Hillcrest coach Don Houston wore a look of disappointment Saturday after the Hawks’ 62-60 loss to Homewood-Flossmoor.
Houston lamented his team’s slow start and missed opportunities, primarily a pair of off-the-mark shots just before the final horn that would have forced overtime.
But the more Houston talked about the game, the more he came to realize he really doesn’t have much to complain about in regards Hillcrest (15-5).
The Hawks have featured a youth movement, starting junior Marcus Garrett, sophomore Jalen Hughes and freshman Isaac Stanback.
“For a young team and the competition we’ve played, our record really isn’t bad at all,” Houston said. “We’re trying to bring these young guys along. They’re getting better. We would have liked to have won this game. But I’m very proud of this team.”
The Hawks rely heavily on the 6-foot-1 Garrett, who in less than 24 hours had 24 points and nine rebounds Friday during a 53-47 win over Lemont and followed with a 29-point, eight-rebound effort against H-F.
“Marcus has been playing really well,” Houston said. “He gives 100 percent on both sides of the court and has the ability to alter a game in different ways.”
The 6-4 Stanback has the potential to develop into a difference-maker. He can produce offense from the perimeter and inside while boasting tremendous leaping ability.
He appeared to come out of nowhere to record a pair of big-time blocked shots against H-F.
“Isaac is only going to get better and better,” Houston said. “We’re excited about his future.”
Two seniors, Stephon King and Tylen Williams, combined to score 21 points Saturday. Their senior leadership will continue to be a huge key the rest of the season.
“Stephon and Tylen have been through the big games,” Houston said. “They’ve been doing a very good job of showing the younger guys what’s expected.”
Oak Lawn coming on: It took a little longer than expected, but Oak Lawn is beginning to play the way coach Jason Rhodes had anticipated.
The Spartans (8-12) are showing signs of maturing and understanding what it takes to be successful.
“The way we’re playing right now is the way I had envisioned us playing all year,” Rhodes said. “We were settling for shots before. Now we’re moving the ball much better. With six games left in the regular season, we’re good enough to win out if we continue to practice the way we have been.”
Senior Othman Othman and junior Rashad Johnson (16.2 points) have developed into quite a 1-2 punch. A transfer from Richards, the 5-foot-9 Othman is averaging approximately 28 points over the last three games.
Seniors Odeh Alshaikh and Jimmy Wiltzius have provided quality guard play.
“Othman attacks the rim and is tough to stay in front of,” Rhodes said. “Rashad is a tremendous shooter.”
St. Rita in a funk: To say this season hasn’t gone the way St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare anticipated would a major understatement.
Despite graduating his entire starting lineup, DeCesare expected his inexperienced-but-talented team to rank among the best in the area.
It hasn’t happened.
St. Rita (8-13) ran into another obstacle last week with the loss of junior guard Te’mon Green for the rest of the season after left knee surgery.
“It’s been a struggle, but there’s still time for us to turn it around,” said DeCesare, who guided the Mustangs to four consecutive Catholic League South championships. “After what we’ve accomplished recently, every team is bringing their ‘A’ game at us. It’s a challenge we must accept. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.”
Twitter: @disabato
TOP 10
Results through Wednesday. Won-loss record included, with last week’s ranking in parentheses.
1.Morgan Park 18-2 (1)
2.Thornton 17-1 (2)
3.Marian Catholic 17-4 (3)
4.Homewood-Flossmoor 15-5 (5)
5.Hillcrest 15-5 (4)
6.De La Salle 17-5 (6)
7.Marist 17-4 (7)
8.Joliet Catholic 16-3 (8)
9.Crete-Monee 16-5 (10)
10.Mount Carmel 16-6 (9)
Player of the Week: Oak Lawn senior guard Othman Othman registered 28 points, five assists, and three steals to lead the Spartans to a 71-52 win over Tinley Park. Othman is averaging 28.7 points in his last three games.
