Boys Basketball: Lincoln-Way East Closes Regular Season in Impressive Fashion

The Hot Read: Lincoln-Way East used inspired play on Senior Night to upset Lockport 57-52 Friday in the regular-season finale for both Southwest Suburban Blue teams. The Griffins built double-digit leads on three occasions and were able to hold off each comeback attempt by the Porters, who finished second behind Homewood-Flossmoor in the conference. Lockport was within 35-32 early in the fourth quarter, but Lincoln-Way East used a 13-4 run to grab a 48-36 lead and never let the Porters get closer than the final score. Lincoln-Way East held Lockport standout Karrington Ward scoreless through the first three quarters.

Patch’s MVP: Lincoln-Way East junior guard Jelani Yancy scored 13 of his game-high 16 points in the second half, including hitting a pair of three-pointers to open the third quarter to put his team ahead 30-19. He also had three rebounds and three steals.

Key Stats: Lincoln-Way East keeps a chart during the game of the team’s “effort points” in categories such as deflections, charges and blocks. The Griffins usually strive to get 20 in a game, but they had 40 Friday. Lincoln-Way East also had 14 steals, including nine in the first half.

Lincoln-Way East’s Leaders: Jelani Yancy (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals), Jaelan Jones (13 points, 5 rebounds, steal, block), Joel Magrum (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals) and Matt Spudic (7 points, rebound).

Lockport’s Leaders: Richaun Holmes (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals), Kyle Ward (11 points, 4 rebounds) and Karrington Ward (9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, steal).

Quotable: Lincoln-Way East junior Jelani Yancy on the victory: “This was a huge win. We came to play and refused to lose this one. It was our last home game; our seniors are leaving and we’re going to miss them. We wanted to end the (regular) season on a high note. I’m glad. We always knew we could beat them. It just took a team effort. They’re a great team, and going into the playoffs this is a big win for us.”

Quotable II: Lincoln-Way East senior Jaelan Jones on the key to the win: “We just came out ready for business. It wasn’t like we came out harder for Senior Night, we just came out needing a win. We needed to come out and get it done.”

Quotable III: Lincoln-Way East coach Rich Kolimas on the victory: “It’s nice to send the seniors out on their last game on this court with a victory over a very good Lockport team.”

Team Records: Lincoln-Way East: 15-11 overall, 8-6 in Southwest Suburban Blue. Lockport: 19-8, 10-4 in Blue.

What’s Next: Lincoln-Way East is seeded No. 8 in the Class 4A Thornwood Sectional and will take on No. 9 Sandburg in the Lincoln-Way North Regional semifinal Wednesday (March 2) at 7:30 p.m.