Mroz, Mahoney rule 3-Point Showdown

Updated: March 24, 2011 4:04PM

PEORIA – Pete Mroz felt very much at home on the floor of Carver Arena.

"My brother (Chris Mroz) played here (for Bradley) and I was on the floor sometimes, probably the last time when I was probably 10 years old," the junior Ridgewood guard said.

Pete Mroz took advantage of his familiarity by knocking down 10 shots to win the Class 3A Three-Point Showdown. It marked a strong conclusion the Mroz family. Pete was a starting guard on a Rebels team that finished 20-10 in Chris Mroz's first complete season as the team's coach.

"I started at St. Patrick and then came over here when my brother got the job," Pete Mroz said. "I have a younger brother, a freshman (Anthony), also on the team, and (Chris Mroz) is tougher on us than anybody else on the team."

Lemont sophomore guard Joe Hehir finished second with six.

4A shooter: Mroz had the advantage of shooting last. Lyons senior forward Spencer Mahoney was the first shooter on the floor in the 4A competition. He nailed 12 and easily outdistanced the field, including defending champion Andrew Tapley of Hononegah.

"I don't know if it was an advantage or not going first, but I felt relaxed out there and every shot felt good when it left my hand," Mahoney said. The two-sport Lyons star is bound for Valparaiso on a baseball scholarship.

Larkin senior Cameron Ross converted nine shots to finish second. Lincoln-Way East senior Matt Spudic hit seven to finish in a two-way tie for third with Tapley.

Mahoney and Mroz return Saturday night to battle the 1A and 2A winners for the top prize.

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