Boys Basketball: TF North powers past Belvidere North

Updated: December 29, 2011 6:56PM

T.F. North coach Tim Bankston has never been one to disguise his emotions. Just ask junior Nicholas Wood, who has been in Bankston’s doghouse and no longer a starter the last few games.

Wood, however, may have at least gotten one step out of trouble Thursday during his team’s matchup against Belvidere North in the East Aurora Holiday Tournament.

The 6-foot-4 forward scored eight of his 14 points in the fourth quarter in which the Meteors were finally able to take control of the stingy Blue Thunder, 69-62.

“You always know where you stand with coach Bankston,” Wood said. “But he always guides us in the right direction and that’s why he is one of the best coaches in the area.

“I was a starter as a sophomore but I haven’t started the last few games. But I rooted on my teammates and did everything I could when I got in there.”

The Meteors (5-7, 2-1 in the tournament), will meet Pleasure Ridge (Ky.) in the third-place game at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Elem McKinley led the Meteors with 15 points while Deere Deland added 10.

Jake Boxleitner led the Blue Thunder with 20 points while teammate Joe Lemke added 15.

Leading 38-37 at the half, the Meteors built that lead to 45-41 before a mini-run capped by a short-jumper by Todd Berkenpas put the Blue Thunder (6-7, 1-2 in the tournament) up 48-47.

The Blue Thunder built their biggest lead, 52-49, to start the third and led 54-53 before the Meteors took control 63-55 behind a 10-1 run. Wood had six points during the run, all in the paint.

“We finally started to execute and create an inside game,” Bankston said. “Nick had a great fourth quarter and our guards got him the ball like they are supposed to do.”

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