Lincoln Park was one of the best teams in the state by the end of last season. The Lions narrowly lost to Young in the state playoffs and seemed poised for a big 2018-19 behind star guard Chris Roberts.
Then Roberts transferred to Morgan Park and everyone seemed to forget about Lincoln Park.
That changed last week. The Lions went to Young and knocked off the top-ranked Dolphins.
“We knew we were going to beat them because of last year,” Lincoln Park sophomore Ismail Habib said. “We knew that they were soft. But I give all the credit to [sophomore guard Julio Montes]. He came out and took the game to them. We all played hard and contributed.”
Habib and Montes have been opening eyes this season. Habib had 18 points and eight rebounds in a 54-49 win at Payton on Thursday. Montes added 13 points.
“Habib and Montes should both be mentioned with the top sophomores in the state,” Lions coach Pat Gordon said. “They play the right way, they are very skilled and they play defense.”
Payton (6-3) led throughout the second half and was ahead by three points with 2:45 to play. Habib scored on a take to the basket to cut the lead to one and then stole the ball and scored on the next possession to give No. 17 Lincoln Park (8-4) the lead.
“His nickname is Mamba,” Gordon said. “In Milwaukee last week we were down two and with no time left on the clock he hits all three throws to win us the game. He has ice water in his veins.”
Senior Tavis Stampley made two free throws with 18 seconds left to help seal the win.
“Some players departed and people didn’t understand that we have eight returning seniors that have all played together since sixth grade and that goes a long way,” Gordon said. “We knew what we had. Everyone in the locker room knows and that is all that matters. It is starting to show now.”
Joe Tamatekou, a 6-6 senior, is excellent in the post for Lincoln Park. He had 10 points and eight rebounds. Senior Tahir Thompson grabbed five boards.
Payton is leading the White North. But it is often difficult for a Red division team to take a White division team seriously.
“We underestimated them coming into the game because they are in the White,” Habib said. “When we got on the court they showed us they could play.”
Payton’s Jabari Chiphe is a likely Division I recruit. The 6-3 junior had 19 points and eight rebounds.
“We knew this was going to be kind of a trap game,” Gordon said. “A back to back and at Payton. Guys don’t really understand that Payton has been building its program and playing very well.”
Senior Charlie Pillsbury had 11 points for the Grizzlies. Point guard Ryan Trotter scored five. Trotter and Chiphe each had a shot in the lane to possibly win it for Payton.
“[Grizzlies coach Quinn Peterson] is doing an outstanding job,” Gordon said. “The kids play very hard and play the right way.”
The final two minutes of Lincoln Park at Payton https://t.co/OLNh4EzBaa
— Michael O'Brien (@michaelsobrien) December 21, 2018
