Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business

Sweet silent start

Posted on February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Sweet silent start
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Sweet silent start

In empty gym, Lyons boys beat Morton, 69-61

By Steve Metsch

Echoing a sentiment heard often around Illinois these days after the long-delayed boys’ basketball season finally started, Lyons Township Coach Tom Sloan said, “the biggest thing was the kids had fun.”

“They got out here, they got to play a real game,” Sloan said. “That’s what it’s supposed to be all about. Win, lose or draw, I was happy the kids got a chance to play.”

That chance resulted in a 69-61 victory over Morton in Cicero on Feb. 12. Lyons jumped to a 20-8 lead and held off several Morton rallies.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, no fans were in attendance. There were no cheerleaders, no pep band.

In the resulting eerie silence, squeaking sneakers echoed through the gym. And Sloan was clearly heard shouting “shooter, shooter” whenever Morton’s senior Jesus Perez touched the basketball.

Sloan had good reason for concern.

The 5-foot-8 Perez led all players with 29 points. Junior Elisio Gonzalez added 24. But Morton’s other players scored just 8 points to seal the seal Mustangs’ fate.

Lyons’ Christian Desimone (left) – who scored four three-pointers in the first quarter – Emmett Spolar and Tommy Asleson reach for a rebound along with Morton’s Armani Flowers (13) and Victor Garrett during the Feb. 12 season opener. Photo by Steve Metsch.

 

“We had a pretty good effort on defense,” Sloan said. “Perez and No. 11 (Gonzalez) can really score, so that was quite a challenge. We did a pretty good job on the defensive backboard. Not perfect, but we battled.”

Lyons drained six three-pointers – four by senior Christian Desimone – to lead 20-13 after the first quarter. The closest Morton got after that was 27-24 in the second quarter.

“(Morton) started off playing a zone, and with the guys hitting those threes early, it kind of changed the way (Morton) approached defense,” Sloan said.

Morton Coach Tony Martinucci agreed: “They shot us out of the zone.”

Martinucci said his team is young, with sophomores Adrian Anderson, Victor Garrett and Aaron Miramontes making their varsity debuts.

“Playing with (Perez) will make them better,” Martinucci said. “They’re good, but they’ve got to learn … We’ll get there.”

Lyons had three players in double figures. Desimone scored 16 points and senior Cade Nelson scored 14. Junior Tavari Johnson, made a splash in his varsity debut, scoring 15 of his 23 points in the second half.

“I’m very happy,” Johnson said. “I thought it was a great team effort.”

Playing without fans helped, he said: “(There are) no (opposing) fans yelling at you the whole game. You get to focus when you play with no fans.”

The required wearing of face masks because of the pandemic was a challenge.

“You get tired quicker,” Johnson said. “It’s harder to breathe, but the water breaks halfway through really help.”

Also helping was Lyons’ impressive free throw shooting. Lyons was 13 of 15 at the line, while Morton was 12 of 20.

Perez thought the game came down to missed free throws, but was encouraged by the Mustangs’ desire.

“The good thing is the younger players on our team didn’t give up,” Perez said. “They play hard. I know me and Elisio scored most of the points, but without defense we probably would’ve lost by a lot more.”

Johnson said accurate three-point shooting early opened up the floor and allowed him to drive the lane. Twice after Johnson missed layups, junior Elliot Russell (8 points) was there to grab the rebound and score.

“I was really proud of our effort,” Sloan said. “It was ugly at times, especially late against the pressure. We turned it over a little too much, but the kids shared the ball with one another and found open guys.”

Martinucci said that had he been able to scout Lyons – as he would have in any pandemic-free season – Morton would have pressed more often.

Lyons plays at Proviso East at 6 p.m. Wednesday, and is home against Leyden at 6 p.m. Friday.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ - August 10, 2023
  • Weathering personal storms - July 20, 2023
  • Countryside solution irks some - July 20, 2023
NPV: 26
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:boys basketball, Jesus Perez, Lyons Township, Morton, Tavari Johnson, Tom Sloan, Tony Martinucci

Post navigation

Previous Post: Drive-thru food pantry
Next Post: Take it outside?

Related Posts

  • METRA Train hits front of Bus in Orland Park Fe. 4, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection DIstrict
    School bus stalls on tracks hit by train in Orland Park, no injuries Cook County
  • Wetzel's Pretzels
    Wetzel’s Pretzels Welcomes Fall with New Apple Cinnamon Bitz Features
  • Cannabis plant (marijuana). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker Applauds Cannabis law, passes Illinois House Government
  • US Navy Air Fighter Jets. Photo courtesy of the US Navy
    Military News: VAW-124 welcomes new commending officer in change of Command Ceremony Briefs
  • Fake Newspapers, South Cook News -- one of a dozen publications that exaggerate facts and does so without accountability. There are no author names or contact numbers. Just one anonymous email.
    Can anyone be honest in an election? Blogger
  • DuPage County Sheriff arrests and charges Chevelle Carter on probation violation, speeding 100 MPH and theft. Mugshot courtesy of the DuPage County Sheriffs Office
    Bond Set for Cook County Man Charged with Leading Police on 100 MPH High-Speed Chase Crime

More Related Articles

Cicero officials, businesses and residents joined together on November 17 and 18 to raise money for the Mexico and Puerto Rico which suffered greatly as a result of Hurricane Maria Cicero officials, businesses and residents raise money for hurricane relief Government
Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval. Photo courtesy of Senator Sandoval Sandoval cosponsors legislation to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in Illinois Government
13th Ward Democratic Committeeman Michael J. Madigan and 13th Ward And. Marty Quinn. Photo courtesy of Madigan-Quinn website Ald. Quinn Reminds Seniors to call Ward Office for Help with Snow Removal  breaking news
From left: Lt. David Piper, Fire Chief Michael Schofield, former Fire Chief Robert Buhs and Lt. Randy Reeder. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District ISO awards Orland Fire District with highest safety rating Government
COVID sidelines Naz tennis News
Fire Truck, Fire District. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District Orland Fire District will maintain “all services” despite delayed county tax collections Cook County

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme