3A sectional final at North Chicago
North Chicago 69, Grayslake Central 61
Records: North Chicago 24-5, Grayslake Central 21-10.
Halftime: North Chicago 35-23.
Summary: North Chicago seniors Deshawn Chambliss and Keith Ford combined to score 21 first-quarter points for the Warhawks. North Chicago ended the first frame on an 8-0 run and built their lead up to 12 by halftime. After leading by as many as 13 points, Grayslake Central stormed back behind Josh Rappaport’s 17 second-half points, tying the game for the first time since the first quarter off two Mike Brumm free throws with 4:25 left in the game. The Rams never took the lead in the fourth quarter. North Chicago guard Mike Simpson sealed the Warhawks’ second consecutive sectional title by converting a three-point play with under two minutes to play. The win capped off an undefeated home record for North Chicago. Warhawks big man Josh Wright scored all eight of his points in fourth.
Top performers: North Chicago–Chambliss 23 points, three rebounds, three assists; Ford 20 points, 4 rebounds. Grayslake Central–Rappaport 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks.
The bonus: “We wanted a repeat of last year and we’re trying to make it downstate this year,” Ford said. “We’re looking forward to Tuesday. It’s very important to us.”
