor O’Shea, 14 points; Alex Passi, 11 points, 5 assists. Downers Grove South — Denis Alibegovic, 12 points; TJ Clifford, 10 points.