Winning breeds optimism, and you would have to go far to find a more optimistic group than Oak Lawn’s Spartans.
With a 7-2 record following an 85-77 loss on Dec. 14 to neighborhood rival Brother Rice at Mount Carmel, the Spartans are in a familiar position, seemingly en route to a fifth 20-plus win season in the last six campaigns (plus an 11-5 mark in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season).
The second quarter of Friday’s 79-59 romp over Tinley Park was an example of their optimism translated into action. The Spartans, led by Marc Harvey, outscored the host Titans 27-9, hitting 12 of 17 shots from the field and limiting Tinley Park to three field goals. Harvey had 15 of his game-high 24 points in that quarter of the South Suburban crossover.
Their defense was resolute – they forced Tinley Park into 18 turnovers overall – and the offense was at times unstoppable, including a half-dozen 3-pointers. As always, it starts with the guards.
“We have some good guard play,” Spartans coach Jason Rhodes said, noting the three-year experience of Donte Montgomery (15 points) and Jack Dempsey (nine points, four rebounds).
It doesn’t end there. Ali Farhan (nine points) moves the ball effectively and Harvey has a practiced shooting eye. All but the junior Harvey are seniors.
“We’re not scared of any team,” Harvey said. “There’s no reason to be scared. We’re basketball players and can match up with almost anyone. Our coach does a great job of preparing us.”
If they can play as well consistently as in that quarter – and such was the case in their bruising 59-57 victory over Hillcrest three days before they tackled the Titans – then Oak Lawn could go places in the playoffs. And it’s never too early to think about the playoffs.
“Our energy was the difference (against Hillcrest),” Farhan said. “We came in knowing how good Hillcrest is and how big a win it could be.”
Even in what might have been a trap game to a lesser team, it didn’t take long for Oak Lawn to distance itself from Tinley Park. Leading 12-8, Farhan’s 3-pointer followed by Harvey’s basket off a turnover expanded the margin to nine points in a half-minute.
A 13-5 outburst early in the second quarter, punctuated by Farhan’s stylish spin move and basket and a Harvey 3-pointer, made it 35-20, and it was 49-24 at the half. Burly center Kendall Webb’s 19 points led Tinley Park (4-3).
“I think we kind of wore ’em down a bit,” Rhodes said. “We had a lot of ball pressure.”
“It’s a really free offense,” Farhan said. “Know what you’re capable of. Everyone on the court knows their role, knows what they’re capable of doing. I run it and my coach trusts me enough to run it.”
It could be a long run.
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