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Boys Basketball: Josh Irving helps lead Evanston past Niles West
Updated: February 3, 2012 11:26PM
Evanston dominated the middle two quarters Friday, outscoring Niles West 29-14 during the second and third en route to a 51-39 win in Evanston.
The Wildkits (14-8, 4-4) were led in scoring by senior guard Josh Irving, who had 11 of his 17 in the third quarter. Senior guard Bobby Clayborn scored 13 points and senior forward Randy Ollie had 10 points and six rebounds. The trio combined for all but eight of the Evanston points.
“I think the middle two quarters, those were the key. We played really well in the second and third quarters, established a lead there and were just able to finish it down the stretch to close it out,” Evanston head coach Mike Ellis said. “We didn’t have many turnovers late and that helped us to maintain that double-digit lead.”
Evanston led 23-14 at the break and stretched the advantage to 20 after three quarters thanks in large part to the 5-foot-10 Irving, who got more aggressive on the offensive end.
“(Irving) really attacked the basket well in the second half,” Ellis said. “Niles West does a great job with pressure defense. If you don’t fight pressure with pressure, it will tend to eat you up. I thought Irving took that message well.”
Niles West (3-15, 1-7) was led in scoring by junior Joe Younan (12 points), who hit three from behind the arc.
The Wolves led 5-2 early in the game and outscored the Wildkits 18-10 in the fourth, but struggled in-between.
“Early, we played, but we gave up that run and we continue to do that. Same thing in the second half, we gave up a run. Very frustrating.” Niles West head coach Bob Williams said. “We have great kids and they are working hard, but we’re not disciplined enough to do what we’re good at doing.”
Evanston returns to the court at 5 p.m. Saturday against St. Patrick in the War on the Shore at Loyola Academy. Niles West visits Rolling Meadows at 7 p.m. Saturday.
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