Lyons is unbeaten, ranked fifth in the area and hosts the sectional. The possibilities for postseason success seem limitless. But without a dynamic scorer and with very little size, it’s fair to wonder whether 20 consecutive victories will translate into playoff success.
That’s why beating visiting Proviso East 73-63 Saturday in LaGrange meant so much to the Lions. The Pirates aren’t ranked, but they are tall, athletic and talented—just the type of opponent Lyons will face if they can advance deep enough in the playoffs.
Lyons senior Justin Phipps was the key. The 6-5 center scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds—his best game of the year, according to coach Tom Sloan.
“My mom told me to play like I usually play—big daddy style,” Phipps said. “I think it’s just natural to respond to a higher level team. I like pressure. I like pleasing crowds.”
Lyons (20-0) used a 12-1 third-quarter run to lead 45-33, but the Pirates closed the gap late in the game, cutting the lead to four on a three-pointer from Brenton Little with 2:32 to play.
The Lions responded with three consecutive baskets—all on fastbreak layups against Proviso’s full-court pressure—to grab a 67-57 lead and end the threat.
“(Phipps) was an animal the whole second half,” Sloan said. “When a shot goes up, he is usually going to come down with it.”
The Pirates pressure defense forced 26 Lyons turnovers, but all the giveaways never led to a major Proviso East run.
“The kids didn’t put their heads down after turnovers,” Sloan said. “They didn’t quit playing. They chased down the breakaways and kept them from turning into dunks.”
Dan Lalonde (16 points), Jimmy Stamas (12 points) and Austin Lusson (12 points) all scored in double-figures for the Lions.
“This gives us an idea what it will be like playing teams in our sectional,” Sloan said. “A lot of pressure, a lot of athletes. You are going to turn the ball over against that.”
Little scored 25 and grabbed 11 rebounds for Proviso East (15-5). Rishaad Alexander scored 13 and Lamar Moss added 11 for the Pirates.
“I don’t think the kids feel the pressure (of being undefeated),” Sloan said. “They have pretty good heads on their shoulders. They know the goal is not to go undefeated. The goal is to win the next game.”
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