Young, talented Evanston pulls away from Maine South in the second half

Evanston’s run to the state finals last year was one of the season’s best stories. The Wildkits improved throughout the year and became a devastatingly effective unit that wasn’t reliant on one or two star players to win.

Four seniors graduated from that team. Junior Vito Rocca is the only starter back, but several of this year’s key players received significant playing time last year, and the group’s overall style is similar. Coach Mike Ellis has an unselfish group that knows how to score.

“Our guys enjoy playing on that side of the ball,” Ellis said.

Evanston knocked off Maine South 84-61 on Tuesday in Park Ridge.

“We definitely score a lot,” Rocca said. “But defensively we have to do better.”

Rocca led the Wildkits with 20 points and seven rebounds. Evanston dominated the boards 30-12.

“We had to commit to rebounding to finish off possessions so we could get out and run,” Ellis said. “That opens up the strength of our team. We have faith that they can make a good decision and score with it.”

The game was much closer than the final score. Evanston (12-3, 4-0 CSL South) led 59-51 with 1:52 left in the third quarter. Maine South star senior Panayiotis Sotos picked up his fourth foul 40 seconds later and headed to the bench. He fouled out with 5:30 left in the game, finishing with 26 points.

“Obviously the key was Sotos in foul trouble,” Ellis said. “That kinda took the wind out of their sails and maybe gave us some inspiration. But it shouldn’t take that for us to play well in a conference game on the road.”

Evanston junior Dion Lane Jr., a key contributor off the bench last season and starter now, guarded Sotos.

“We knew the offense was going to go through him,” Lane said. “I just tried to force him to his weak hand. Keep him left and sit on the fade. He’s good.”

Sotos got his points, but the Hawks (7-8, 0-4) trailed 72-55 when he fouled out and were unable to mount a comeback without him. Junior Ian Smucker contributed 17 points for Maine South.

Lane finished with 17 points and four rebounds for the Wildkits and sophomore Ben Ojala scored 11, all in the third quarter.

It’s far too early for any team to be thinking about a run to Champaign. But Evanston has more returning state tournament experience than most teams. That matters.

“It was so special [at the state finals last year] that it made me want to go back,” Rocca said. “And now I know what it takes. Last year we had the seniors for leaders. As the only returning starter, I have tried to step up and lead. I’m doing it, but I have to do more.”

Ellis says his young team is still finding itself.

"We haven’t settled in to knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is what it takes to make a run in March,” Ellis said. “We are still figuring that out and need that piece.”

The Wildkits host rival New Trier on Friday.