Boys Basketball: Jonah Coble’s basket in OT lifts Joliet Central past Lincoln-Way East

Updated: December 2, 2011 9:26PM

Playing up on the varsity, Joliet Central’s Jonah Coble will no doubt go through some growing pains in his sophomore campaign.

But in the Steelmen’s conference opener Friday, Coble got what players dream of, a second chance. After missing a three-pointer in regulation that would have won the game, the sophomore drilled what proved to be the game-winning three in overtime to help lift Joliet Central to a 59-58 win over Lincoln-Way East in the SouthWest Suburban Blue.

“It felt good to go to overtime and get another chance, to be able to make a big shot like that” Coble said with a smile.

Coble’s 16 points led Joliet Central (3-2, 1-0) with Curtis Parker (14 points) and Jarvis Northington (13 points) contributing. Joel Magrum had 16 points for Lincoln-Way East (3-2, 0-1) with Ryan Hayes and Jelani Yancy scoring 10 apiece.

Less than a minute to go in the fourth, Coble’s 3-point attempt rolled completely around the rim before rolling off. Lincoln-Way East was unable to get a shot off in the closing seconds, sending the game into overtime at 54-54.

“It left my hand, and I thought it was good,” Coble said. “In and out.”

Coble redeemed himself, drilling a 3-pointer from almost the identical spot with two minutes to go in overtime. Northington, also a sophomore, came up with a huge block inside on East’s next possession. Magrum answered for East to bring the Griffins within a point at 59-58.

But in the closing seconds, Gavin Walsh’s 3-pointer went long, and Magrum’s baseline jumper was an airball.

“(Jonah and Jarvis) fit the pieces of the puzzle we’re trying to put together as a team,” Joliet Central coach Jeff Corcoran said. “They’re good kids and quality kids.”

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