North Lawndale shares wealth vs. Orr

January 13, 2009 BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN

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North Lawndale’s lineup is such an embarrassment of riches, the only significant questions appears whether a star-studded lineup is capable of maintaining harmony and team chemistry.

“We’re not a selfish team,” said senior guard Terry Johnson. “We shine our success on everybody.”

The combination of depth, talent and chemistry showed through and through as the No. 2 Phoenix beat host Orr 78-56 Tuesday in the Red-West. Junior forward Jermaine Winfield came off the bench to score 17 points, grab eight rebounds and block two shots to lead four double figure scorers for the Phoenix.

The starting line is interchangeable. North Lawndale coach Lewis Thorpe has the kind of luxury. He made substitutions in waves, replacing five at a time.

“Coach told us, ‘No layups,’” said Winfield. After Orr scored twice going to the basket, Thorpe replaced his entire starting five.

The reinforcements arrived, suggesting how overmatched Orr truly was. Winfield scored three successive baskets, helping the Phoenix jump out to a 20-12 lead after the first quarter.

Behind the play of seniors Antonio Andrews (13 points) and Kennrith Foster (10 points), the Spartans (10-6, 4-2) stayed close. Leading 39-35, North Lawndale outscored the Spartans 14-7 to end the third quarter.

Senior guard John Taylor scored 10 of his 13 points in the second half. Taylor’s three-pointer sparked the Phoenix’s final burst, a game-closing 18-6 run that turned the game into a rout. Taylor scored seven of his points during the burst.

Senior Jonathan Mills produced a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor and Mills collaborated on a rip-roaring conclusion to the game. Taylor forced a steal, dribbled down the floor and threw a perfect lob pass that Mills threw down with reckless abandon.

Johnson also contributed 12 points for the Phoenix. Of the 11 North Lawndale players who saw action, 10 scored.

Highly touted 6-5 sophomore Mycheal Henry scored eight points for the Spartans, all in the second half.