Boys Basketball: Chargers Dig in on 'D'

The Hot Read: Sean Dwyer scored his only basket with less than 10 seconds left in regulation to force a 44-44 tie, and Stagg went out to defeat Thornridge 55-46 in a boys basketball overtime thriller on Friday night. Dwyer's basket gave the Chargers the momentum they needed to mount an 11-2 finishing kick.  And Darius Draper's efforts on both sides of the ball certainly didn't hurt.

Patch’s MVP: Stagg's Darius Draper scored 23 points, including nine in overtime, to lead all scores. He also pulled down 10 rebounds. He added two steals and blocked one shot.

Key Stats: Stagg's defensive discipline kept the Thornridge shooters off the free throw line most of the night. The Falcons were 2-for-4 from line. By contrast, the Chargers hit 15-of-24.

Stagg Leaders: Darius Draper (23 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals), Dan Ahern (15 points, 1 steal), Brett Kaiser (6 points, 6 rebounds). 

Thornridge Leaders: Sinclaire Stevenson (10 points, 8 rebounds), Javon Kay (10 points 7 rebounds), Kendal Irwin (9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals).

Quotable: Stagg coach John Daniels: "Defense kept us in the game. We took three charges toward the end, and that gave us the ball. We would come down the court and miss, but we would go back and get a stop. We won that game defensively. We did a tremendous job."

Team Records: Stagg is 19-5 and 9-3 in the Southwest Suburban Red. Thornridge is 7-16 and 2-12.

What’s Next: Both teams are in action at their home courts on Tuesday. Thornridge hosts Andrew, and Stagg will face Thornwood.