West Chicago 1/22/16

The atmosphere was electric last night in the Warrior Dome at Wheaton Academy for the 7:30 Varsity tip against Chicago Christian. The Maroon Platoon was loud, and the Varsity Boys responded. After a wild delayed start that included an administrative techincal foul, the Warriors jumped out to a strong start and ended the first quarter up 14-7, our first eight points being scored by Tommy Blum inside the paint. The Warriors defense played hard and played together, crashing the boards and limiting Chicago Christian to one shot attempt each possession. The Warriors valued the ball in the first half, heading to the break up 28-17 and feeling in control. 

Chicago Christian was not going down without a fight. They came out with full court pressure in the third and forced some turnovers, inching slowing back into the game. At the end of the third quarter the Warriors were up 40-34. Both teams traded blows in the fourth quarter, the Warriors led down the stretch by senior Anthony Polinski and junior Tommy Blum. Chicago Christian actually clawed back to take the lead at one point, but the Warriors responded and found themselves in a tie game with 12 seconds to go with the ball. Coach David Osborn drew up a play, and senior Anthony Polinski drove hard to the rim, his shot barely rimming out as time expired in regulation and the game went to overtime. 

Polinski made his mark on overtime early, hitting two mid range jumpers from the top of the key to give the Warriors the lead. Tommy Blum was working hard inside getting clutch rebounds, and he found himself a the free throw line with 3 seconds left in overtime. He made the first, putting the Warriors up 59-58. He missed the second, and Chicago Christian called a timeout to set up a last play. Chicago Christian got the ball inbounds near three quarter court, and put up a half court heave that only hit backboard and missed, and the Warriors won! The players were mobbed at mid court by the students. It was a great night for Warrior basketball. 

Thank you for your support. The Warriors play again Tuesday, January 26th at Timothy Christian High School.