The high-energy style, the intimidation tactics, even the play calls, were familiar to Justin Smith and Willie Herenton.
They’re used to playing for, not against, the Morgan Park coaching staff on the AAU circuit, so coach Pat Ambrose and his Stevenson staff spent some time this week getting them ready.
“During practice this week (we) had a little drill,” Smith said. “The coaching staff tried to get into my head, imitate what they do out there, talk to me.
“They instituted technical fouls. I got kicked out of one of the drills. That helped me focus and not let it get the best of me.”
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Flawless, Smith and Stevenson were not, but the Indiana recruit filled the box score with 15 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots. Herenton scored a game-high 18 points, and the Patriots outlasted No. 4 Morgan Park 60-58 in overtime at the City-Suburban Showdown at Robert Morris University in Arlington Heights.
Morgan Park freshman Nimari Burnett, the hero of the Mustangs’ comeback victory over Curie in the Public League semifinals fewer than 24 hours earlier, forced overtime with a deep 3 at the buzzer, but ran out of magic on his winning attempt at the end of the extra period.
“We were happy to be here. It’s a good win for us,” Ambrose said. “We played hard last night in a conference game (a 61-58 loss to Waukegan), as they did too.
“Morgan Park hit some incredible shots. Our guys stayed mentally tough. In the huddle guys were pumping each other up. We could have been deflated for the overtime. These guys stayed together.”
Trying to strike a balance between playing to beat Stevenson (20-5) and staying fresh for Sunday’s city championship game against No. 5 Simeon — the final leg of back-to-back-to-back games for both teams and Morgan Park’s fourth game in five days — the Mustangs (19-5) rested 6-foot-7 forward Romelo Burrell and sat the rest of their starters throughout the second quarter.
Ayo Dosunmu and Lenell Henry brought them back from a 31-23 halftime deficit, and both remained on the court throughout the extended stretch run.
“At the end, our guys are competitive and want to win,” Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said. “I kept their minutes down, so that was good. Some of the stuff didn’t go our way. We’ve got to battle back and execute.
“I wasn’t focused coming in. It starts with the leader. I wasn’t prepared for this game. All I knew was they had Justin and Willie because they played on the (Mac Irvin) Fire. I wasn’t even looking forward to coming today. I’m geared up to win (Sunday).”
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
Player of the game: Willie Herenton, Stevenson, 18 points, 6 rebounds.
Key performers: Stevenson — Justin Smith, 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals; Aidan O’Connell, 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists. Morgan Park — Ayo Dosunmu, 13 points; Lenell Henry, 11 points, 13 rebounds.
Public League final: Morgan Park vs. Simeon, 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Chicago State (TV: WCIU-26.2).