Back to the drawing board.
Aurora Central Catholic’s Bernard Fellows understood the strategy employed against him Monday night by Illinois Math & Science in their nonconference matchup.
Fellows figured it made sense, but that also didn’t stop the 6-foot junior point guard from shredding the Titans’ 1-2-2 zone.
“Actually, my game is getting into the paint and shooting those middies,” Fellows said of the midrange jumpers he considers his strong suit. “You know, that zone doesn’t let you drive unless they’re spread out.
“I won’t say I have the green light (on 3-pointers), but if you’re open, it’s not a bad shot. I can usually hit those shots, but you also saw me passing the ball. So why stop now?”
Fellows did both with aplomb, scoring a game-high 20 points and dishing four assists in a 57-40 victory. He shot 42% (5 of 12) from 3-point range.
Sometimes, best-laid plans do go awry.
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Grayson Mayerhofer and Jake Hager scored nine points apiece and guard Kevin Lillwitz added eight for ACC (4-6), which dominated 46-22 on the boards.
The 6-4 Mayerhofer had a game-high 11 rebounds. The 5-10 Lillwitz contributed 10 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end.
Senior forward Muna Onwuameze scored 19 points and senior guard Deondre O’Bannon, who is from Oswego, added 16 for IMSA (3-9).
“I saw film of four of their games and thought Fellows was the weakest of their shooters,” IMSA coach Brad Snead said. “We wanted to stop his drives, take away his penetration and make him live or die by his threes.”
It was a wonderful life kind of night for Fellows, who also had seven rebounds.
“Against Marmion, they kept pounding the ball in to the big fellow,” Snead said.
IMSA took advantage of seven of 13 turnovers in the first half to lead 11-7 after one quarter and trailed 22-18 at halftime, but ACC won the second half 35-22.
“The first half, we didn’t let the game come to us as we always want it to,” ACC first-year coach Josh Izzo said. “But also give credit to IMSA. They came out ready to go.
“We preach getting four guys on the offensive glass. And those turnovers, that’s been our kryptonite. We sure struggle with mental errors. We try to do too much rather than keep it simple.”
Fellows believes the new coach is making an impact.
“One thing from last year to this is we’re more energetic,” Fellows said. “Also, we’re buying in now. And it shows.”
Fellows is in his second season as a starter for ACC, but his trip hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Last season, he suffered a concussion in the holiday tournament at Elgin that sidelined him until Jan. 21.
“I played in 23 games, but that time off set me pretty far back,” Fellows said. “I was gassed, energy-wise, when I came back.”
The layoff did help another aspect of his game, however.
“Sometimes, I try to do too much,” Fellows said. “Sitting down and watching for a time gave me a better view.
“I feel like I can figure out how I can help my teammates get better without doing too much like overdribbling, taking bad shots and stuff like that.”
Izzo likes Fellows’ game.
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“He’s had to adjust to a new coaching style and learn my expectations,” Izzo said. “When he shares the ball, it open up his game more, which I think is sinking in. Once you get our shooters going, it opens up driving lanes for him.
“He’s starting to realize he can play at a higher level. He gives us a little skill out there, which we very much need. He needs to keep his poise, keep us in control. We’re a better team when he does that.”