Bartlett too much for Warriors

The Hawks of Bartlett High School handed the Wheaton Academy Warriors their first loss in the young season in a physical, foul-heavy Saturday afternoon matinee in West Chicago. The Hawks outscored the Warriors 18-12 in the first quarter and 20-17 in the second quarter to gain a 9 point advantage (38-29) at the half. 

Wheaton Academy struggled in the third quarter, netting only 7 points to trail 49-36 with eight minutes to play. Bartlett's tough-nosed guards and overall disciplined attack ended up prevailing, as the Warriors were unable to mount a come back. 

Ryan Diccanio led Bartlett with 23 points in the game and was named tournament MVP. 

For the Warriors, senior Gordon Behr battled in the post throughout the afternoon, going 6-for-8 from the free throw line, scoring 18 total points, and grabbing 12 rebounds. Josh Ruggles struggled from behind the arc, going 2-for-8 for the game, but compensated through a pullup and drive to the basket to contribute 10 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds. 

Both Josh Ruggles and Gordon Behr were named to the WA Thanksgiving Invite all-tournament team. 

As a team, Wheaton Academy shot 37% from the field compared to Bartlett's 46%, and shot only 13 free throws, while the Hawks were 18 of 29 from the free throw line. 

Wheaton Academy moves to 3-1 on the season with Saturday's loss and will face Carver Military Academy in their next matchup next Wednesday, December 4 at home at 7:30 PM.