12/12/09 - Lisle Shootout (Chicago North Lawndale)
December 23, 2009
12/12/09 –Chicago North Lawndale 75 Rock Falls 45
Rockets Overmatched against 3A Powerhouse,
By Bob Martin
The Rockets (5-4, 1-1) returned to the Lisle High School “Playing
for Pride” Tournament to face Chicago 3A powerhouse, Chicago North
Lawndale (2-0) who are ranked 12th in the AP preseason
poll for 3A schools. The Phoenix just came off a stellar
year, having made it to the semi finals at State last year were
they were upset by Champaign Centennial, 66-65 and then went on to
win the consolation game and claim 3rd place in the
tourney.
Their roster is intimidating as they feature senior 7’0” Paul Bunch at center who not only has the height but muscles and speed. However once the game began it turned out Paul Bunch was not the Rocket's main problem. The main problem was their incredible speed and their piranha styled defense. The Rockets were harried on a full court basis and could find little breathing room as the Phoenix expertly anticipated all the Rocket’s passing lanes while the officials seemed to believe that grabbing and pushing the ball handler was within the rules.
The Rockets will have to chalk this one up to experience and no doubt when they face Geneseo next Friday, the Maple Leafs will seem comparatively short and slow. Hopefully the results will be more favorable.
