Disciplined Dukes capture title
Words were unnecessary after York’s 55-52 victory Monday against Downers Grove South in the title game of the Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament in Elmhurst.
The host Dukes’ effort and determination were on full display all over the court. Players battled through injuries and skidded across the floor for loose balls.
Guard Nate Shockey gutted out an ankle injury to score 17 points, including two crucial free throws with 29 seconds left.
‘‘[Shockey playing] was a Christmas miracle,’’ York coach Vince Doran said. ‘‘When Shockey went down [Saturday], he thought he broke his ankle. He said he heard a crack.’’
Shockey texted Doran on Monday and said he would be able to play. Doran didn’t believe him.
‘‘When he came here and was walking around, I thought maybe he could play,’’ Doran said. ‘‘He really gutted it out. I can’t believe he played and played the way he did.’’
‘‘I got it taped up [and] threw a brace on it, and I just sucked it up, I guess,’’ Shockey said.
Then there was 6-5 senior Sam Walsh, who went totally horizontal at one point, leaping across the half-court line for a loose ball.
‘‘It hurt a little,’’ Walsh said. ‘‘I wanted to win this thing, [so] I would do whatever.’’
Walsh finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Dukes focused on feeding Walsh in the post throughout the game. The Mustangs’ tallest starter is 6-2.
‘‘Sam was great,’’ Doran said. ‘‘We wouldn’t have won one game without him. He’s an old-school post that creates so much attention. It creates a lot of open shots for his teammates.’’
Erik Cohn added 11 points and Nick Kosich 10 for York (14-1).
Downers Grove South (9-5) had a chance to tie the score at the end, but Timmeon Gamble’s three-pointer just before the buzzer went in and out.
‘‘I couldn’t ever process [what was happening],’’ Walsh said. ‘‘Watching it from under the hoop, it looked good. I got a little nervous. But it came out, and I secured it. Just a great feeling.’’
Wes Hooker led the Mustangs with 20 points. Justin Eagins added 12 and Gamble 11.
Downers Grove South started the season 1-4 but entered the title game on an eightgame winning streak.
‘‘Obviously, I’m disappointed we didn’t win, but our kids have been wonderful for the last six weeks,’’ Mustangs coach Kris Olson said. ‘‘They have really committed to great practice habits and the defensive end.’’
Hooker was 4-for-4 from three-point range, and Eagins, one of the best shooters in the area, was 4 for 12.
‘‘When Eagins is on the floor, you never feel safe,’’ Doran said.
The event is the only 32-team holiday tournament in the state. York defeated Andrew, Stagg, St. Ignatius and St. Laurence to advance to the title game.
‘‘Our goal at the beginning of the year was to be the most unselfish team in York history, and they are headed that way,’’ Doran said. ‘‘They care about winning, not individual accolades, and it’s fun to coach kids like that.’’
The Dukes previously won the tournament in 1979, 1980, 2012 and 2015.
‘‘It was an exciting finish,’’ Doran said. ‘‘Downers South is a class act. It is kind of what our tournament is all about. It was a really good high school basketball game and could have gone either way.’’