By: Brian Weitz
Lane Tech (1-2) came into Wednesday’s match up with ninth ranked Evanston (2-1) looking for an upset. Instead, Evanston dismantled the Indians in every way, as they won 79-43. As the opening tip was tossed up into the air, a fuse blew knocking out the scoreboard. A lengthy delay followed, and Lane Tech in hindsight, probably wishes it lasted a little longer. Evanston came out on fire on offense. Led by Zach Morton’s seven assists in the first half alone, Evanston built up a lead that would reach 41 points during the second half.
“We’re just trying to play better as a team each game,” said Morton. Evanston had 27 assists total on the night. A reference to the impressiveness of the feat, the absolute minimum a team can score when they pass the ball like that is 54 points, 11 more than the Indians scored.
Evanston was able to empty their bench, and still traded baskets with Lane Tech. “We are a very deep team,” said Evanston head coach Bobby Locke. A testament to their depth, Evanston’s bench scored 48 out of their 79 points. Sophomore guard Ryan Frazier -Chambers had twelve of those to place second on the team in scoring to senior center Danny Farr. None of Chambers-Frazier’s baskets were more important than when with 2:12 left in the first quarter, Frazier-Chambers, for the second straight possession stole a pass, only instead of dishing it off for an assist as he had on the previous steal, Chambers-Frazier outraced every one down the court and the six footer threw down a one handed dunk to silence the crowd of Lane Tech supporters and further distance the Kit’s putting them in control 18-4.
“He is a very good athlete,” said Locke of Chambers-Frazier. “The key is getting him and Derryan [Hunt] to understand the offense a little bit more,” he added.
It is understandable that Frazier-Chambers and Hunt still have learning to do, as it is the first Evanston varsity season for each. Hunt is an extremely highly touted Niles West transfer who some feel could play his way into a D1 scholarship, and Frazier-Chambers is only a sophomore.
Evanston’s big men were once again good. Travis Clark, who is becoming a force down low teamed up with 2 sport standout Farr to contribute 25 points, 13 of which coming from Farr. Farr had six boards to Clarks seven.
Lane Tech simply could not get good shots off and turned the ball over 23 times. They were led in scoring by guard Jesse Marrero and forward/center Louie Trinca, both of whom scored seven points.
Evanston’s zone defense was just impenetrable for the second straight night, as they allowed only 15 first half points to the Indians. “We like to play zone, we are very long, so it seems like a pass may be there (for the opposing team to make) but then we are able to close that hole and take it away,” explained Locke.
Evanston has one more game to work out any kinks it may have Friday against Chicago Taft (0-3). Lane Tech meanwhile will take on Oak Park/River Forest (2-1). Evanston’s showdown Saturday with OPRF could be a defining moment in their seas