After the Glenbard West Hilltoppers upset the 11th-seeded Oswego East Monday, they went back to action against the stagnant sixth-seeded Warriors in the Glenbard East Regional Semifinal Wednesday evening.
Waubonsie Valley had a bye going into the Regional Semifinal against Glenbard West.
Seven lead changes and four ties later, the 21-seeded Hilltoppers kept their upset trend alive as they defeated the Warriors 66-65 in thrilling fashion.
Glenbard West junior Michael Mache controlled the helm for the Hilltoppers as he posted a game-high 27 points (including 14-of-17 from the free-throw line), five rebounds and two steals.
“We knew we could come in and play well,” Michael Mache said. “I think we turned some heads having a 21-seed beat a six seed.”
The first quarter was back-and-forth. The Hilltoppers jumped to a 6-0 run in the early stages of the game. The Warriors called a timeout, and the bench boosted them to a 7-0 scoring run of their own to lead 15-11 at first quarter end.
The Hilltoppers answered with a 7-0 run in the second quarter. The Warriors went on a four-minute scoring drought, which guided the Hilltoppers to a comfortable 34-22 lead by halftime.
The turnover battle was won by the Warriors in the first half as the Hilltoppers relinquished possession on 14 occasions to Waubonsie Valley’s six. However, Glenbard West out rebounded Waubonsie Valley 18-7.
“When (Waubonsie Valley) came back in the first quarter, we didn’t panic,” said Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder. “We battled for rebounds, and kept playing. Even though they went on a couple runs in the third quarter, we kept our focus.”
With a 12-point deficit after the break, Waubonsie Valley responded to the adversity. Midway through the third quarter, Waubonsie Valley climbed back into the game with a 15-5 scoring run to cut the game to 39-37 advantage Glenbard West.
When the third quarter buzzer sounded, the Warriors embodied their team name as they outscored the Hilltoppers 23-9.
The Warriors were led by seniors Jakobi Johnson (26 points and four assists), Austin Keys (10 points and seven rebounds) and sophomore Jared Brownridge (17 points, scoring 14 in the second half and seven boards).
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“(Jared) Brownridge played great in the second half,” said Waubonsie Valley coach Steve Weemer. “Jakobi (Johnson) showed a lot of team leadership. (Jakobi Johnson) has been outstanding since Christmas. It’s disappointing for the seniors. For the underclassmen we have to take this to improve and learn (next season).”
In the fourth quarter, Glenbard West and Waubonsie Valley traded baskets till the remaining seconds of the game. With 13.3 seconds left and a Glenbard West 60-59 lead, Michael Mache went 1-of-2 from the free stripe to lead by two.
Waubonsie Valley frantically pushed the ball up the court and created an open look on a lay-up. However, Hilltopper's junior Pat Mazza would block the Warrior shot and Michael Mache retrieved the rebound. This forced the Warriors to foul with four seconds remaining.
Michael Mache netted both free throws to go ahead 63-59 and ice a Warrior comeback attempt. On the ensuing possession, Johnson connected on a three-point field goal, but the buzzer sounded with the Warriors still trailing by one.
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“Glenbard West is better than what their record says,” Weemer said. “I guess we just ran out of gas at the end. One little detail done differently and we could have won the game. It shows future teams that you can win as a 21 seed. I wish them well (for Friday).”
Glenbard West stand out players were junior Matthew Mache (10 points and three rebounds) and sophomore Jeff Levesque (10 points, three assists and three rebounds).
Glenbard West advances to the Regional Championship against three-seeded Glenbard East.
“It was huge having Michael (Mache) knock down those late free throws,” Hoder said. “Both teams were battling hard (Wednesday). Neither team ever had any let down of intensity. We were hoping coming in that we would have practice (Thursday). We’re just gaining more confidence with this win.”
