Hawks wake up, stop Von Steuben

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Maine South couldn't have asked for a worse start to its game Wednesday against Von Steuben in a Class 4A Notre Dame Regional semifinal.

The Hawks gave up the first 10 points of the game but rallied back for a 50-46 victory.

"It's the first playoff game of the year and they came out and slapped us in the head," said Maine South coach Tony Lavorato Jr. "I wasn't too concerned because we have the type of team that can score in bunches."

Von Steuben (14-11) started the game on a tear as a pair of three-pointers and a layup by Justin Parnell helped the Panthers race out to a 10-0 lead.

Maine South (17-9) answered right back and managed to pull within 14-13 by the end of the first quarter. The Hawks started to take over in the second quarter leading 25-22 at halftime and 36-28 after the third.

Von Steuben pulled within 46-42 after an Esteban Vega three pointer with 16.9 seconds to play in the fourth but Maine South knocked down its free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.

Justin Wasik led the Hawks with 18 points while Strahinja Nikolic added eight.

"We were a little nervous with it being the playoffs, but coach did a good job of settling us down," Wasik said. "Then we made a couple quick threes and were right back in it."

Jamal Dantzler led Von Steuben with 15 points while Parnell added eight.