Chicago Sports

Even wins aren’t very impressive for the Bulls these days.

Barely beating the Bradley Beal-less Wizards on Wednesday in front of the home crowd, doesn’t exactly scream contender.

What it did was keep the Bulls in the rumor mill crosshairs. That’s where underachieving teams usually reside in mid-December, leaving the fan base and media to decipher fact from fiction.

So while the Lakers might be looking to make an impactful trade and have their eyes on the Bulls roster, the feeling wasn’t mutual. According to a source, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas had no interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook and his expiring contract, even if it meant adding draft picks.

Could that change by the Feb. 9 trade deadline? With Karnisovas, everything is usually on the table. But as of right now, the Bulls were still set on continuing to monitor the rehabilitation of Lonzo Ball and his surgically-repaired knee in hopes of his return giving them a glimpse of what this team will look like whole.

A glimpse that could carry a lot of weight on how much belief they want to keep in this roster.

The issue? Ball still hasn’t even started running, cutting or jumping – all pretty important steps to take in playing in an NBA game.

It’s a time crunch and also a test of patience.

Karnisovas has proven to be very deliberate in the way he handles his business, so playing the waiting game was in his wheelhouse.

If Ball, however, can’t return this season – or at least by the deadline – and the Bulls continue to underachieve, deliberate can become aggressive very quickly.

Karnisovas set the bar at reaching the second round of the playoffs back in the preseason, and there’s no backing down from those expectations now.

The unknown is would that take a tweak or an all-out blockbuster to get done? Here’s some players and teams to monitor:

Jae Crowder – PF – With an expiring $10-million contract and the Suns waiting for the best offer to move the veteran, Crowder would be the perfect mentor for Patrick Williams and the toughness this starting unit has lacked the last two seasons.

The problem was there’s more than a handful of contending teams that will be in on Crowder, and have better assets to give than the Bulls. A package that would include a Coby White wouldn’t move the needle.

Myles Turner – C – The Pacers have been looking to move Turner since last season, but have been very adamant in getting players and draft capital in return. That’s where the Bulls fall very short. Does Nikola Vucevic for Turner work from a money standpoint? Sure, but the Pacers would never send one expiring contract for another, and not have draft picks included.

Like a Crowder deal, there’s just teams with more to offer than the Bulls.

Atlanta – Like the Bulls, the Hawks have been muddling through the first third of the regular season, and have done so with growing issues. Trae Young could be developing into a problem child, while power forward John Collins always seems to be a trade candidate.

Would Karnisovas even entertain a blockbuster package of max contracts, sending Zach LaVine to Atlanta for Young? LaVine and Dejounte Murray do share Seattle roots, while Young would give the Bulls a legit high-volume three-point shooter.

This would seem more fantasy basketball league than reality, however.

New York – The Knicks want to make a splash, have young talent – see Cam Reddish – and draft capital to give. Would a DeMar DeRozan or a LaVine deal play well in the Garden? Absolutely, but that would mean that Karnisovas would have to feel this Bulls roster has hit rock bottom. It’s not even close to that yet.

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A Lombard police officer was wounded and an armed robbery suspect was shot dead in an exchange of gunfire in the western suburb Thursday afternoon.

Police were called to an armed robbery at a store in the 100 block of Roosevelt Road around 4:05 p.m. and confronted two suspects nearby, in the area of Ann and Lincoln streets, officials said in a statement.

One of the suspects shot at the officers and they returned fire, according to the statement. An officer and one of the suspects were hit in the exchange of gunfire.

The suspect was pronounced dead at a hospital and the officer underwent surgery, reportedly for a wound to the leg.

The second suspect was taken into custody, and the statement said charges were pending.

The DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office were investigating.

No other details were released.

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A Lombard police officer was wounded and an armed robbery suspect was shot dead in an exchange of gunfire in the western suburb Thursday afternoon.

Police were called to an armed robbery at a store in the 100 block of Roosevelt Road around 4:05 p.m. and confronted two suspects nearby, in the area of Ann and Lincoln streets, officials said in a statement.

One of the suspects shot at the officers and they returned fire, according to the statement. An officer and one of the suspects were hit in the exchange of gunfire.

The suspect was pronounced dead at a hospital and the officer underwent surgery, reportedly for a wound to the leg.

The second suspect was taken into custody, and the statement said charges were pending.

The DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office were investigating.

No other details were released.

