This evening conference play resumes for the Scouts basketball team. After going 2-2 in the Jack Tosh holiday tournament at York High School, they haven’t been able to gain any sort of mojo heading into the New Year. Lake Zurich comes in at 9-4, but holds a 1-2 record against North Suburban Conference foes. In NSC play, LZ beat Zion Benton 67-61, lost to Waukegan 62-57 and Warren (as did Lake Forest) 40-45. Coach LaScala’s team has shown they can play competitively with just about anyone, as this season they’ve played up and down to the likes of their opponents. Tonight at 7:00 should be no different.

Lake Zurich goes as their frontcourt goes. Forward Peter DiCerbo (#54) has shown the ability to carry the Bears throughout their successful season to date. Zurich also has a few young guards that have proved their backcourt to be no small task to defend. The Bears are a high scoring team as they boast a 54.6 scoring average per game in conference play, almost ten more points than the Scouts. Both teams have had ample  time to prepare for this Friday Night Lights matchup as neither team has tipped off in the new year. Lake Zurich holds an impressive record but is forced to come into the Competition Gym against a Scouts team that will surely be motivated to get their first NSC win.

Lake Forest holds a weak (5-9) record this season but seems to play competitively in all their games. They haven’t lost a game by more than 12 points all season and even in that game it came down to the final minutes. The Scouts have struggled to put forth a complete, four quarter game and that has led to their shaky record. They seem to have inconsistent play in the frontcourt, so they will need their big men to step up against the skillful Lake Zurich counterparts. This season, all fans, coaches, and players alike know that this LF team consistently plays up/down to their opponent. For those expecting a Zurich blowout haven’t analyzed Coach LaScala’s team this year.

At 7:00 the Competition Gym should be the place to be amongst Scout Nation. Tonight’s a pivotal matchup for Lake Forest; hoping to start 2018 right and obtain their first NSC win.