Grayslake North's quick start continues against Central
The friendly trash-talking among student fans included Grayslake Central chanting the name of a player's girlfriend from eighth grade.
How sweet.
But when Jamal Thomas, the new kid on the block, deftly crossed up his defender, who fell backward, Grayslake North's fans showed their support by wondering aloud about the opponent's surely aching ankles.
Welcome to the rivalry, Jamal.
Like every opponent Grayslake North's boys basketball team has faced this season, Grayslake Central had few answers Wednesday night. Thomas and Aidan Einloth each scored 21 points, Bobby Krebs added a season-high 17, and host Grayslake North remained undefeated by winning 77-60 in Fox Valley Conference Fox Division action.
Off to the best start in its 10-year history, Grayslake North improved to 7-0 and 1-0 in the FVC Fox.
"It was really amazing to see how both teams come together for one big game, and it was really packed," Thomas, the junior transfer from Michigan, said of his first North-Central game. "(My teammates) gave me a little heads-up (about the rivalry game), but it was nothing like I expected."
Good ball movement and several transition baskets resulted in Grayslake North shooting 60 percent (24 of 40) from the floor. The Knights also went 23 of 25 from the stripe.
"Our game plan is just run the ball and get up the court," Krebs said.
Grayslake North never trailed, building an 11-point advantage in the opening quarter. But a 3-pointer by Bobby Fortmann and three-point play by Zack Cashmore pulled Grayslake Central within 18-17 two minutes into the second quarter. That's when the Knights took control again, using their transition game to help manufacture a 17-5 run. Despite Sam Ruhlmann's 3-pointer to beat the halftime buzzer, the Rams trailed 38-29.
"Our senior, Connor Sinclair, pulled us together and hyped us up (during a first-half timeout)," Thomas said. "He told us we just got to suck it up and stop being selfish."
Another 3 by Ruhlman and one by Justin Shepley (the Rams' eighth from beyond the arc), kept the visitors in the game, but they still trailed 54-44 after three quarters. Grayslake North switched to a zone in the fourth, and Grayslake Central didn't hit another 3.
Thomas had another strong game, as he also tallied 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Thomas went 12 of 12 from the foul line, including 8 of 8 in the fourth.
"It's great having him because he opens the floor for everyone," said Krebs, who scored 14 points, including two 3s and two three-point plays in the fourth. "He can drive, kick out, and we can all shoot the ball."
Grayslake Central (3-4, 1-1) was led by Sidney Goodman's 15 points, which included three 3-pointers, while Ruhlmann finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jack Beckman had 8 points and 9 boards for the Rams, who shot just 37 percent (22 of 60).
"They got a lot of second-chance opportunities," Grayslake North coach Todd Grunloh said. "They crash hard. They're physical. We need to not just sit back and take it. But they're strong kids. We're going to relay on our speed and quickness, and they're going to rely on just overall strength. It was a good game."
Sophomore James Connolly added 7 points for the Knights. Einloth's night also included 7 rebounds and a dunk.
Grayslake Central coach Kosta Kougias couldn't complain about his team's effort, which was consistent all night. A putback by David Kienzle (6 points, 6 rebounds) with just less than two minutes left made it an 11-point game, before the Rams started fouling.
"Yeah, we missed some open shots, but you see how quick (Grayslake North) is in transition," Kougias said. "They do a really nice job. (No.) 10 (Thomas) does a great job of getting the ball up the floor. And then Connolly, Aidan (Einloth) and Krebs do a great job of filling lanes. They run transition the way it's drawn up."