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With Baker Mayfield winning last night, Chicago Bears still find themselves with the second-overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft 

As it stands going into Week 14, the Chicago Bears own the #2 overall pick in the 2023 draft. There is just one issue. There is a chance they won’t keep that choice even if they lose their final four games.

The strength of their schedule is a major factor. Due to the difficulty, any club with the same record will likely receive the #2 pick due to a more favorable schedule. The Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos, both 3-9, were the two teams to be concerned about heading into this week. If the Chicago Bears are to have a clear path to the second pick, both teams must win one more game. Baker Mayfield then stepped in to save the day.

Having a 16-3 deficit, nobody had high hopes. Then Baker Mayfield performed a miracle. The defense made a quick stop after a touchdown to restore a 16-10 advantage, giving him a chance. A punt, though, gave L.A. starting at their own two-yard line. It wasn’t important. The Rams were able to score an offensive touchdown and record a victory thanks to Baker Mayfield’s amazing set of throws. It’s a major development for his personal vengeance as well as the Bears’ draft prospects.

According to Rob Schwarz Jr : “With the win over the Raiders, the Rams now have four wins on the season and things look a little brighter for the Chicago Bears and their draft position. Now, fans need to be rooting for a Broncos win (currently holding the third draft slot) and a Ravens loss. If the Broncos win, it makes the second-overall pick for the Bears look even more likely. As for the Ravens currently hold the 26th-overall pick, but after the Roquan Smith trade, the Bears are holding out hope that the Ravens continue to lose and move up the board”.

All the Chicago Bears would need to do to avoid it is lose their final four games. Doing that is not difficult. Their next two contests are against Buffalo and Philadelphia. These are unquestionably losses. Detroit and Minnesota will then follow. The Lions previously defeated Chicago, and the rematch will take place in Detroit.

As for the Vikings, it may come down to if they choose to rest their starters depending on their playoff positioning. Claiming the #2 pick would be a massive win for a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild.

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It is that time of the year. It’s that time to start planting some bulletin board material for teams with predictions and scores of the top games of the weekend.

The weekend forecast is back.

Friday

DePaul at Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is a program trying to inch its way up the Catholic League hierarchy. Taking care of business at home Friday night would do the trick in this early part of the season, especially against a program like DePaul that has become a fixture at or near the top of the league.

The 1-2 punch of senior guard DeAndre Craig and junior Angelo Ciaravino is a potent one for the Caravan. Those two combine to average 32 points a game between them.

When you factor in the addition of Lee Marks, who brings length, energy and athleticism at 6-5, along with steady guard play from Anthony Ciaravino (13 ppg), the Caravan are balanced.

This DePaul team, however, is not the one you will see in the second half of the season. Coach Tom Kleinschmidt’s team is still shorthanded, playing without standout juniors Payton Kamin and Jaylan McElroy — and lacking size because of it.

Senior guard Maurice Thomas is holding it together for the Rams. He’s leading the team in scoring while several talented youngsters in the program, including sophomore Rob Walls, who is off to a strong start, get their feet wet.

The pick: Mount Carmel 54, DePaul 45

St. Rita at Brother Rice

This is the biggest game of the weekend for multiple reasons.

Brother Rice, ranked, red-hot and at home under first-year coach Conte Stamas, is anxious to make a statement; St. Rita is loaded with talent but in desperate need for a significant win. Something has to give.

Brother Rice is fueled by point guard Ahmad Henderson, a big-moment player who is headed to Niagara. St. Rita needs to — and should be able to — pound it inside to 6-9 James Brown and 6-8 Morez Johnson.

This won’t be easy. But it’s time St. Rita rises up and beats down some of the early naysayers with an impressive road win in a key Chicago Catholic League game.

The pick: St. Rita 62, Brother Rice 57

Saturday

Rolling Meadows vs. New Trier at South Elgin

The first significant test for Rolling Meadows, Cameron Christie and the highly-ranked and hyped Mustangs.

New Trier may not be the New Trier of a year ago. But the Trevians are very good and ranked No. 18 for a reason. Jake Fiegen, the tough, physical, 6-4 shooter headed to Cornell, is the leader. He’s already broke the single-season record for most three-pointers in a season. Evan Kanellos is a steady senior guard, 6-4 Logan Feller is a promising junior, and Colby Smith is a sophomore to watch.

But coach Kevin Katovich’s team is more than Christie, the 6-6 star guard headed to Minnesota. There is endless size, length and talent with emerging 6-7 senior Tsvet Sotirov, 6-7 Mark Nikolich-Wilson, 6-5 Foster Ogbonna and 6-7 sophomore Ian Miletic.

