Both Wheeling and Hoffman Estates could be forgiven for taking Tuesday night off.
After all, it was a Mid-Suburban League crossover game, and both division-championship races had been decided nearly two weeks ago.
This game, however, proved to be anything but lackluster.
J.P. Calandra scored 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds and Wheeling, which led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, held off a furious Hoffman Estates comeback to post a 57-52 victory in Wheeling.
“Everything would go against this being an inspired effort tonight,” said Wildcats coach Pat Doyle. “But we were not only physically prepared to play tonight, we were mentally prepared to play. This was inspired.”
The Wildcats (13-12) seemed to be in total control of the contest through the first three quarters, building as much as a 15-point lead in the third quarter. Leading 31-22 at the half, Wheeling looked to call it an early night as four different players scored in an 8-2 run to start the second half up 39-24 with 4 minutes 13 seconds left.
Wheeling led by 11, 49-38 with 4:43 remaining before the Hawks (17-9) began their comeback. Mike Weber turned two turnovers into short jumpers and Jeff Schilling (10 points) nailed two threes to cut the Wheeling lead to 50-48 with 1:35 remaining.
Hoffman could get no closer as Wheeling held the Hawks at bay by hitting 7 of 8 free throws, including 4 for 4 from Ray Grady, who shook off flu symptoms at the start of the game to finish with 13 points.
“We told the kids that if we were able to maintain our intensity for the whole game, we could win it in the fourth and not blow second-half leads like we did our last two games against Maine South and Palatine,” said Doyle. “The kids wanted to make sure that we got 13 wins and ended up with a winning record. That was our goal from the beginning of the season.”
Wheeling held big leads throughout the first half, including 15-8 after one. Brandon Fortier (12 points) had four points in a 6-0 Wheeling run late in the quarter that gave the Wildcats a 31-20 lead with 34 seconds remaining.
For Hoffman the rally was too little too late. Chris Sigl led the Hawks with 20 points, though he had to sit the entire fourth quarter after picking up a fourth foul. Without him, the Hawks staged the comeback that coach Bill Wandro hopes will carry over into the playoffs.
“I have to give the kids a lot of credit,” said Wandro. “The first 2 1/2 quarters were the worst we’ve played all year. Right now the kids have to play a whole game like they did the fourth quarter. And I know they have it in them.
“I don’t know if we were ready to play tonight. I don’t think you come out and give them that kind of advantage and hope to come back.”
