Glenbrook South senior Ryan Hopkins has been playing with Jack Cooley long enough to know what happens when the Titans' 6-9 Notre Dame-bound senior catches the ball in the post.
"Everyone collapses on him," Hopkins said. "It's pretty easy to find an open spot on the court when he gets the ball. And Jack is really good at finding open guys on the perimeter."
Hopkins scored eight points in the first quarter, helping Glenbrook South get off to a crucial hot start. The Titans were able to hold on for a 41-40 win over Glenbrook North Tuesday in Northbrook.
After Hopkins initial spurt it was almost all Cooley for the Titans (11-5). He finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Cooley's free throw with 28 seconds to play provided the winning margin.
"This is the biggest win of my career," Cooley said. "I haven't beat Glenbrook North since we played their B team my freshman year."
The Spartans (9-4) had a chance to win, but Austin Weber (13 points) missed a three with 4 seconds to play.
Alex Dragicevich led Glenbrook North with 17 points. Jordan Schmidt added nine rebounds.
"We wanted to show them we could handle their pressure," Glenbrook South coach Scott Nemecek said. "So Hopkins shots in the first quarter helped us make a statement."