Boys Basketball: Bolingbrook pushes past Joliet West late

Updated: February 17, 2012 10:19PM

The almost inevitable shouts of “Call ‘em both ways” that came from the Bolingbrook crowd with host Joliet West ahead 20-10 late in the first quarter turned to cheers when the Raiders erased the 10-point disparity before halftime.

The back-and-forth SouthWest Suburban Blue battle that was expected Friday night continued through the second half until Bolingbrook opened a nine-point lead midway through the fourth quarter and held on for a 72-64 victory.

“When we play together like we did tonight, we’re a pretty darn good team,’’ Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said.

A three pointer from Josh Little and a layup by Kenny Williams expanded a four-point lead into a 57-48 advantage midway through the final quarter.

“Everybody keys on Ben (Moore), but we have other players who can play too,’’ Brost said.

Williams, Moore and Nick Malonga each had 12 points for Bolingbrook (14-9, 9-3) and Alec Boyd had nine points. The Raiders made 11-of-14 fourth-quarter free throws.

“We had seven guys over eight points,’’ Brost said. “That’s really hard to guard.’’

Marlon Johnson led Joliet West (15-8, 8-4) with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Carl Terrell had 16 points, including four three-pointers, and Morris Dunnigan 13 points.

“Bolingbrook really dominated with their effort and intensity the last three quarters,’’ Joliet West coach Luke Yaklich said. “We have to go back and find our identity as a basketball team. We’re not playing to our potential right now.’’

Bolingbrook outscored West 17-7 in the second quarter to earn a 27-all halftime tie. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Williams came off the bench to spark the Raiders with nine second-quarter points going to the basket.

“This was a big win,’’ Brost said. “We’re all alone in second place in one of the toughest conferences in the state.’’

Bolingbrook plays Tuesday at Joliet Central and Friday at Lincoln-Way East to complete its conference schedule.

Joliet West finishes its regular season with conference games Tuesday against Sandburg and Friday at Lockport.

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