Scouts Scrape By Giants in Overtime

Making just enough free throws in overtime, Lake Forest High School’s boys’ basketball team edged Highland Park 48-45 Monday in the semifinals of the York Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament in Elmhurst.

The victory put the Scouts in the title game against host York at 3 p.m. today while the Giants battle for third place against Lyons at 1:30 p.m.

After clawing its way back to tie the game at 41 at the end of regulation, the Giants were only able to muster four points. The Scouts missed more free throws than they made but drained enough to take a 48-45 lead with 7.8 seconds left when Noah Karras sank one.

After a timeout, David Sachs inbounded the ball to Luke Norcia, whose three-point attempt to tie the game hit the rim but did not fall in.

Evan Boudreaux, who led all scorers with 18 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, gave Lake Forest its first lead in overtime, 43-41, before Sachs answered to knot it at 43, according to a report on the CSL Insider. Boudreaux then put the Scouts ahead for good with a free throw.

Highland Park overcame a two-point third quarter to claw its way back into overtime. Trailing 41-35 with just over two minutes to play in regulation, Luke Norcia singlehandedly brought the Giants back with a pair of three pointers to tie the game at 41, according to the CSL Insider.

Highland Park led early, taking a 12-9 lead at the end of the first period and maintained the margin for a 25-22 halftime lead.

Sachs led Highland Park’s scoring with 12 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out two assists and stole the ball once. Norcia added 10 points along with two steals, an assist and a rebound. Tommy Sutker chipped in with nine tallies and three boards.

In addition to Boudreaux, Cal Miller contributed 11 points for the Scouts along with four rebounds. Ryan Bender threw in eight tallies, four boards, two steals and a pair of assists.

Highland Park is now 9-3 for season and returns to Central Suburban League North Division play when it entertains Niles North at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Lake Forest is 11-1 on the year with its next game at home at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 against Warren in North Suburban Conference competition.

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