Revitalized Strong leads Spartans
It was the kind of play that most kids just can’t make. Orr senior Reggie Strong had his shot blocked but then was able to grab the ball and dunk it forcefully.
It was a mind-blowing flash of skill and athleticism and a reminder of just how highly regarded Strong used to be by the recruiting establishment.
Strong was a freshman phenom at Farragut. He spent his first two seasons ranked among the state’s top prospects before transferring to St. Joseph his junior year. That’s when things started to tail off.
Now he’s with the Spartans, looking to reclaim his spot in the upper echelon of the senior class and help his team win city and state.
“[Strong’s recruiting] is kind of rough right now,” Orr coach Lou Adams said. “A lot of people backed off. But since he’s been with us, he’s been a model kid. Life is built on second chances. He’s a kid. Adults make mistakes sometimes, too.”
Strong had 15 points and six rebounds to help the Spartans beat visiting Corliss 64-49 in the second round of the Public League playoffs Thursday.
Strong is the only player to be coached by the trio of Gene Pingatore, William Nelson and Lou Adams. That’s a star-studded group that has produced several dozen college stars and multiple NBA players and has won multiple state titles.
“It’s been a real good experience under all of those coaches,” Strong said. “They definitely have very different systems of playing.”
“Ping is probably the best coach he ever played for, and then [Nelson] had [Kevin] Garnett and [Ronnie] Fields,” Adams said. “I’m probably the worst coach he ever played for. We are just trying to get Reggie to come into his own.”
That is starting to happen. And 6-6 senior Demarius Splunge (16 points and eight rebounds) has been a force in the post this season.
“That’s my role on this team, I’m the big,” Splunge said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help us win.”
The Spartans (16-6) led by 15 at halftime. The Trojans (14-10) bounced back by forcing several turnovers to close the gap to six late in the third quarter but couldn’t get any closer.
“We just had a mental lapse,” Corliss coach Harvey Jones said. “We were so excited about getting back into the game that we weren’t getting back on defense, and those guys made shots.”
Junior Sincere Malone led the Spartans with 15 points and seven rebounds. Senior Jayden Williams added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Orr has won three consecutive Class 2A state championships. The teams have largely been built with transfers. Senior Shaun Harris is a rarity. He’s a four-year player for the Spartans who has been a rock this season, turning in solid games while all the new players find their place.
Harris led the way with 21 points and five rebounds against Corliss.
“All those guys I played with the last three years are in college now,” Harris said. “This is my time to step up.”
Corliss and Orr could meet again in the Class 2A Joliet Central Supersectional.
“Now we just have to get ready for state,” Jones said. “We can make a good run. I like our chances.”
Orr will face top-ranked Curie in the quarterfinals of the city playoffs Tuesday.
“Right now, we are playing our best basketball, and we are gonna play the best team,” Adams said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”