Christie and that strong supporting cast is why the Mustangs will pass their first test.

The pick: Rolling Meadows 61, New Trier 53

Curie vs. Mount Carmel at Team Rose Shootout

This nightcap is easily the best of the bunch among Saturday’s lineup of games at the Team Rose Shootout.

A pair of ranked teams square off but each with reality-check losses in the opening part of the season.

Plus, it features coaches — Mount Carmel’s Phil Segroves and Curie’s Mike Oliver and assistant Larry Wallace — who have known each other for three decades, dating back to their Curie-Bogan days as high schoolers. They have remained close since.

The backcourt matchup featuring Curie junior Carlos Harris and Mount Carmel’s DeAndre Craig should be fun, while the Public League vs. Catholic League aspect adds to the energy and drama.

Curie hasn’t been Curie just yet, and that’s surprising considering all the experience this team boasts. Mount Carmel takes advantage of that — and playing on its home floor — and escapes with a down-to-the-wire win.

The pick: Mount Carmel 62, Curie 60

Hillcrest vs. East St. Louis at St. Louis Ritenour

The Hawks have passed several local measuring sticks, handing three ranked teams — Bloom, Marian Catholic and Oak Lawn — their only defeats. But this is a monumental test against one of the better teams and players in Illinois in East St. Louis and Kansas State recruit Macaleab Rich.

East St. Louis is unbeaten and a legitimate threat to reach Champaign in March. Rich is an explosive and fun player to watch while guard Antwan Robinson is another Division I talent headed to Fullerton State.

The pick: East St. Louis 64, Hillcrest 54

Sunday

Evanston vs. Marian Catholic at Team Rose Shootout

A non-conference battle featuring two ranked teams that are coming off tough league losses earlier in the week. Marian Catholic was upset by St. Viator, while Evanston fell to Glenbrook North.

The bad news: The loser of this game will now end up having a rough week.

The good news: No matter the outcome this is the type of game that will make both teams better in their pursuit of a conference championship in their respective leagues.

Marian Catholic’s perimeter attack is its strength, starting with versatile 6-4 Quentin Jones (13.2 ppg) on the wing and senior Tre Davis and crafty Donovan Juzang (10 ppg) in the backcourt. James Bullock, a 6-6 junior, is an emerging player and another double-figure scorer at 11 points a game.

Evanston is big, long and athletic. With that size and length, the defensive and rebounding focus of the Wildkits is at a premium. But senior Prince Adams has taken his game to another level in the early part of the season. The 6-6 forward is putting up 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks a game.

Evanston guard Jonah Ross is another double-figure scorer at 10 points a game and has provided much-needed perimeter shooting. Ross hit 7 of 8 from three in a win over St. Viator over Thanksgiving.

This should be a barnburner.

The pick: Evanston 59, Marian Catholic 56

Hillcrest vs. Normal at Team Rose Shootout

The question is how well do the Hawks bounce back from a trip to St. Louis the the night before, particularly if it ends up as a loss? This is a very difficult weekend for coach Don Houston’s team.

Normal isn’t off to a fast start. But there is intrigue in this game due to the 1-2 punch of 6-9 Jaheem Webber and guard Braylon Roman, a pair of juniors with Division I offers.

With three seniors to lean on in 6-9 Darrion Baker, feisty point guard Bryce Tillery and 6-6 Quentin Heady, the Hawks find a way.

The pick: Hillcrest 58, Normal 47

Brother Rice vs. Bloom at Team Rose Shootout

Brother Rice guard Ahmad Henderson is a known commodity. Bloom’s Jordan Brown remains under the radar for all that he does to help his team win.

A big, busy weekend for unbeaten Brother Rice with St. Rita on Friday and Bloom on Sunday. They own a win over Curie already. A sweep this weekend and it’s a marquee statement for the Crusaders.

The pick: Brother Rice 64, Bloom 57

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As Prairie Ridge senior Tyler Vasey, the Sun-Times Player of the Year, approached the state’s single-season rushing and touchdown records, heads started to turn in Crystal Lake.

“More people kind of stare at me,” Vasey said. “I don’t know if I really like it. You don’t realize how it will make you feel until more eyes are on you. It’s weird. You walk around school and people look at you.”

In an era of overbearing parents that wear down kids and coaches, Vasey hit the jackpot with his mom and dad.

