Waukegan may be turning corner
The Waukegan vs. Zion- Benton game Thursday had just about everything anyone could want in a high school basketball game. The gymin Zion was packed. The event clearly meant a lot to both communities.
Zee- Bees guard Rod HenryHayes lived up to the little bit of hype he has been getting lately. He’s one of the area’s best unsigned seniors. But the big takeaway from the game wasWaukegan’s talent.
Bulldogs coach Ron Ashlaw had all three of the Browns — Bryant, Ja’Dyn and Jordan — on varsity last year, when they were freshmen. They’re not related, but they’re very promising. All three have made significant strides just halfway through the season, and senior Carson Newsome is playing like a superstar.
At 9- 5, Waukegan hasn’t cracked the rankings yet. The Bulldogs don’t have any bad losses, but they’ve lost to most of the good teams they’ve faced.
That changed Thursday. Waukegan went into a bees’ nest and came out with a victory. Newsome seemed to be able to score at will, and Ja’Dyn Brown displayed special playmaking ability. The Bulldogs tried to give the game away at the end, but they managed to hang on.
“We just have to understand time and score situations,” Ashlaw said. “The situation of the game is always changing, and we have to learn to adjust to what it is. That’s something that is just going to take time with our young guys.”
Thursday could have been a turning point for Waukegan. The Bulldogs have the talent to hang with, and beat, some of the area’s best teams.
There were very few changes to the rankings because a lot of teams were idle. This week is loaded with big games, including Martin Luther King weekend tournaments and events all over the area.
Thisweek’s top games
Curie at Kenwood, Tuesday: The Condors looked the part of the area’s No. 1 team until Pontiac. A win at Kenwood would bring back some of that luster. This is Curie’s best rivalry, and the teams played three intense games against each other last year.
Orr atWestinghouse, Wednesday: The Warriors might be the best unranked team. They have played a brutal schedule and are due for a big win after nearly pulling off several upsets at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Tournament. Westinghouse’s Coreyoun Rushin is an electric talent. Orr has size and shooters and could be the best team in Class 2A.
Benet at St. Patrick, Friday: The Shamrocks are another talented team looking for a résumébuilding win. The Redwings, led by senior Jack Nolan, proved a lot at Pontiac. St. Patrick will have the edge in speed and athleticism, but if Benet is knocking down threepointers, it’s tough to beat.
Thornton vs. Curie at T. F. North, Saturday: It’s a big week for Curie. Alonzo Verge and the Wildcats have been waiting a few months for a chance to prove themselves. This is their opportunity. Thornton plays ferocious defense, and if Verge gets hot, anything could happen.
Wheaton- Warrenville South Tournament, Saturday- Monday: It seemed like a wacky idea when it started a few years ago, but it has turned into a success. The field is strong, led by No. 10 HomewoodFlossmoor, No. 14 Benet, No. 22 Wheaton- WarrenvilleSouth, No. 25 Notre Dame and state- ranked Bloomington. All eight first- round games are Saturday, and the title game is Monday.