By Bobby Narang
Nearly one month into the season, Elmhurst area boys basketball teams are playing at a high level.
After winning 29 games and reaching the Class 4A sectional semifinals, last year, York is having another strong season by winning five of their first six games despite losing four starters to graduation.
Meanwhile, Timothy Christian won five of its first six games, after losing 6-6 Danardo Jones to graduation.
IC Catholic is playing solid basketball after the football team had an earlier exit from the playoffs than in previous years when they won State championships. The Knights won five of their first six games. Each team entered Monday with a 7-1 record.
“There’s some good basketball being played by each of the teams,” IC Catholic head coach T.J. Tyrrell said. “I know, for us, we’re very excited. We knew coming in that last year we were taking some lumps to prepare for this year. Hopefully, we learned some lessons last year that will help us this year.”
The Knights will play York and Timothy Christian this season after losing to both teams last season.
“Timothy Christian is always a good rivalry game on our schedule,” Tyrrell said. “It’s definitely a fun year for Elmhurst basketball.”
Timothy Christian had a solid run in the Fenton Thanksgiving Tournament by defeating Fremd and Wheaton Warrenville South.
“One real key to the season, so far, has been our ability to rebound the basketball,” Timothy Christian head coach Scott Plaisier said. “Heading into the season, we felt as a coaching staff, that one of our weaknesses was our ability to secure defensive rebounds after quality defensive possessions. We have done a really quality job in that area, which helps finish out good defense and allows for our team to get down the court for offensive transition.
“This team has shown an identity to be fairly resilient and find ways to generate points when we need a little extra energy or a spark to change the momentum in a game.”
York and Downers Grove North led the West Suburban Silver, each 2-0, at the start of the week.