Junior guard Seth Cheney was too eager to play the waiting game for Providence.
After suiting up as a wide receiver in a Class 5A state semifinal playoff game against rival Joliet Catholic, Cheney made his basketball debut only two days later for the Celtics.
“Some people suggested I take some days off, but it was definitely worth it coming right back,” he said. “It was important to get back with the guys as soon as possible.
“I felt great, and the thing I love about the game is just being able to disconnect from everything else — just going out there and having fun.”
Cheney continued to have fun Tuesday night, contributing eight points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists in a 60-41 victory over host St. Rita in a Catholic League crossover.
Senior guard Bob Jenner scored a game-high 17 points on five 3-pointers for Providence (4-5, 2-1). Senior center Kyle Lipke had seven points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
Senior guard Zack Clark scored 14 points for St. Rita (1-9, 0-3), while sophomore guard Steven Armbruster added 10.
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The 6-foot-1 Cheney has lit up the scoreboard this season. He entered Tuesday’s game in Chicago averaging 20 points. And his presence changed the trajectory of this one.
Jenner was repeatedly left open as the Mustangs tried to neutralize Cheney.
“Seth is really good with the ball,” Jenner said. “I always get good looks. I trust my teammates are able to get me the ball when I’m open.”
The 6-8 Lipke also benefits from the floor spacing that Cheney creates, allowing him to work around the basket.
“We really work around the team, and then the team works around me and Seth,” Lipke said. “Seth is always doing a lot with the ball, and he knows how to find me.”
The Celtics converted 10 3-pointers, with two coming from Cheney.
“I have the green light from the coach, and he lets me shoot whenever,” Cheney said. “I have their trust and that gives me confidence, even when my shot is a little off.
“If you don’t have the confidence, you’re not going to get to where you want to go.”
Even Lipke has the ability to play on the perimeter, accentuating the Celtics’ all-out style. And as prolific as his shooting has been, Cheney is equally dangerous as a creator.
“I just love creating for my teammates,” he said. “They know that I’m going to need help to get open. We have great chemistry together, and they help me get open off the ball as much whenever possible.”
Cheney, who grew up in New Lenox, pointed to the impact of his older sister Elayna, who played at Lincoln-Way Central.
“I followed her around,” he said. “I just grew up wanting to play. I became a basketball fanatic following her, and she taught me everything.”
Providence coach Tim Trendel confirmed Cheney has adjusted to the custom defenses thrown at him.
“He’s got an all-around game,” Trendel said. “He can shoot, he can get to the basket and he can also play defense. There are all different sides to him.”
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Cheney has a cool, analytical presence on the floor, according to Trendel.
“The biggest improvement in his game is his leadership,” Trendel said. “He’s a coach on the floor, telling me what he sees and getting the other guys organized.”
That’s exactly what Providence needed against St. Rita.
“I just love being in crunchtime in a gym atmosphere,” Cheney said. “It’s great to be in a gym, learning everything. Nothing beats basketball — putting up shots but staying cool.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.