“They were happy I was getting all the recognition but at the same time they made sure I was ok and wasn’t too stressed out,” Vasey said. “The thing I loved about it is they supported me in a way to make sure I was enjoying the game and having fun. That I was doing it because I wanted to do it, not because I had to do it. They weren’t telling me to go get the record. They motivate me and support me so much. I really do appreciate them.”

Vasey wound up setting the Illinois High School Association record for rushing yards in a season. He finished with 3,878 yards. According to USA Today it was also the most rushing yards in the country this season. Vasey beat out Ethen Knox from Oil City, Pa. by 173 yards.

Vasey held the touchdown record for about a week. He scored 53 rushing touchdowns, beating John Dergo’s record of 51 for Morris set in 2005. But then Decatur St. Teresa submitted a new claim that Jacardia Wright scored 55 in 2018. So Vasey is second.

The 5-11,170-pound quarterback was a total unknown heading into the season, mainly due to injuries. Last season he was injured a week before the season started. He came back and played the last six games as a running back. He missed all but two games of the short COVID spring season his sophomore year after breaking his collarbone.

Vasey’s speed is obviously key to all the rushing success. But Prairie Ridge coach Chris Schremp says that Vasey’s decision-making is what made him a historically dangerous triple-option threat.

“When we are running an option play I give him the choice of midline, inside veer or outside veer,” Schremp said. “He chooses it based on the alignment of the defense. His vision on that and ability to pick the right play is better than any quarterback I’ve ever had.”

Vasey posted eye-popping numbers in most games this season. He had back-to-back kickoff returns for touchdowns against Jacobs. He broke the rushing yardage record with 481 yards and eight touchdowns against Harlem in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

“It’s like a sports car,” Schremp said. “His zero to 60 is crazy. And then he can just cut and bam, hit it and go.”

Heading into the season Vasey’s goal was to get Prairie Ridge (12-2) to the state championship game. He did that, but the Wolves lost to East St. Louis 57-7.

“I’ve never seen kids that big,” Vasey said. “They were really good football players. We scored on the first drive but they just wore us down. They are so big that at halftime everyone was just hurting.”

Vasey hasn’t made a college decision yet. He’s also a top-notch shortstop. Vasey hit .413 last season and runs a 6.6 in the 60-yard dash.

“I’ll probably just play one sport in college,” Vasey said. “I know how much time it takes in college to just do one. It wouldn’t be fair to pick right now because I’m just coming off football.”

Schremp has coached another Sun-Times Player of the Year, Samson Evans, who won the award in 2017. Evans put Prairie Ridge on the map and Vasey has cemented the school’s legacy.

“He’s a special kid,” Schremp said. “I’m just going to miss seeing his face in school every day and having the chance to talk with him.”

