Glenbrook South uses dominant fourth quarter to beat Evanston

Glenbrook South 12, Evanston 8

THE SKINNY

The Evanston boys water polo team stayed close to Glenbrook South for the first three quarters of Tuesday’s CSL South match, but the Titans pulled away in the fourth. Glenbrook South improved to 20-5 overall and 3-1 in conference with the victory in Evanston, but New Trier (13-7-1, 4-0) clinched the CSL South title with an 8-4 win over Niles West.

TURNING POINT

Glenbrook South led 8-6 heading into the fourth quarter. The Titans started the fourth quickly, and had stretched their lead to 11-7 with 4 minutes, 6 seconds remaining on goals by junior Jordan Spalding, senior Brant Boczek and sophomore Peter Dales. The match was never in doubt after that.

THE STAR

Glenbrook South junior goalie Davis Hianik played well for the first three quarters, but he was outstanding in the game’s final seven minutes. He made seven saves in the fourth and stopped 17 shots in the match.

BY THE NUMBERS

Evanston (8-14, 0-4) was led in scoring by junior Chase Bailey, who finished with three goals. Boczek and Spalding both scored a team-best three goals for the Titans, who lost 8-6 to New Trier on Thursday.

QUOTABLE

After losing to the Trevians last week, “I kind of went around to everyone, just said, ‘Shake it off because we’ve got more games that are more important than New Trier.’ … We’re looking toward sectionals and possibly going to state. A conference game, yeah, we wanted to win and be conference champs, but in the end, we’d rather be at state than be conference champions.” — Boczek on how the team bounced back to take second at the Glenbrook South Invitational on Saturday and knock off Evanston on Tuesday

RELATED: Glenbrook South’s Brant Boczek relies on anticipation, strength

From a neophyte’s perspective, the battle between the hole set and hole guard can appear simplistic. It often seems to be an in-water wrestling match between two of the strongest water polo players in the pool.

To a certain extent, that’s true, but Glenbrook South hole set Brant Boczek has proved this year that it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

He’s demonstrated strength, will and endurance throughout his senior campaign and they’re major reasons why he’s been so productive for the Titans.

However, his effective positioning and calm demeanor also have helped Boczek emerge as one of the best hole sets in the CSL. His communication has been an asset as well.

“From an offensive standpoint, he really is vocal while we play,” Glenbrook South junior goalie Davis Hianik said. “I think that helps a lot.”

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