Friday night I went over to Lake Zurich for the first time since October 2019. The Bears welcomed the Warren Blue Devils as it was their first of two meetings of the season. The Blue Devils swept the season series last year.
It was a typical back-and-forth conference battle. Warren led by 2 after one quarter and by 1 at the half, and Lake Zurich led by 1 after three quarters.
The Blue Devils led 53-50 late in regulation. Lake Zurich senior Noah Kyrychenko (8 points, 2 threes) tied the game with a three with over a minute and a half remaining. Then after junior Nick Popovic hit 1 of 2 free throws to give the Bears the lead, Warren senior Adam Panek was fouled with 19 seconds left, and hit both free throws. The free throws would prove to be the game winner after Lake Zurich sophomore Anton Streinikov missed an opportunity to win it for the Bears.
Adam Panek led thway for the Blue Devils despite two early first quarter fouls. The 6-5 senior had 15 points, 9 of which were at the line, and he finished 75% at the line. 6-5 junior Alex Daniels had 12 points, and sophomore Jack Wolf had 10 points for the Blue Devils, including 2 big threes in the first half. Nick Popovic led the Bears with 18 points, and the 6-6 Streinikov had 12 points.
Both teams play non-conference games Saturday afternoon. The Bears (12-9, 4-5 NSC) host Wheeling (9-14, 1-6 MSL East), and the Blue Devils (14-11, 5-4 NSC) travel to Palatine (17-6, 6-1 MSL West).
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