PONTIAC, Ill — St. Charles North guard Jake Ludwig streaked down the court as time expired Tuesday against Plainfield North.
He had the ball, a big gash on his forehead and a spot in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament semifinals with a 78-76 win.
Ludwig scored 24 points, despite being the focal point of the Tigers defense and despite picking up the cut on his forehead midway through the fourth quarter.
“I’m probably going to need stitches,” Ludwig said.
Ludwig left the game three different times so a trainer could stop the bleeding.
Jack Callaghan and ludwig played the crucial roles in the final minute. The pair of seniors inbounded the ball, making sure to have it in Ludwig’s hands so he was the man heading to the free-throw line with the game on the line.
Ludwig drained 6 of 7 free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Callaghan finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
“Me and Jack just have some chemistry,” said Ludwig. “I wanted the ball down the stretch.”
Mikey Schroeder scored 16 and sophomore Griffin Hammer added 14 points and nine rebounds for the North Stars.
Plainfield North senior Trevor Stumpe scored a game-high 30 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter as he valiantly attempted to keep his team alive in the tournament.
Kevin Krieger added 19 points and Jake Nowak scored 11 for the Tigers (8-2).
St. Charles North (8-4) will play Benet in the semifinals on Wednesday.