Boys Basketball: Led by Aaron Simpson, North Chicago rolls by Antioch

Updated: December 6, 2011 9:35PM

Aaron Simpson scored 27 points in three quarters and North Chicago rolled past visiting Antioch 96-36 on Tuesday in a North Suburban Prairie matchup.

The Warhawks (4-1) will host Vernon Hills on Saturday night while Antioch (1-5) will host Lakes the same evening.

JaVairius Amos-Mays added 17 points and Marzhon Bryant 10 for the winners, who led 21-2 after one quarter and 42-18 at halftime.

“We did a good job trapping and getting in the right position,” said North Chicago coach Gerald Coleman. “Defense creates offense. We were able to focus in on attacking the basket tonight.”

The coach said his team’s fourth-place finish in last year’s Class 3A state tournament has made it hungry for a return trip to Peoria and an even bigger trophy.

“The taste of Peoria last season really bonded this group together,” Coleman said. “They have motivated themselves and are not getting on each other.”

The sad part of the night was a leg injury suffered by Warhawk sophomore guard Jayquan McCloud.

He drove the lane and went down after contact. He was put in a wheelchair and was immediately taken to the hospital.

“It’s a huge loss. He brings so much to the team,” said Coleman.

Antioch was led in scoring by Joe Gregory with 12 points. He was the only Sequoit in double figures.

After getting no field goals in the first quarter, they finished the night with seven field goals.

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