The complete list of Sun-Times Football Players of the Year

1951 – Bob McKeiver, Evanston

1952 – Frank Pinn, Mount Carmel

1953 – John Carroll, Fenwick

1954 – Jack Delveaux, Fenger

1955 – John Swain, Vocational

1956 – Ed Ryan, Leo

1957 – Mike Lind, Calumet

1958 – Jack Strobel, Fenwick

1959 – Dick Butkus, Vocational

1960 – Al MacFarlane, Taft

1961 – Jim Grabowski, Taft

1962 – Jim DiLullo, Fenwick

1963 – John Byrne, St. Rita

1964 – Chico Kurzawski, Weber

1965 – LaMarr Thomas, Thornton

1966 – Randy Marks, Loyola

1967 – Tom Spotts, Maine South

1968 – Carlos Matthews, Evanston

1969 – Barry Cernoch, Downers Grove

1970 – Ken Ferguson, Lane Tech

1971 – Bill Marek, St. Rita

1972 – Jeff Stewart, Elk Grove

1973 – Kevin King, St. Laurence

1974 – Frank Shellenback, Barrington

1975 – Mark Carlson, Deerfield

1976 – Rich Weiss, New Trier

1977 – Chris Boskey, St. Francis de Sales

1978 – Marty Finan, Fenwick

1979 – Tim Marshall, Weber

1980 – Mike Tomczak, Thornton F. North

1981 – Tony Furjanic, Mount Carmel

1982 – Eric Kumerow, Oak Park-R. Forest

1983 – Dempsey Norman, Tilden

1984 – Chuck McCree, Romeoville

1985 – John Foley, St. Rita

1986 – Kent Graham, Wheaton North

1987 – Jeff Lesniewicz, Homewood-Flossmoor

1988 – Brian Dunlavy, St. Viator

1989 – Alex Rodriguez, Lane

1990 – Corey Rogers, Leo

1991 – Mike Alstott, Joliet Catholic

1992 – Broc Kreitz, Waubonsie Valley

1993 – Greg Williams, Bolingbrook

1994 – Jason Loerzel, Maine South

1995 – Tim Lavery, Naperville Central

1996 – Mark Floersch, New Trier

1997 – Rocky Harvey, Dunbar

1998 – Philip Macklin, Proviso East

1999 – Ryan Clifford, Naperville Central

2000 – Brett Basanez, St. Viator

2001 – Tim Brasic, Riverside-Brookfield

2002 – Tom Zbikowski, Buffalo Grove

2003 – Sean Price, Maine South

2004 – Chris Jeske, Joliet Catholic

2005 – John Dergo, Morris

2006 – Dan Dierking, Wheaton Warrenville South

2007 – Jordan Tassio, Naperville North

2008 – Charlie Goro, Maine South

2009 – Matt Perez, Maine South

2010 – Reilly O’Toole, Wheaton Warrenville South

2011 – Ty Isaac, Joliet Catholic

2012 – Laquon Treadwell, Crete-Monee

2013 – Justin Jackson, Glenbard North

2014 – Dewayne Collins, Phillips

2015 – Julian Love, Nazareth

2016 – Jake Marwede, Loyola

2017 – Samson Evans, Prairie Ridge

2018 – Payton Thorne, Naperville Central

2019 – AJ Henning, Lincoln-Way East

2020 – Vaughn Pemberton, Loyola

2021 – Jack Lausch, Brother Rice

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A Lombard police officer was wounded and an armed robbery suspect was shot dead in an exchange of gunfire in the western suburb Thursday afternoon.

Police were called to an armed robbery at a store in the 100 block of Roosevelt Road around 4:05 p.m. and confronted two suspects nearby, in the area of Ann and Lincoln streets, officials said in a statement.

One of the suspects shot at the officers and they returned fire, according to the statement. An officer and one of the suspects were hit in the exchange of gunfire.

The suspect was pronounced dead at a hospital and the officer underwent surgery, reportedly for a wound to the leg.

The second suspect was taken into custody, and the statement said charges were pending.

The DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office were investigating.

No other details were released.

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Answering the Bears’ biggest questions during their bye:

What do the Bears need to see from Justin Fields in the last four games?

Good health. Because of injury and illness, Fields played only three of the Bears’ final eight games last season. He must finish this season strong –he needs the experience and the Bears need continued proof of concept for the offense they’ve built around him.

Is Matt Eberflus doing a good job?

In a normal year, a 3-10 record with six losses by one score or less would be a red flag. But he’s coaching with one hand tied behind his back — the Bears are spending a league-low $85 million on their active roster and a league-high $91.6 million on players no longer on their team.

What should the Bears do with a top-three draft pick?

Pray that someone will trade up to draft a quarterback. The Bears have so many needs — both lines, wide receiver, linebacker and more — that moving down to get more picks would be a gift. Two years ago, the 49ers gave the Dolphins three first-rounders and a third-round pick to move up from No. 12 to No. 3 and draft quarterback Trey Lance. The Bears won’t get that kind of haul — maybe no one will, ever again — but they should try.

I’ll be watching this player the rest of the year …

Since Week 9, Cole Kmet has been the second-best tight end in football, behind Travis Kelce. In the admittedly small sample size, he ranks second with 249 receiving yards and five touchdowns and third with 21 catches, 30 targets and 12 first downs. A strong final month will make Kmet money; the Bears can give him a contract extension at year’s end.

Which surprise player has earned a 2023 starting job?

Rookie middle linebacker Jack Sanborn had played one defensive snap all season when the Bears put him in for 13 against the Cowboys. The next day, they traded Roquan Smith. The undrafted free agent’s 54 tackles since then are second-most in the NFL.

What has been the biggest disappointment of the season?

That general manager Ryan Poles couldn’t get the Steelers to take the Ravens’ second-round pick, which currently sits at No. 57 overall, for receiver Chase Claypool. He dealt the Bears’ own second-rounder, which would be No. 34 if the season ended today.

How many games will the Bears win the rest of the way?

One — and that’s presuming the Vikings have nothing to play for in the finale.

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As the Bears head into their final four games, starting next Sunday at home against the 11-1 Eagles, here are seven critical questions for the franchise:

What do the Bears need to see from Justin Fields in the last four games?He has proven he’s the best running quarterback in the NFL, and the next step is upping his passing production. He has been efficient, but Fields is still last among starting quarterbacks at 158 yards passing per game. Topping 200 every week is a reasonable goal down the stretch.

