Boys Basketball: Warren’s defense slows Lake Forest

Updated: February 3, 2012 11:59PM

Warren left its shooting touch in Gurnee on Friday, but played its usual smothering defense and wore down improving Lake Forest 50-38 in a North Suburban Conference Lake Division game.

The No. 6 Blue Devils (16-2 overall, 7-1 in the division) were 19-of-47 from the field in the game, including 10-of-27 in the first half.

Senior star Darius Paul was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half, did not scratch the scoresheet, and finished with 12 points.

In his stead, Nathan Boothe had 14 of his game-high 16 points in the first half. Boothe and Paul each had nine boards.

“We did a nice job defending,” said winning coach Chuck Ramsey. “We had good pressure on the ball and were able to get through screens.”

Warren led 25-14 at halftime and never was in jeopardy of losing.

“The first half, I was able to get the ball down low and was able to finish,” said Boothe. “We had a slow start, but we were able to pick it up.”

Lake Forest (11-9 overall, 4-5 in the division) got freshman post player Evan Boudreau with 11 points (4-of-7 from the field).

The Scouts played without regulars Thomas Durrett (concussion) and Carter Bass (concussion, out since December).

“I like where we’re at right now,” said Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala. “Guys keep stepping up and filling their roles.

“Tonight was a big test for us. We didn’t knocked down the shots we needed to to win.”

Mitch Munda had a great game defensively for Warren, coming up with six steals.

“Mitch was outstanding tonight,” said Ramsey. “He’s been our best defensive player this season.”

Munda moved into the starting lineup a few games in and has been a key contributor all year.

“I like working hard and I keep moving my feet on the defensive end,” said Munda. “We use our defensive to transition to the offensive end.”

Next up for Warren is a game on Saturday night at Zion-Benton.

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