Boys Basketball: Lincoln-Way East can’t handle Bolingbrook’s pressure

Updated: January 27, 2012 10:52PM

Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost couldn’t have planned a better start Friday in a 68-38 SouthWest Suburban Blue home win over Lincoln-Way East.

The Raiders shot over the East zone for three-point baskets on their first two possessions. That allowed them to set up a full-court press that forced turnovers after each basket. Both the long-range shooting and pressure defense were indications of what was to come.

“We made a conscious effort in practice this week to get good looks and good shots and we did that,” Brost said. “We got lane touches and then kicked it out to the open guy. And our energy was exactly what we wanted to see.”

Bolingbrook (10-8, 5-2) made two more three-pointers in the opening period and a total of seven for the half. The Raiders also forced 11 turnovers and outscored East 36-13 in the half.

The Griffins (7-11, 0-7) had a scoreless stretch of nearly eight minutes when Bolingbrook stretched a 7-2 lead to 26-2. East made just 1-of-7 shots in the first period and was outscored 21-2.

“They looked terrific,” East coach Rich Kolimas said of Bolingbrook. “They shot very well on their home court and that allowed them to set up the pressure.”

Alec Boyd, Nick Molonga (14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) and Chad Cooke (13 points) each had a pair of three-pointers in the first half.

The Griffins, who got nine points each from Jelani Yancy and Eric Spudic, overcame a 12-point halftime deficit in their previous game before losing in double overtime to Lockport. This time, Bolingbrook scored the first seven points of the third period to open a 43-13 lead just 2:09 into the second half.

“We knew coming off that game they’d be tough,” Brost said. “Our guys concentrated well and were really ready to play.”

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