Is Matt Eberflus doing a good job?That’s difficult to judge, especially since he’s a defensive-minded coach and his defense has been stripped as Ryan Poles looks to offload big contracts. Eberflus seems to be establishing strong infrastructure for the Bears and he has adjusted well throughout the season, but he’s still sitting at 3-10. Granted, he has 3-10 personnel, but he hasn’t squeezed any more wins out of this group than an average coach would. We’ll find out a lot more about him next season when the Bears expect to have a viable roster.

What should the Bears do with a top-three draft pick?Keep it and draft an amazing pass rusher. The priority for any team is to find a quarterback, then someone who destroys quarterbacks. The Bears have the NFL’s weakest pass rush. Defensive end Will Anderson has 34.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama and he can solve that problem.

I’ll be watching this player the rest of the year … Wide receiver Chase Claypool. The explanations for his minimal production have long expired. Claypool has just 12 catches for 111 yards in five games for the Bears, and whether that’s him struggling or the team not facilitating his impact, the expectations are much higher. Coming out of the bye week, it’s time for Claypool to show he can be a game-changer.

Which surprise player has earned a 2023 starting job?Teven Jenkins, but it’s going to be at guard rather than his preferred position of tackle. As long as Jenkins accepts that, he should be part of the Bears’ future. It’s a failure by former general manager Ryan Pace, who saw him as a franchise left tackle, but a big success for Ryan Poles and Eberflus because there was a point in August when it looked like Jenkins was on his way out. Credit them and him for salvaging a bad situation.

What has been the biggest disappointment of the season?That Roquan Smith should still be a Bear. Smith was already a known quantity and is going to have a great career. He and Eberflus should’ve been a great match. The Bears will regret letting elite, young talent leave the building.

How many games will the Bears win the rest of the way?Two if Fields plays. They have no shot whatsoever against the Super Bowl-contending Eagles and Bills coming up, but they can win the Week 17 game against the Lions and hope the Vikings treat the finale as a chance to rest key players for the playoffs.

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It’s only the third week of the season. Even conference matchups can sometimes have the feel of a lazy start to a long marathon.

That’s not the case in Northbrook. A big crowd was on hand to see Glenbrook North take on Evanston, curious to find out if the recent hype around the No. 12 Spartans was for real.

“We wanted this game,” Glenbrook North junior Patrick Schaller said. “It’s not too early to say this was a statement for us.”

The Spartans delivered, knocking off No.19 Evanston 71-59.

Glenbrook North has played second fiddle to several CSL South rivals over the last decade, but coach Quin Hayes now has the pieces in place for a special season.

“It all starts with [Josh Fridman],” Hayes said. “He controls everything we do.”

Fridman is a true point guard. He’s just 5-9 but can dominate a game. The junior led the Spartans (7-0, 2-0) with 21 points and was there to calm things down or heat them up at just the right moments.

“He’s one of the best point guards in the state, ” Hayes said. “I’m biased because he’s on my team but I’d hate to play against him.”

Evanston’s defense was focused on shutting down senior Ryan Cohen, Glenbrook North’s dynamic scorer. Schaller made them pay. The 6-6 Northwestern football recruit finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. He was 8 of 11 shooting.

“That’s the best game I’ve seen Patrick play,” Cohen said. “He brought it, bullied inside and played really good defense.”

The Spartans led by 10 at halftime and that continued through most of the second half. A three-pointer by Evanston’s Morgan Brown cut the deficit to 62-57 with 1:38 left. But that was the last basket the Wildkits (7-1, 1-1) would manage.

“I’ve had this game circled since before the season even started,” said Cohen. “They knocked us out of the playoffs last year.”

Cohen scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes.

“I wasn’t frustrated in the first half,” Cohen said. “I know my teammates are backing me up. Two people are going to come at me when I come off a screen but if my teammates are scoring that’s ok with me.”

Senior Hunter Duncan led Evanston with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Prince Adams, a 6-5 senior, started well but then sat with foul trouble and finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

Fridman and Cohen returning meant big expectations for Glenbrook North this season. Schaller’s emergence adds another dimension to the Spartans.

“He came out and just played with a chip on his shoulder and played tough,” Hayes said. “He played the way we’ve been waiting for him to play. He’s kind of been beaten up the last two years. He’s kind of taken a lot of that grunt and it’s fun to see him dish it out now. He’s gotten really good around the rim.”

Watch the final minute of Evanston at Glenbrook North:

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