Recap
Maine South at Loyola
By Michael Dort, Maine South senior guard
After months of uncertainty, Hawks basketball is back!!! Maine South opened their season tonight on the road against Loyola Academy.
The Hawks started the game with two quick free throws from Marko Anderson, followed by a fancy reverse layup by Sean Gallery. Later in the quarter, Jonathan Takyi and Marko Anderson hustled to put on a nice trap and force a turnover. Near the end of the quarter Sean Gallery slashed into the lane and assisted Jonathan Takyi on a difficult layup. The 1st quarter ended with the Hawks down 11-8.
The Hawks showed offensive aggression in the 2nd quarter, driving hard and earning multiple trips to the line. They took advantage with Nikola Zelenovic knocking down four free throws and Sean Gallery making two of his own. Ryan Leyden contributed a strong layup to help the Hawks close the deficit and enter halftime down 19-18.
The Hawks flipped a switch in the third quarter, going on a 13-4 run, and taking a strong 11 point lead. Sean Gallery had 7 straight points, including a 3 point play during their dominant stretch. Ryan Modert, Milan Adamovic, and Nikola Zelenovic each contributed a 3 pointer during the Hawks 22 point 3rd quarter. The Hawks defense was just as strong as their offense, holding Loyola to only 9 points. The Hawks were up 40-28 at the end of the 3rd.
The Hawks carried their 3rd quarter energy into the 4th looking to close out the game strong. Milan Adamovic recorded a spectacular block, Nikola Zelenovic contributed a three-pointer, and Ryan Leyden knocked down two important free throws to push the game out of reach. Through a fantastic team effort, the Hawks beat the Ramblers 47-36.
Sean Gallery led the team with 17 points, followed by Nikola Zelenovic who had 10 points, Marko Anderson with six points, Ryan Modert with five points, Ryan Leyden with four points, Milan Adamovic with three points, and Jonathan Takyi with two. Sean Gallery took the only charge for Maine South, and Jonahan Takyi forced two turnovers.
The Hawks look to carry their dominance into their home opener tomorrow at 2:00 pm against Deerfield.
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Chicago Sun-Times: “Maine South edges Loyola in a battle of the area’s premier defenses”
Soon with the basketball. Here at @LoyolaAcademy for @TheRecordNS as @LAMensBBall starts its season against @MaineSouthHoops. Follow for updates to the start of a very different season. pic.twitter.com/KbmnCO9Ro1
— Michal Dwojak (@mdwojak94) February 6, 2021
Maine South beats Loyola 47-36. Sean Gallery led the Hawks with 17. Jalen Axibal had 10 for Loyola. https://t.co/qmpm4O5pD3
— Michael O'Brien (@michaelsobrien) February 6, 2021
@MaineSouthHoops beats Loyola 47-36. Sean Gallery led Maine South with 17 points, 11 in the third quarter.
— Dick Quagliano (@Quags57) February 6, 2021
Maine South 47, Loyola 36
Maine South: Sean Gallery 17, Nikola Zelenovic 12
Loyola: Jalen Axibal 10
— Jack Gleason (@HSBBALLjg) February 6, 2021
Hawk (1-0) win to Loyola (0-1). Maine south won by a score of 36-47.
Great performance to @seangallery12 scoring 17pts and @NZelenovic23 scoring 10pts.— Maine South Hoops (@MaineSouthHoops) February 6, 2021