The Evanston boys basketball team had just two practices this week ahead of Friday’s 64-52 Central Suburban South home win over Glenbrook South, and at times during the second half, the Wildkits’ unspectacular play appeared to reflect what players said had been a lack of focus in the buildup to the game.
But the time Evanston players spent together last month — a two-day trip to the LeBron James Classic in Akron, Ohio, and the six-day Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina, games in which the Wildkits went 5-1 against top competition — may have played a role in the Wildkits (14-2, 4-0) pulling together late in their first game of 2017.
After leading 27-12 at halftime, Evanston allowed Glenbrook South (7-8, 1-3) to storm back. The Titans got to within 46-44 early in the fourth quarter.
But Evanston senior guard Malcolm Townsel said the team’s togetherness, forged on the court, beaches, mini-golf courses and go-kart tracks of South Carolina, helped the Wildkits close the game with an 18-8 run.
“We do feel closer (as a team after the trips),” said Townsel, an Evanston resident who finished with 11 points against Glenbrook South. “Even with some struggles in today’s game, that’s why we pulled it out: We stayed strong, stayed as one unit, we didn’t break off. Even if somebody messed up, or somebody didn’t get the pass they wanted, we just stayed as one and remembered that if we stay as one, we will win.”
The Wildkits were without senior starting forward Elyjah Williams after he injured his right ankle in Wednesday’s practice. But sophomore guard Jaheim Holden put on a second-quarter shooting exhibition, hitting 4-for-4 from 3-point range and scoring 14 of his career-high 17.
Senior guard Nojel Eastern, who starred in South Carolina, was scoreless in the first half, before scoring a crucial 17 points after the break. He also grabbed 10 rebounds.
During the first 16 minutes, it did not seem like an important contribution from Eastern would be required. But sophomore Lance Jones (10 points) said he was not too pleased with Evanston’s performance before or during the game.
“I didn’t think we were focused, I think we were slacking. We didn’t pay much attention in film (ahead of the game),” said Jones, an Evanston resident. “It was laziness. We have to do better and learn from our mistakes.”
Evanston coach Mike Ellis agreed that his team lacked focus in the second half.
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“First quarter, we were locked in, playing solid,” he said. “I don’t think we were locked and focused for 32 minutes tonight, just for 16.”
Focus hadn’t been a problem for Evanston the previous few weeks as the Wildkits impressed in both Ohio and South Carolina. In the latter tournament, Evanston posted a 57-44 win over Atlanta’s Pace Academy, featuring Duke-signee Wendell Carter, in the semifinal on Dec. 30. The Wildkits fell 78-76 to Imhotep Charter (Penn.) on a buzzer-beater in the title game on Dec. 31.
Eastern scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the semifinal and recorded 28 points in the final. Williams (14 points, 15 rebounds), Townsel (16 points) and senior guard Chris Hamil (13 points) all made important contributions in that final.
“It was a great opportunity for our guys to get away and bond together as a team,” Ellis said about the holiday schedule. “They did a nice job of not just going on a trip and having fun, but winning games. To go 5-1 when you’re playing teams (rated among the best in their states), that’s an impressive feat.”
Jones said the games in Ohio and South Carolina have helped the Wildkits make significant strides in the weeks since their 82-51 loss to national powerhouse Montverde (Fla.) on Dec. 3.
“I think we’ve improved a lot since the Montverde game,” Jones said. “That team we lost to (Imhotep), we played so well. Everybody (now) knows their role. They’re trying not to do too much, but they know what they have to do for us to win.”
Dan Shalin is for a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press