Bolingbrook leaps past Leo, into McDipper semis

Last year, Bolingbrook walked away with a third-place finish at the McDipper tournament at Rich South.

This year, the Raiders believe they can win the whole thing.

Judging by their performance in a 78-55 quarterfinal win over Leo on Saturday, there is no reason to doubt them.

The Lions (6-4) led 8-4 midway through the first quarter. Then Bolingbrook flexed its muscles.

A 3-pointer from the left corner by Colorado State recruit Prentiss Nixon started a 20-0 run that would carry over into the second period.

The junior guard Nixon (22 points) hit another three and Brodric Thomas (15 points) also nailed a three in the run.

A layup by Leo’s Mario Pittman with 7:05 left in the first half finally put an end to the run.

The Raiders (7-2) took an insurmountable 44-18 lead into halftime.

“We can definitely win this tournament, we just have to play like this every night,” Nixon said.

For Nixon, the key to dominating teams is simple.

“We need to continue sharing the ball, move it around, make the extra pass, get to the free-throw line early and don’t turn the ball over.”

According to Thomas, a win like this gives the team confidence to bring home the title.

“I think we’re extremely close to winning it,” Thomas said. “We just need to come with that kind of drive every night and we should be fine.

This team is riding high, there is a lot of comradery after this win.”

Julian Torres, a 6-9 senior center who will play for Wisconsin-Green Bay next year finished with 12 points and six rebounds. He scored two baskets during the 20-0 run, including a nice spin move and fadeaway mid-range jumper, displaying exceptional agility for someone his size.

Dimitri Akenten also finished with 12 points on the night, including two baskets during the first-quarter run.

The only silver lining for Leo was the play of junior forward Darias Oliver, who finished with a game-high 27 points.

Bolingbrook will play Hales at 7 p.m. Monday.