The Lyons Township boys basketball team hosted its annual Blackout game on Friday, but you can’t blame the LT players if they were seeing red all weekend.
After all, the Lions picked up a pair of crucial West Suburban (Silver) Conference wins against opponents in red uniforms – Hinsdale Central and Proviso West – on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Playing before 2,500 fans, many wearing black t-shirts, the host Lions rolled to an 80-53 win over Hinsdale Central. Up 23-19 after one quarter, Lyons outscored the Red Devils 22-8 in the second quarter to open up a 45-27 lead by halftime.
Dylan Fiedler (18 points) led the Lions, who expanded their lead further in the second half en route to a comfortable 27-point victory. Seniors Spencer Mahoney (16 points) and Eric Powers (14 points) also contributed for LT.
While knocking off Hinsdale Central ensured area bragging rights, the Lions’ 62-58 win over Proviso West was more significant in the conference race. With the victory, LT (15-2) opens a two-game lead with its 6-0 mark in the Silver compared to the Panthers’ 4-2 record. Overall, the Lions have won 12 of 13 games.
“We had an underdog mentality against Proviso West since they were picked to win conference which upset us a bit,” LT center Nick Burt said. “We just fought for every inch on the court and played together.”
Illinois State-bound guard Nick Zeisloft had a monster game, posting 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Eric Powers chipped in 14 points and nine boards. Zeisloft scored seven points in the opening quarter to push LT ahead 19-12; however, the athletic Panthers pulled within 33-29 at halftime.
Proviso West (11-5, 4-2) took its first lead at 43-42 midway through the third quarter when Tyrone McDonald sank three straight free throws. Knotted at 65-65 late in the fourth quarter, Powers’ four points fueled a decisive 7-3 spurt to close the game.
Burt (9 points) played well in the paint and guard Mark Sewall scored eight.
Nicholas Frazier paced the Panthers with a team-high 18 points, McDonald had 16 and Nicholas Dixon added 12.
The Lions host Glenbard West on Saturday (6 p.m.). The Hilltoppers, who feature 6-foot-6 brothers Michael and Matthew Mache, clearly respect league-leading LT.
“Lyons Township can beat any team around on a given day,” said Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder. “Their overall size, depth and versatility make them a great team.”
