The above video was produced by Quinn Dailey.
Rebounding after a tough loss is critical in determining a team’s success. Lake Forest has a prime opportunity coming off a disheartening loss to Stevenson at home in their conference opener. Warren presents another even matchup with Lake Forest, and hopefully this one can go better than the last. The Blue Devils (4-3) have two losses already to NSC opponents in Mundelein and Libertyville–though the Mundelein loss was not technically in conference play–but with multiple double-digit wins and a 3-point victory over a solid Jacobs team, they are talented and capable. Lake Forest (3-3) has wins over St. Viator, Butler Prep, and U-High while losing to Lincoln Park, St. Ignatius, and Stevenson. The Scouts are looking to get their first conference win over an evenly matched Warren opponent.
Warren has a commanding 1-2-2 defense, something a lot of teams aren’t used to. With athletic senior guard Brandon Ellis leading the charge, Warren might pose some difficulties for the Scouts. They have proved to be an exceptional 3-point shooting team throughout the young season–and as Lake Forest found out the hard way on Tuesday night–the treys add up. Coach LaScala will need to outsmart the zone and defend the 3-point line for his team to have a chance.
Lake Forest hopes to rebound tonight after their tough loss on Tuesday. The Scouts are led by Ben Gibson and Mead Payne. Their scoring and rebounding leaders weren’t able to get much going against Stevenson. Payne–who averages 12.7 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game–was limited to 2 points and 3 rebounds in his last outing. Also, their lead defender, Sean Trkla, will have to lock up Branden Ellis for LF to hold their own defensively.
On a Friday night, attendance could be shaky. But Lake Forest will need the Competition Crazies to be in full effect if they hope to prevent their losing streak from reaching 2 games. The Blue Devils and Scouts have had many exciting match-ups in the past and don’t expect this one to be much different.
