It took Naperville North an entire half to realize that it needed to attack the basket during Wednesday’s Hoops for Healing game against Oswego East.
The Huskies turned to seniors Jayson Winick (11 points, 6 rebounds) and Anthony Rehayem (9 points, 7 rebounds) to lead the charge, and they delivered as the Huskies missed just four field goal attempts in the second half and rallied for a 53-38 victory.
Naperville North (2-1) made 13-of-17 (76.5 percent) of its field goal attempts in the second half. After trailing 26-19 at the half, the Huskies outscored the Wolves 34-12 over the final 16 minutes.
While the Huskies couldn’t miss anything in the second half, the Wolves couldn’t make anything, sinking just 4-of-24 (16.7 percent) of its field goal attempts.
“In the first half the kids looked tired,” Huskies coach Jeff Powers said. “In the second half they did a nice job of penetrating and getting easier baskets.”
Both teams were playing for the third time in as many games.
“I hate to blame it on that because we were both playing again,” Wolves coach Steve Szymanski said. “Our shots just didn’t fall in the second half. Maybe the guys were tired or give (Naperville North) credit for playing better defense.”
Seniors Mike McAllister and Jeremy Mitchell combined to play 61 minutes for the Wolves, but were just 2-of-14 from the field for six points and eight turnovers.
Zach Tuxhorn came off the bench for the Huskies and had 12 points and 7 rebounds in just 17 minutes.
“I didn’t play well in our first two games so I was happy to play better,” Tuxhorn said. “They left us some open lanes and we were able to get some easier opportunities.”
Naperville North led 36-31 after three quarters and then put the Wolves away, opening the final quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 45-31 lead with 6:16 remaining.
Oswego East (0-3) received 16 points from Manny Contreras.
Baylor Griffin added 12 points for the winners.
